In cross-laminated timber (CLT) production, even moderate variations in lamella thickness within the same layer can notably affects pressure distribution, contact area, and, consequently, the physical conditions of adhesive bond formation during panel pressing operation. The potential impact of redistribution of clamping pressure caused by variations in lamella thicknesses on bond integrity in CLT is indirectly acknowledged in products standards, but otherwise rarely discussed and inadequately understood. The aim of the study is to develop a predictive model for the effect of lamella thickness variation on the redistribution of clamping pressure in CLT layups. The at its core, the approach is based on modelling an elastic transfer of load between three- and five-ply cross laminated layups with known distribution of lamella thickness and transverse elastic moduli. The load transfer is determined by progressive increase of contact and redistribution of contact pressure between the layers. In the next stage, an adjustment to account for the inelastic contact deformation component is incorporated based on experimental full field optical measurement deformation through the thickness on small-scale elementary layup assemblies. The model is expected to allow predictions of physical conditions of adhesive bond formation (the range of the contact pressure within the layups and area of inadequate contact between layers) based on known thickness tolerances and elastic properties in the lamstock.