Installing Beams Under 10 feet
General Tools and Materials:
Click Here to Download a Printable PDF Version- Wood Beam(s)
- Wood Blocking 2”x4” or 2”x6” (for mounting)
- Wood Cutting Saw with Finish Blade
- Color Complimenting Textured Caulk
- 1 1/4” Deck Screws
- Utility Knife
- Ladder
- Loctite® PL® Premium® 3X Construc- tion Adhesive
- Painters Tape
- Caulk Gun
- Chalk Line / Laser
- Screw Gun/ Drill Driver & Bits
- Hand Saw with Finish Blade
- Toggle / Lag Bolts
- Stud Finder
- Safety Glasses
- Tape Measure
- Clean Cloth
- Touchup Kit
- Small Paint Brush
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Paper
24 Hours Before Starting
- Acclimate all beams by storing them flat in the installation location (but away from moisture and direct sunlight or other heat sources) for at least 24 hours.
WARNINGS:
- Be sure to obey all safety rules and recommendations set forth by tool manufacturers.
- Always comply with clearances set forth by the manufacturer of stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, and any other heat source.
- Wear safety glasses during the entire installation process.
- Our products may have screws embedded below the surface. We recommend using a hand saw (not power tools) when cutting these products. You may choose to locate screws with a stud finder. AZ Faux is not responsible for any bodily harm or damage to your equipment if power tools are used.
Before You Start
- Ensure surface is structurally sound and in good condition. Surfaces such as drywall should be flat and smooth to minimize gaps.
- Gather all tools and materials.
Directions
Step 1
Dry Fit Beam
Tools:
- Painters Tape
- Hand Saw with Finished Blade
- Check beam length by dry fitting in place at the point on the wall where it is being installed.
- Trim/miter beam, if needed. It is best to cut the beam slightly long (about ⅛”) to ensure a tight fit.
- Mark the bottom of the beam with painters tape.
WARNING: Our products may have screws embedded below the surface. We recommend using a hand saw (not power tools) when cutting these products. You may find these screws with a stud finder. AZ Faux is not responsible for any bodily harm or damage to your equipment.
Step 2
Template Beam Ends
Tools:
- Paper
- Pencil
- Set the end of the beam against the paper and trace the interior of the beam.
- Repeat this step for the other end of the beam.
Step 3
Cut Mounting Blocks
Tools:
- Pencil
- Lumber
- Wood Cutting Saw
- Screw Gun/Drill Driver & Drill Bits
- Trace the templates on to the lumber. Cut mounting blocks, one for each end.
- After cutting the blocks make sure they fit inside the beam with about 1⁄8” clearance. The beam should not have to be forced onto the mounting blocks.
- Pre-drill at least (2) holes into each mounting block.
Step 4
Locate Mounting Blocks
Tools:
- Pencil
- Tape Measure
- Screw Gun/Drill Driver & Drill Bits
- Measure the thickness of the beam.
- Measure up from the painters tape placed in Step 2 to determine where to place the mounting block.
- Use a pencil to outline where the block will be mounted.
- Repeat for the other wall.
Step 5
Mount Blocks
Tools:
- Caulk Gun
- Loctite® PL® Premium® 3X Construction Adhesive
- Toggle / Lag Bolts
- 1 1/4” Deck Screws
- Screw Gun/Drill Driver & Drill Bits
- Adhere mounting blocks to the wall by applying Loctite PL 3X to the back of the block.
- Secure it by screwing the block to the wall using either deck screws or lag/toggle bolts.
Step 6
Apply Adhesive
Tools:
- Adhesive
- Caulk Gun
- Apply adhesive to the edges of the mounting blocks that will contact the beam.
Step 7
Install Beam
Tools:
- Screw Gun / Drill Driver & Drill Bits
- Screws
- Slide beam in place over the mounting blocks.
- Slightly countersink a minimum of (6) screws, ((2) per side and bottom) into the mounting blocks along the sides and bottom of the beam.
Step 8
Touch-Up
Tools:
- Caulk
- Caulk Gun
- Touch-Up Kit
- Small Paint Brush
- Painters Tape
- Clean Cloth
- Apply color complimenting textured caulk to fill screw holes. Blend caulk into adjacent surfaces while it is still wet.
- Where necessary, apply caulk to joints and gaps.
- Use paint from the touch-up kit to paint over the caulk.
Hint: Apply painters tape where the beam and wall meet to ensure a straight caulk line. Remove the tape once the caulk has dried completely.