CLT Cost & Construction Time

The true cost of CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) becomes clear when the project is viewed as a whole. Time savings, lighter foundation requirements, reduced site overheads, fewer finishing works, and high energy performance often make CLT more competitive than traditional methods.

Cost factors

Faster erection (up to 50%): fewer labor days, quicker project operation.
Lighter foundations (up to 80% less weight).
Prefabricated CNC panels: lower site expenses.
Reduced finishing works: timber surfaces can remain exposed.
High energy performance: up to 40% lower consumption.
Faster return on investment (ROI): projects delivered months earlier.

Comparison: CLT – Concrete – Steel

Parameter	CLT	Concrete	Steel
Frame construction time	Fast	Slow	Medium
Structural weight	~430–500 kg/m³	~2,300–2,500 kg/m³	~7,850 kg/m³
Foundations	Smaller	Larger	Medium
Seismic performance	Resilient & light	Heavy	Ductile but heavy
Fit-out	Exposed timber	Plaster – paint	Additional claddings
Embodied carbon	Low	High	High