The process of manufacturing laminated wood board is an effective technique for reducing or eliminating the negative properties of solid wood materials and for obtaining high-performance materials. More economical composite laminated materials, which use different types of wood together and have the strength suitable for the purpose, can be produced with this technique. In the present study, composite laminated specimens containing beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky), a type of hardwood, and poplar (Populus nigra), a softwood, were produced with layers of two thicknesses: 4 and 5 mm. Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and polyurethane (PU) glues were used in gluing. The results of the tests were compared with those for the solid wood specimens, and it was found that new composite building materials with high mechanical strength and lower cost could be produced for the construction materials sector in Turkey instead of solid wood. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.