Getting ready to install some box beams. The longer ones will be 28′. My question is what should I use for the core, nailing material? I want something of consistent size and shape so the beam will be straight. I’m considering engineered lumber, like trimberstrand LSL studs.
I’m sure someone will suggest 2X lumber, but I have a terrible time finding anything that is extremely straight. Although I realize 2X material would be cheaper.
What do those of you who have made box beams use for the core that the beam sides are then nailed to?
Replies
Are these structural or just decorative? Can you attach solidly to the ceiling or do the beams have to be self supporting? Any posts? What is the covering?
John W.
Just decorative. The core material will be fastened directly to the trusses (well with the ceiling sheathing in-between) The sides of the box will be nailed to the core and the bottom will be nailed to the two sides.The sides and bottom will be white oak approx. 3/4 by 5'' in 10 and 12' lengths.The only load the box beam will be carrying is a ceilling fan in one spot.I'm planning on using screws to attach the core to the ceiling/trusses and then 16 guage nails for the rest of the box assembly as that is the only size nail gun I currently own.
From your description you don't need to start out with an inner beam.
Just attach a 2 by 6 to the ceiling and then build the two sides and the bottom out of the oak. There is no need to fill the box with anything, that's why they are called box beams, they're hollow.
John W.
Edited 7/24/2007 1:46 pm ET by JohnWW
dMusick ,
Go ahead and use the engineered lumber if you can't find suitable 2X stock . The difference in costs will not be significant on the overall job especially if it will look better .
dusty
DM-
Why have a solid interior for a box beam? A cleat on the ceiling and blocking throughout the beam to resist racking will make for a light yet strong trim element for your project
Regards,
Sean
Sorry about my terminology, I am just using a cleat in the core, not a solid core, so the beam will be hollow. Went ahead and ordered some OSB triming that is 6" by 1.25" and 16' long. My local yard will be ripping them down to 4" wide for me.This little project is not as easy as it should be as this is for a house I've just moved into. Most of my tools, at least stationary ones are 250 miles away at my old house as I don't have any shop/garage space at this new house. I'll probably be putting them in storage until I can fix up an old building or build a new shop.
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