Chinese Glulam Producers Expand Use of Canadian Species Beyond Douglas Fir

China is expanding its engineered wood capacity and increasingly exploring additional Canadian species for glulam production, Canadian Wood Group and Canadian Forest Industries reported (2-9-26).

While Douglas fir remains the primary species for higher-grade laminations, the Canadian Wood Group said interest and early adoption of hem-fir, yellow cedar, and SPF have grown over the past year among Chinese manufacturers and project teams. The market is seeking options that can support scale, supply flexibility, and cost competitiveness while meeting performance requirements.

In 2025, two Chinese manufacturers began small-batch glulam production using hem-fir and yellow cedar laminations. Although volumes remain modest, the materials are already being used in demonstration projects. The Canadian Wood Group said the move from discussion to built applications signals that the pathway toward broader adoption is taking shape, with repeatability as the next step.

Testing in China has produced strong performance results. Mechanically graded hem-fir laminations are showing strong bending strength and stiffness. Yellow cedar has also performed well and continues to stand out for durability and appearance, particularly in exposed and architecturally focused applications.

Demonstration projects using hem-fir and yellow cedar glulam are advancing across multiple regions, including outdoor pavilions, hybrid structures combining yellow cedar glulam with hem-fir CLT elements, and institutional buildings that selected hem-fir glulam for its appearance and structural properties. Larger public projects are progressing through design and are expected to begin construction this year.