Durable Glulam Canopy at Turning Stone Resort: CCA Treated Southern Yellow Pine Entrance for Truck Access
In October, Unalam completed a new truck entranceway structure for the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, NY, designed to serve heavy‑duty truck traffic while maintaining an exposed architectural glulam finish. This project showcases engineered wood excellence, using CCA.6 treated southern yellow pine and premium finishes to deliver both performance and aesthetics for commercial construction.
Project Overview
For the entrance way structure, we selected CCA.6 treated southern yellow pine glulam beams to ensure durability in an exterior environment directly exposed to the elements. Treated glulam is essential when beams will face weather, moisture, or ground‑contact conditions, as noted by AITC guidelines.
All steel, hardware and connections were galvanized and painted black, providing a clean high‑end finish that visually complements the glulam while meeting corrosion‑resistance standards. The beams were stained with our “Honeymeade” stain color, delivering a warm, architectural glulam look suited for the resort’s upscale environment.
Erection of the structure was completed by Smith Construction of Lafayette, NY, continuing Unalam’s long‑standing partnership with the Turning Stone Resort & Casino and reinforcing our track record of high‑quality glulam installations in large commercial and hospitality settings.
Materials & Specification Highlights
- Wood Species & Treatment: Southern yellow pine specified for its structural strength and economy; CCA.6 Treated to withstand exposed conditions.
- Glulam Beams: Engineered laminated beams provide superior load capacity, long spans and exposed finish suitability for architectural applications.
- Finish & Hardware: Honeymeade stain applied to highlight glulam aesthetics; all steel galvanized and painted black to prevent corrosion and present a refined look.
- Installation & Erection: Smith Construction executed the erection phase, ensuring precise alignment, secure connections and finished appearance consistent with resort standards.
Why This Specification Matters for Contractors, Architects & Developers
When specifying for commercial‑grade entrances, especially those subject to structural loads, weather exposure, and high traffic, this project offers key takeaways:
- Choosing treated glulam like CCA.6 is critical for beams directly exposed to the elements or installed in unprotected exterior zones. Industry technical guidance confirms that exposure to moisture or weather cycles requires pressure treated glulam to ensure durability. In addition, all of our material is treated prior to gluing which ensures treatment throughout the finished glulam product.
- The combination of treated southern yellow pine and stain finish bridges the gap between structural performance and architectural aesthetics, ideal for resort and commercial environments where exposed glulam is desired.
- Coordinating finish of hardware (galvanized painted steel) and glulam tone enhances the visual integration of timber structures in high‑end settings, a detail often overlooked.
- Maintaining long‑term relationships and repeat work (as seen with Unalam and Turning Stone) underscores the importance of quality and reliability in supplier/contractor partnerships.
We at Unalam are proud to continue our long legacy of partnership with Turning Stone Resort & Casino and deliver engineered glulam solutions that combine structural integrity, durability and architectural finish. For contractors, architects and developers, this truck entranceway stands as a powerful example of how treated glulam systems can support heavy‑duty use while maintaining visual elegance.
If you’re planning a commercial project, whether it’s an exposed glulam canopy, structural glulam beams for hospitality, or a heavy‑duty glulam structure in a high‑traffic setting, reach out to Unalam. Let’s discuss how treated glulam systems, precision detailing, and high‑finish execution can elevate your next build.

