Nail-laminated timber

What is NLT?

Nail-laminated timber, commonly known as NLT, is a centuries-old structural element that uses dimensional lumber oriented on its edge and either nailed or screwed together. This process results in stunning panels suitable for exposed floors, roofs and even walls.

In production, NLT lumber can be arranged as a flat surface or include curves – an impossible feat in most other mass timber options. Plywood sheathing is often added to the top side of a finished NLT panel to increase the diaphragm capabilities.

Installation is up to 25% faster than conventional construction, such as a cast-in-place concrete floor. The finished product is gorgeous. Although NLT is wood, it is highly resistant to moisture ingress and mold growth, and is even highly resistant to fire.

NLT Provides Unbeatable Efficiency, Style and Value

With the advancement of efficient technologies and the trend of using renewable resources, today’s NLT provides unbeatable efficiency, style and value. This mass timber panel has become a modern feature of choice in a wide range of applications.

Silvaspan NLT vs Conventional Construction

Timber SolutionsSteel & Concrete
SilvaSpan NLTConventional CLTComposite Steel DeckCast-in-place Concrete Floor
CostMediumHighComparable cost to NLT
SpansGreater span opportunities between supporting conditionsComparable to NLT, but requires greater thickness to achieve same spanLimited to deck span between supportsSlab thickness increases as span increases
QualityFactory-controlled tolerances and quality controlOn-site review, lower standards of quality control
Site BenefitsPanels manufactured off-siteSite-installed deck, studs, reinforcing and concreteSite-installed forms, reinforcing and concrete
Construction BenefitsExcellent speed of construction with trade accessibility almost immediatelyTrade accessible after reinforcing and concrete cure, weeks laterTrade accessible weeks after form, reinforce, pour and cure
SustainabilitySustainable constructionConcrete is non-sustainable
Carbon ImpactMinimalSubstantial

Calculate Your Carbon Savings

This easy-to-use free carbon calculator will help estimate the carbon impact of your wood building. Discover how much time it takes Canadian and U.S. forests to grow the wood required for your building and the carbon benefits (amount of carbon stored and amount of greenhouse gas emissions avoided).

CARBON CALCULATOR