What are Cross-Laminated Timbers?

Cross-laminated timbers (CLTs) are multi-layer engineered wood panels that are part of the mass timber family. Originally popularized in Europe, CLTs are gaining traction as a sustainable, low-carbon alternative to steel and concrete—particularly for high-rise residential and commercial developments. With the construction industry shifting toward greener solutions, mass timber products like CLTs offer a promising path forward to reducing carbon emissions and building more efficiently. Beyond their strength, sustainable qualities, and natural beauty, here’s why CLTs are revolutionizing modern construction →

Close-up view of light wooden beams intersecting under a cloudy sky. The beams show a smooth texture with visible wood grains and knots.

How are CLTs Made?

Cross-laminated timbers are made from pieces of sawn, kiln-dried lumber, which are stacked on top of each other and bonded together using structural adhesives. Each CLT panel typically consists of three to seven layers, with the wood fibers in each layer arranged perpendicular to the next. This crosswise layering—similar to how Jenga blocks alternate in direction—enhances the panel’s rigidity, strength, and load-bearing capacity for residential and commercial applications.

CLTs also offer a distinct natural aesthetic, making them a popular choice for architects and designers looking to balance beauty, durability, and sustainability.

Construction site featuring a partially built wooden framework for a building, with exposed beams and scaffolding visible. Construction materials and equipment are scattered around the site, and there's a background of trees and neighboring structures.
A multi-story wooden building under construction with scaffolding on the left side. A blue crane extends from the roof. The sky is clear and blue, and a few power lines cross in front of the structure.

Where Are CLTs Used?

As CLTs gain popularity, these sustainable wood panels are increasingly being used in mid- and high-rise buildings worldwide. In the U.S., the first commercial building constructed with domestically produced CLTs was a four-story structure in Portland, Oregon, completed in 2016. While CLTs are still primarily manufactured in Europe, their adoption is rapidly expanding in the U.S., with new policies and building codes paving the way for mass timber construction. With the ability to support buildings up to 18 stories tall, CLTs offer a low-carbon, high-strength alternative to concrete and steel—helping shape the next generation of sustainable cities and carbon-neutral developments.

Why Choose CLTs for Your Project?

CLTs are transforming the way we build, offering durable, sustainable, and high-performance framing materials for urban and suburban developments. Whether for residential or commercial projects, their benefits go far beyond traditional options. At a glance, here are just a few of the advantages associated with using CLTs for your project →

A sunlit, partially constructed building interior with large glass windows, wooden beams, and columns. Transparent plastic sheets cover the windows. Building materials and a metal tool are on the floor.

Durability

CLTs offer exceptional strength and stability, performing reliably in seismic zones and extreme weather conditions. Their cross-laminated structure enhances load-bearing capacity while remaining lightweight, reducing foundation requirements and making them a versatile choice for walls, floors, ceilings, and roofs.

Aerial view of a barn-style home with large windows, surrounded by trees and an open field. The building has solar panels on the roof. It's dusk, and the structure is illuminated.

Sustainability

CLTs represent the future of eco-friendly construction, naturally sequestering carbon and keeping emissions out of the atmosphere. Unlike concrete and steel, CLTs are produced without fossil fuel-intensive processes, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of building materials.

Modern house under construction with a black metal roof and wooden exterior. Large windows and multiple ladders are visible. A truck is parked on the dirt driveway. Scenic landscape with hills and trees in the background.

Fire Resistance

CLTs naturally char on the surface when exposed to extreme heat, insulating the core and preserving structural integrity. As wildfires grow more intense and frequent, CLTs provide a fire-resistant building solution ideal for mid to high-rise structures in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas.

The interior of a spacious woodworking shop features a blue and yellow automated cutting machine, ideal for crafting apartment barn kits. Workers skillfully operate the equipment as wooden beams glide on conveyor belts. The shop boasts wooden walls, high ceilings, and abundant natural light from large windows and doors.

Prefab-Ready

CLTs are perfect for prefabrication, allowing for faster, more cost-effective on-site assembly. At DC Structures, our CNC precision cutting ensures each CLT panel is expertly crafted, maximizing the efficiency and accuracy of your build.

A rustic two-story wooden house with stone accents, surrounded by lush green grass. The sky is a vibrant mix of pink and blue at sunset. A line of potted flowers decorates the porch. Trees are visible in the background.

Versatility

CLTs are adaptable to any project, from modern homes to multi-story commercial buildings. Their flexibility allows seamless integration with steel, concrete, and other materials, making them an ideal choice for hybrid construction solutions.

Cross-Laminated Timbers

Building Sustainably with CLTs

Of course, these benefits only cover the main advantages of building with CLTs. CLTs also bring an attractive look to your interior and exterior spaces, allowing these materials to remain exposed and on display in your structure. Furthermore, using engineered wood products like CLTs helps improve the health and happiness of building occupants, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere designed for wellness.

Ready to bring your mass timber vision to life? Let’s connect! Our team is here to help you design a high-performance building that delivers exceptional durability, sustainability, and long-term value.

Close-up of various wooden blocks with distinct grain patterns in vertical and horizontal orientations, showcasing alternating light and dark wood tones. Some blocks have concentric circles, while others display linear grain.