Buzz
There are various reasons why you may need to join two wooden planks, such as when one plank isn't long enough or when two planks meet at the top of a column. Several techniques have been used historically to join wooden planks. We have compiled frequently asked questions and answers about this issue, providing you with the safest and most effective methods for joining wooden beams or columns in different situations.
Steps
How to Join Two Beams Together?
Join two beams using bolts with connecting teeth in between. Stack the two ends of the beams on top of each other about 30cm, then drill a 12mm hole at the center where the beams overlap. Insert an M12 bolt and washer into the hole of one beam, then slide the connecting teeth onto the bolt head between the two beams. Push the bolt through the hole of the second beam and insert a washer onto the bolt. Use a wrench to tighten the nut onto the bolt.
- The connecting teeth are a ring with sharp teeth around it, facing in the opposite direction. These teeth will bite into both beams to prevent shifting.
- This method is a good choice when joining beams under the floor, where the beams are not exposed.
- The final product looks like a long beam with the ends stacked on top of each other.
How can you join two wooden beams on a column?
Secure the wooden beams with a metal base. Choose a metal base that fits the width of the column and the combined thickness of the two wooden beams. Place the metal base on top of the column and fasten it with screws or nails through holes on either side of the base. Position the two beams side by side on the metal base, then drive screws or nails through the holes in the base to secure the beams.
- For instance, if you need to join two 5cm thick beams to a 13cm x 13cm column, select a metal base with one side measuring 10cm and the other 13cm.
- This is a good option if you want to use commercially available parts and want to avoid cutting wood.
- The result of this method is a column topped with a metal base, which holds the wooden beams in place on top of the column.
Use bolts to connect the beams into the V-shaped groove at the top of the column. Cut a V-shaped groove at the top of the column using a circular saw, matching the height of the beam and the total thickness of the two beams combined. Place the two beams into the groove, side by side, and drill two 1.5cm diameter holes, one to the left and one to the right from the center of the beams. Pass a 1.5cm diameter bolt along with washers through each hole, then place washers and nuts on the bolt ends. Tighten the nuts onto the bolts using a wrench.
- For example, if you're using two 5cm x 15cm beams, cut a V-shaped groove that is 15cm wide and 5cm deep.
- This is a good choice when you don't have commercial parts or want to join flat beams with the column.
- The result of this connection method is that the beams are securely joined at the top of the column.
- Never fasten bolts to connect beams on top of a column without cutting the V-shaped groove, as the pressure from above will cause them to separate.
Which type of joint is the strongest?
The mortise-and-tenon joint is the most reliable in woodworking. To create this joint, drill a mortise hole into the end of one beam where you wish to connect it to another. Carve and shape the corresponding tenon end on the other beam to fit the mortise. Apply glue to the tenon and insert it into the mortise. Clamp the two beams together while the glue dries.
- There are several ways to create mortises and tenons using tools or power equipment. For example, you can use a planer with a spiral drill bit to create the mortise, or use an electric saw and a jig to shape the tenon.
- This is a great choice when the joint is exposed, as the connection is both beautiful and invisible.
- The mortise-and-tenon joint can be used to join two beams either straight or at a right angle.
- This joint appears as if two beams are simply meeting head-to-head.
How can two wooden planks be joined at their ends?
Use a half-lap joint. Use a table saw or circular saw to trim half of the end of each wooden plank, ensuring the length of the trimmed section is the same on both pieces. Apply glue to the joint and connect the two planks, then clamp them tightly while the glue dries.
- This is a great choice if you want to join two planks into one with a nearly invisible seam.
- The joint will appear as if there is just one continuous plank because of the smooth connection.
- The length of the cut at the ends of each plank can be adjusted, but the deeper the overlap, the stronger the joint.
- You can also use bolts to secure the joint for extra strength, especially if the planks will bear heavy loads.
- There are other ways to join two planks at their ends, but they may not be as secure as the half-lap joint. These methods might be more suitable for other woodworking projects but are not ideal for end-to-end joining.
How can two wooden planks be joined at a right angle?
Use a miter joint. Cut the ends of the two planks at a 45-degree angle facing each other. Apply glue to the angled surfaces and clamp the planks together. Then, screw or nail through the joint so that the fasteners go through both edges of the 45-degree cut.
- A miter joint is ideal for joining two planks at a right angle, rather than simply aligning the ends of the two pieces together, as that wouldn't be strong enough.
- This is a better option if you want a strong 90-degree connection, and it's simpler than a mortise and tenon joint.
- The joint will resemble the corner of a wooden picture frame.
