February 23, 2022

Appearance Grades for Glue Laminated Timber

What are Appearance Grades? Whilst this classification bears no relationship to structural performance of any glue laminated timber (GLT) members, it's important to consider for the sake of your intended aesthetic.

Appearance Grade A

This Grade is intended for use in applications where appearance of the member is important and clear or paint finishes are used. All surface voids are filled or repaired. Unless it is specified otherwise, the surface shall be sanded to a minimum 60 grit finish.

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The following voids shall be repaired with inserts and not filled:

Holes (circular in general appearance) with a diameter more than 30mm
Holes (elongated in general appearance) with dimensions exceeding 40 x 20mm
Edge checks (elongated) from 40-100mm, exceeding 3mm wide

NOTE: Fillers used should be non-shrinking and capable of accepting the finish specified for members.

Hyne Timber Beam 15 and Beam 21 glue laminated products are available in Appearance Grade A finish.

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Beam 21 frame and column grid Mon Repos — Mon Repos Turtle Centre Project

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Appearance Grade B

This grade is intended for use in painted applications where surface appearance is important, but a machine planed finish is acceptable. The machining shall confirm to No. 2 dressed surface grade as defined in AS 2796.

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Occasional skips in the surface are permissible and minor blemishes, voids and manufacturing want shall be acceptable. The outer-most laminates shall be free of loose knots and voids.

Hyne Timber Beam 15 and Beam 21 glue laminated products are available in Appearance Grade B finish.

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Appearance Grade C

This grade is intended for use in applications where appearance is not important. All blemishes and voids are acceptable. Where the member is not machined after lay-up, the allowable tolerances for overlap of lamination shall be detailed in Figure 2.1 and Table 2.4.

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Appearance C Glulam Beams under construction

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Hyne Timber LGL glue laminated products are available in Appearance Grade C finish.

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Resources

AS/NZS 1328.1: 1998 - 2.7 Finishing, including Figure 2.1 and Table 2.4 is downloadable from the link below.

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