Nail Laminated Timber (NLT), various thicknesses (Specified by timber dimension used)
Nail-Laminated Timber
ATLAS CODE
COM-TBC-NLT-001
Category composite
Material Family Timber-Based Composite
Regulatory Status Combustible
Density
430-545 kg/m3
Carbon (A1-A5)
-1.1 kgCO₂e
Fire Class
Combustible
Lifespan
40+ yrs
Description
Nail-laminated timber (NLT) is made from dimensional lumber (2x4 to 2x12) stacked on edge and fastened together with nails or screws to form structural panels. It is a one-way panel system used for floors, roofs, and sometimes walls, and can be fabricated offsite or assembled on site with standard carpentry tools.
Primary Sectors
[Industrial][Residential]
Typical Uses
- Structural floors (89-286mm thickness)
- Roof decking (64mm minimum)
- Load-bearing walls
- Elevator shafts
- Heritage building renovations
- Industrial warehouse construction
- Educational facilities
- Multi-residential buildings (with acoustic treatment)
- Exposed ceiling applications
Recycled Content 0
Renewable Content 100
Recyclability 100
Embodied Carbon -1.1 kgCO₂e
Embodied Energy 3 MJ/kg
EPD Available No
Advantages
Simple manufacturing process - no adhesives requiredCan be fabricated on-site or prefabricatedExcellent structural properties with Australian eucalyptusCarbon negative over lifecycle (-40 to -60 kg CO₂e/m²)100% recyclable and biodegradableLower cost potential compared to CLTGood thermal performance (R0.77-2.48 depending on thickness)Compatible with existing timber construction skillsFSC/PEFC certification available
Cautions
No current Australian manufacturersPoor acoustic performance without enhancementAS 2082 visual grading unsuitable for young plantation eucalyptusRequires moisture content control below 15%Limited fire resistance without protectionUV protection required for exterior applicationsNo Australian-specific design guides availableDimensional stability concerns with moisture variationRequires acoustic enhancement for NCC compliance in multi-residential
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES COM-TBC-NLT-001
Density (Dry) 430-545 kg/m3
Specific Gravity 0.35-0.48
Porosity 65 %
Surface Roughness 12.5 μm
UV Resistance Low
Chemical Resistance Limited
pH Tolerance 4.5-7.5
Compressive Strength 35 MPa
Tensile Strength 14 MPa
Flexural Strength 64-85 MPa
Shear Strength 2.4 MPa
Elastic Modulus 8900-13400 MPa
Yield Strength 28 MPa
Bearing Capacity 7 kN/m²
Poisson's Ratio 0.4
Creep Resistance Moderate
Abrasion Resistance Moderate
Thermal Conductivity 0.1154 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 1.625 m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 2300 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 4.5 μm/m·K
Ignition Temperature 300 °C
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 28
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 35 %
NLT has been used for more than a century in industrial and warehouse buildings and has seen renewed adoption in modern mass-timber projects since the 2010s.
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION COM-TBC-NLT-001
Smoke Developed Index 750
Combustibility Class Combustible
Ignition Temperature 300 °C
Fire Resistance Rating 30-180 hours
Toxicity of Combustion Low
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) -1.1 kgCO₂e/kg
Embodied Energy 3 MJ/kg
EPD Available No
LEED Points 4
Circular Economy Score 8.5 /100
VOC Emissions 0.5 g/L
Skill Level Intermediate
Crew Size 3-5
Installation Time 0.5-1.0 hr/m²
Curing Time 0 hours
Setting Time 0 min
Temperature Range 5-35 °C
Humidity Range 40-70 %
Required Tools
Nail guns or screw gunsCircular sawsCrane for large panelsMoisture metersLevel and squarePower drills
Certifications Required
Timber framing trade qualificationWorking at heightsCrane operation (for large panels)
Weather Limitations
Avoid rain during installationProtect from moistureWind limits for crane lifts
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY COM-TBC-NLT-001
Material Cost 80-120
Installation Cost 50-80
Annual Maintenance 2-5
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) 150-200
Market Availability Import only
Lead Time 8-12 weeks weeks
Design Life 40+ years
Maintenance Interval 5-10 months
Service Temp Range -40 to 60 °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Good
Dimensional Stability Moderate
Certifications Held
AS 2082 - Timber gradingAS 4063.1 - Structural testingFSC - Forest Stewardship CouncilPEFC - Programme for Endorsement of Forest CertificationNo added formaldehyde (NAF)Low VOC emissions
Fire Code Compliance
AS 1720.4:2019 - Fire resistanceAS 1530.4 - Fire resistance testsAS 3959-2018 - BAL-29 achievable
Standards Compliance
NCC 2022 - Mass timber provisionsAS 1720.1-2010 - Timber structures designAS 1684 - Residential framingISO 9001 - Quality management (manufacturers)
DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.