In today’s construction environment in New Zealand, rising building costs are putting project teams under pressure to find how – and where – to save time and money, without compromising quality.

While the upfront cost of structural materials is often closely scrutinised, experienced project teams know that design efficiency, compliance pathways, buildability and on-site performance all play a major role in determining the true cost of a structural solution.

This is where glued laminated timber (glulam) – and specifically Prolam glulam – stands out as a smart, cost-effective structural timber solution. 

Cost-effective doesn’t mean “cheapest”

The lowest-priced option on paper can quickly become expensive once design compromises, building approval challenges, installation timeframes, and defects and rework are factored in.

Prolam’s approach is grounded in a simple idea: better decisions early lead to better outcomes overall. That’s the foundation of Prolam’s Better Value promise – helping project teams save time, reduce risk and control costs across the full project lifecycle, not just at the point of purchase.

Why glulam is a smart structural timber choice

Stronger by design

Glulam is an engineered structural timber product made by bonding multiple layers of timber together to form beams and posts. This manufacturing process delivers consistent strength, excellent dimensional stability and impressive spanning capability – and a strength-to-weight ratio that is seeing it replace steel in many residential and light commercial applications. 

Because glulam members are manufactured under controlled conditions, designers can rely on predictable performance, reducing over-engineering and unnecessary material use. That efficiency translates directly into cost savings during structural timber design and construction.

Faster construction, lower site costs

Compared to steel or concrete, glulam is lighter, easier to handle and faster to install. This reduces:

• labour time on site
• heavy lifting and logistics costs
• program risk caused by delays.
  

A structural timber solution that helps projects move faster and more smoothly is - a major advantage when time is money on site.

Lower building lifecycle and environmental costs

Glulam’s cost-effectiveness isn’t limited to installation. As a renewable, carbon-storing material, it supports the design and construction of buildings with lower embodied carbon, better thermal properties and long-term durability. Over the life of a building, these benefits contribute to lower energy, environmental and maintenance costs – adding to the overall value equation.

Why Prolam glulam delivers better value

There is no single factor that makes Prolam glulam a cost-effective structural timber solution. Prolam delivers better value through a combination of quality, high-performance engineered timber products and practical support that makes them easier and more cost effective to design, specify and build with.  

Making structural timber design easier

One of the biggest time and cost drivers in construction happens early – during design, specification and building consent. 

Prolam supports fast, accurate and efficient structural timber design through a mix of user-friendly tools and resources and access to in-house engineers with specialist structural timber design knowledge:

• the Prolam Specifier – free online specification tool
• the Prolam Design Service 
• clear technical product information and design guides
• the essential documentation for building consent
• cost-effective Specific Engineering Designs (SEDs).

This support simplifies structural timber design, helping architects and engineers to achieve their design goals while optimising structural integrity and performance. 

More choice, less compromise

Limited product options can force unnecessary compromise in layout, structure and finish. Prolam supports efficient structural timber design and construction by offering a complete range of engineered timber solutions for residential and commercial applications, including:

• glulam beams, posts and exposed trusses for interior and exterior applications
• visual and non-visual grades for structural and architectural purposes
• standard and custom sizes, lengths and finishes 
• innovative bracing systems, including the PLX Portal and PLX Column.

By providing structural timber products designed to work together across a wide range of applications, Prolam helps simplify design, supply and installation – giving designers and builders greater flexibility, with less compromise.

Designed to save time – without cutting corners

Prolam’s Better Value philosophy is clear: cut time and cost without cutting quality.

Precambered visual beams, finger-jointed lamella, and high-performance adhesives and treatments all contribute to consistent, reliable structural timber that installs easily and performs as expected. 

Fewer defects and less rework mean smoother builds and fewer under warranty call-backs. When projects schedules are tight, rework and replacement is expensive. 

Fit-for-purpose solutions that reduce build complexity

Prolam’s pre-engineered and prefabricated glulam products – and SED solutions – are designed with buildability in mind. 

Kitsets are available for applications such as exposed trusses and pergolas, while the PLX Portal and PLX Column bracing systems provide compact, lightweight alternatives to steel that eliminate the need for extra labour, trades and on-site logistics. 

For builders, this means standard tools, simpler connections and faster installs. 

Lower risk, lower long-term cost

Structural timber defects don’t just create inconvenience - they create cost, liability and reputational risk, particularly within the 10-year building warranty period.

Prolam reduces that risk through:

• local manufacturing and rigorous quality control
• a 50-year structural warranty
• a dedicated locally-based technical team who can respond quickly if issues arise.

By combining 100% New Zealand made quality with dedicated after-sales support, Prolam helps reduce the likelihood - and the cost - of defects, rework and call-backs over the life of a building.

Cost-effective across the entire project lifecycle

From concept to consent

Early collaboration with Prolam helps optimise structural solutions before drawings are finalised. This can streamline design and consent and lock in efficient detailing – where the biggest time and cost savings are often made.

From manufacture to site

Prolam is vertically integrated – from milling through to glue lamination – giving greater control over quality, supply and lead times. 

From site to handover

Consistent quality engineered timber members and clear installation guides reduce delays and site issues. Quick, safe and efficient installation means lower labour costs and greater program certainty.

Long after the build is complete

Prolam glulam supports low carbon, and durable low-maintenance buildings. Backed by Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and responsibly sourced New Zealand plantation-grown timber, it delivers both economic and environmental value over the life of the structure.

A different way to think about price

Prolam is not just a manufacturer of glued laminated timber. Prolam is a design-to-build partner, supporting architects, engineers, builders and merchants with the right products, advice and tools – at the right time. 

When the pressure is on to reduce building costs, experience shows that quality and efficiency become the real cost advantage:

• time saved in design and construction
• smoother compliance pathways
• reduced risk and rework
• reliable long-term performance.

When cost-effectiveness is measured across the full design-to-build process – not just the material line item – Prolam delivers better value from design through to build and beyond.

That’s not just good economics.

That’s BUILDING BETTER TOGETHER.

Contact us today for expert advice and practical solutions that support a strong, smart and cost-effective build. 

FAQs about Prolam glulam products and structural timber design 

What is Prolam glulam timber and how is it different from regular timber?

Prolam timber is glulam (short for glued laminated timber), an engineered wood product designed for superior strength, stability and consistency compared to regular solid timber.

Glulam is made by bonding layers of kiln-dried, structural grade timber with durable adhesives. This creates timber products such as posts and beams that are stronger and more dimensionally stable than regular timber – greatly minimising warping, splitting and shrinking.

This ‘built-in’ strength also means glulam timber products have superior load-bearing capacity and increased spanning capability. But despite their strength, they are often lighter and easier to handle than solid timber, supporting a faster and more efficient build.

Do Prolam products comply with NZS 3604 and NZ Building Code requirements?

Yes, all Prolam engineered timber products have been tested and certified in accordance with NZS 3604 and the New Zealand Building Code..

Why should I use Prolam glulam instead of steel?

There are a number of reasons why glulam is a strong, smart and sustainable alternative to steel. Glulam offers excellent strength, stability, and design flexibility. It is made from renewable New Zealand plantation timber, and requires significantly less energy to produce than steel. Glulam is also lightweight and easier easier, faster and more cost-effective to install than steel. 

Compared to steel, glulam also provides superior fire resistance, won’t rust or distort with temperature changes, and delivers a natural aesthetic ideal for both structural and architectural applications.

Read our article on how timber stacks up against steel

Where do I find glulam structural properties and technical information to support structural timber design calculations for commercial projects?

The Prolam Specifier and the Prolam Specific Engineering Design Guide provide detailed information to support structural timber design calculations for residential and commercial projects. Prolam products are available on SpecToolbox, a dedicated mass timber specification tool.

For tailored support, our in-house engineers can assist with project-specific design advice and Specific Engineering Designs, ensuring your structural timber solution aligns with commercial building requirements. 

Can I get a specific design done for structural timber in my project?

Yes. Prolam’s in-house structural engineers can assist with project-specific design advice and Specific Engineering Designs, ensuring your structural timber solution aligns with residential and commercial building requirements.