Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) in the Construction of Nonresidential Buildings

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Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is an engineered wood product that has become an important material in modern nonresidential construction. Manufactured by bonding layers of lumber in alternating directions, CLT provides strength, dimensional stability, and versatility for a variety of building applications.

This publication explains the manufacturing process, structural characteristics, advantages, and limitations of CLT. It also discusses topics such as fire performance, sustainability, fasteners and connections, building code considerations, and the growing role of CLT in mass timber construction.

You can also contact state Extension specialists or your local Extension office for answers to specific questions.

The information given here is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products, trade names, or suppliers are made with the understanding that no endorsement is implied and that no discrimination against other products or suppliers is intended.

Publication 3855 (POD-02-26)

By Curtis L. VanderSchaaf, PhD, Associate Professor, Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center, Mississippi State University; Laya Khademibami, PhD, Assistant Research Professor, Sustainable Bioproducts, MSU; and Adam Maggard, PhD, Harry E. Murphy Endowed Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University. We would like to acknowledge Auburn University for hosting the conference “The Sustainable Future of CLT in the South: Grow. Design. Build.” We would also like to thank the MSU Department of Sustainable Bioproducts. Pictures presented in Extension Publication 3855 were taken at the conference. In addition, we want thank Tom S. Chung, Principal, Leers Weinzapfel Associates, and Pat Layton, PhD, Director, Wood Utilization + Design Institute, Clemson University, for very useful comments.