The timber construction sector is evolving rapidly, with modern buildings increasingly relying on engineered timber systems such as CLT and glulam frames. These systems need specialised connectors and fasteners to achieve their structural performance, and that is changing what contractors should expect from a hardware supplier.
The increasing complexity of timber connections
Modern timber structures often use inclined screw reinforcement, concealed steel plates, and high-capacity hold-down systems. Installing these connections correctly requires a technical understanding of both the structural design intent and the installation method, since a fixing that is mis-specified or mis-installed can undermine the whole load path. Connection design follows Eurocode 5 (BS EN 1995), so the hardware on site has to match the assumptions made in design.
Why technical support matters
Contractors benefit when hardware suppliers provide genuine technical support rather than simply selling products. That support can include:
- Connection recommendations matched to the design
- Installation guidance and best-practice detailing
- Training for installers
The result is fewer installation errors and better overall construction quality, with less risk of costly rework when something does not match the drawings.
The real value: a hardware partner who understands the engineering can flag a problem before it reaches site, turning procurement from a risk into a safeguard for build quality.
The TimbA Systems model
TimbA Systems supports timber contractors across the UK by supplying connection hardware from Rothoblaas and providing technical guidance for installation. The aim is to simplify hardware selection and ensure reliable supply for timber construction projects, drawing on our position as both an authorised Rothoblaas distributor and a structural engineering consultancy.
By working closely with contractors and engineers, hardware becomes an integrated part of the construction process rather than a last-minute procurement item. You can explore the connection ranges in our plates and angle brackets, structural timber screws, and post bases collections, or talk to our team about a specific detail.
Make hardware part of the design
As timber connections grow more sophisticated, the difference between a smooth build and a delayed one often comes down to specifying and supplying the right hardware early. If you are working on a CLT, glulam, or timber-frame project, get in touch and we will help you select the connectors and fixings that match your design and install cleanly on site.
