CLT in Ireland — Cross-Laminated Timber, the Premium Mass-Timber Wall

CLT (cross-laminated timber) is a mass-timber wall system: layers of timber boards cross-laminated and glued together, then cut to size in the factory. Delivered as panels, craned into place, and connected with brackets and screws. €280–€360/m² of wall. A 150 m² house reaches weathertight in 3–5 weeks. U-value 0.13–0.18 W/m²K with external insulation. Embodied carbon is roughly 50% lower than concrete or block. Premium option. Most common in architectural-led builds or where the embodied-carbon target is a priority. Less common in self-build than timber frame. Several Irish suppliers now fabricate CLT (Mowlem Timber, Cork-based fabricators); check the supply chain before specifying.

TL;DR

• CLT (cross-laminated timber): €280–€360/m² of wall. 3–5 weeks to weathertight on a 150 m² house.

• Mass timber panels with high thermal performance and low embodied carbon. U-value 0.13–0.18 W/m²K.

• Premium option. Most common in architectural-led builds or for embodied-carbon targets. Less common in self-build than timber frame.

When this matters most

You're considering CLT and need to know the trade-offs.

When this doesn't apply

You've already chosen a wall system.

Frequently asked questions

How much does CLT cost in Ireland?

€280–€360/m² of wall. For a 150 m² house: €56,000–€72,000 for the wall system. Premium option but with low embodied carbon.

Is CLT available in Ireland?

Yes, with several Irish and UK fabricators. Delivery 8–14 weeks. Most CLT used in Ireland is imported, but domestic supply is growing.

What is the U-value of CLT?

0.13–0.18 W/m²K with external insulation. The timber itself is a good insulator; the airtightness detail and the external insulation layer do most of the work.

Sources

Building Regulations 2023, TGD-L. https://www.gov.ie/