Glulam girder bridges consist of a series of transverse glulam deck panels supported on straight or slightly curved glulam girders. The glulam girders are manufactured from 10mm (0.39") up to 45mm (1.77") thick lumber laminations and are available in standard widths ranging from 42mm (1.65") up to 400mm (15.75") and wider. As glulam girders can be any practical size, glulam girder bridges require fewer beams and are capable of much longer clear spans than are conventional sawn lumber stringers. They are most commonly used for spans of 6 to 24m but have been used for clear spans of more than 42 m (138 ft).

Even though the following styles of bridges are the most common bridges, combinations of these styles can result in not only a very cost effective bridge system but also a strong architectural statement. ie: arched members with longitudinal decking.