Timbers Up

Now that we have sanded all that antique timber, it is time to install it.

The plan is to frame the new openings in the wall with some big, 12x6 timbers.  The new stair rail will also be constructed of lumber from the same location in Dankin.

(See post "How to Make Antique Timbers")

One of the challenges of installing these newel posts is that there is no wood to fasten it to.  Underneath is only concrete.  So we start by drilling into the concrete with a 1/2" bit.

We repeat this on the bottom of the posts.

We then used a piece of re-bar as a dowel.  Both sides were generously slopped with construction adhesive (that stuff sticks to wood, metal, and concrete very well).  The floor where the base of the post will land is also smeared with glue.  The posts are double-checked for plumb and and the glue is left to cure... 24 hours at least.

This technique worked quite well.  The posts are rock-solid.

And now for your viewing pleasure...

My friend Warren and I are going to pick up a 14'x12"x6" beam and place it across the top of the opening.  The plan, again is to provide a huge frame... like a big picture frame.

Enjoy...