In our workshop, we use DIY laminated timber beams for a lot of our projects. We laminate wood not only because we can not find the needed thickness of timber beams, but especially because we need more strength and more stability. Also another reason for using laminated timber is that there is no risk that these pieces of laminated wood would twist over time. So, we want our DIY projects to have more resistance over time.

A video about how to make DIY laminated timber beams

In this short video you can find out how to make DIY laminated timber beams by using our clamping system:

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How to make a custom laminated wood beam – Step by Step:

In order to make your custom laminated timber beam, follow these steps:

• Choose the boards you want to use. Make sure they have the same width

• Flatten one face of each board. Make several passes, if needed

• Plane the other face of each board

• Use a clamping system that allows you to put the right amount of pressure depending on the species, on both edges of the boards

• Make a dry fit test before applying glue
• Apply the glue evenly using a spatula

• Use a spare board, if needed, since the clamps are fixed width. Make sure it is planed, too
• Tighten the clamps evenly, starting from the middle
• Add extra clamps right at the ends

• Make sure everything is tight and wait for the glue to dry

• Undo the clamps when the glue has dried

• Flatten one of the edges of the laminated timber beam

• Plane the other edge of the laminated timber

• Cut the end of the laminated wood. You will see that the boards are very well glued without any spaces, because these C clamps tightens the boards on the whole width with the same pressure.

That’s it! Your own laminated wood!

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