Make your own beams for added structural strength.
You can pay a lot for large beams from a home improvement store or you can make your own and save your money. Particularly when you are using beams that are going to be covered by sheathing or ceilings, it doesn't matter what they look like. It matters only that they are as strong as possible. By gluing and nailing together multiple pieces of wood to create laminated beams, you can create structural elements that are just as strong as solid beams costing far more.
Instructions
1. Cut three 2-by-12s to the length you require for your ceiling beam.
2. Lay one 2-by-12 on the floor or on a large work surface. Spread wood glue over the top surface of the beam.
3. Lay another of the 2-by-12s on top of the first. Align the two planks perfectly and tack them together by driving a 2-inch nail into each end. Spread glue over the surface of the second plank.
4. Lay the third plank on top of the second plank. Align it with the two other planks and tack it on with a 2-inch nail at each end.
5. Permanently join the three planks by driving in 4-inch-long nails along the length of the planks. Drive in a row of four nails at the end and continue with rows of four nails at 12 inch intervals. When you are done, turn the assembly over and do the same from the other side, driving these rows of nails into the spaces between the first rows of nails, so that the rows of nails from opposite sides are staggered by 6 inches.
Tags: rows nails, 2-inch nail, four nails, , glue over surface, over surface, second plank