How to Make a Long Wood Beam

Build your own beams with studs.

Most wood beams are laminated. Laminating gives lumber strength. Laminating, or "gluing" lumber together utilizes grain patterns that run in opposing directions, eliminating the likelihood that the lumber will spit down grain lines. All you need to make a long beam is fir studs. Purchase them in the length you need and then glue them together side-by-side. You can use two or three depending on the application of the beam.

Things You'll Need

• 3 studs, 2-by-4-by-120 inches
• Sawhorses
• Resin glue
• Brush
• Clamps
• Cloth
• Glue scraper

Instructions

1. Lay the studs across three sawhorses parallel with each other.

2. Mix the resin glue with water according to the manufacturer's directions. Using a brush, paint the studs with glue.

3. Stack the studs one on top of another so that the glued side of the studs meet the dry side of the opposing stud. You should have a dry side on the top and bottom of the stack.

4. Place clamps 8-inches apart down the length of the stack and tighten until glue oozes out the crack the complete length of the stack. Wipe off as much of the wet glue as possible with a damp cloth. Let the glue dry for 24 hours.

5. Remove the clamps. Scrape off any remaining dry glue with a glue scraper.

Tips & Warnings

• Place a drop cloth under the beam to catch dripping glue for easy clean-up.

• Check to make sure that your beam is straight. If it is not, straighten it before the glue dries by bending it in the direction needed.

Resources

• mhproffesional: Structural Glued Laminated Timber