How to Join Antique Wooden Beams

Saw the wood beams using an electric cutting saw, and join together sections to complete a piece of furniture that is otherwise damaged, or in need of a replacement part, such as a leg. Old antique wood beams come in antique heart pine, oak, hickory, chestnut, white oak and other types of wood.

Use through bolts to attach the antique wood beams together, if used for a structure. These types of bolts go through the wood, and have washers and nuts on each end, with a rivet type head on each end of the bolt. Use half-inch diameter threaded bolts. Take long pieces of threaded rod, and cut them with a reciprocating saw to make the proper length bolts. Make sure to use the correct drill bit for the beams. The diameter should match exactly the diameter of the bolt you are using. Hammer the bolt into position for a tight fit, which will keep the beams intact.

Measure and cut the boards squarely, if wood beams are to be kept straight. Cut at a 65-degree angle, so that the wood beams can be attached evenly, if the beams are being used to make something in a round shape, such as a gazebo. Make sure the wood is always flushed at the angle, or joined evenly with the other piece of wood before permanently attaching.

Screw the pieces of wood together by putting two screws underneath the angled wood. Use an electric drill, with a screw head large enough to attach the wood beams together. Use a support beam that is flush with the joined edges, and drill from the joined sections outside, into the support beam. The support beam will add support to the joined exterior beams, and is especially needed when joining antique wood beams together as a base for a gazebo, or other building project.

Glue antique wooden beams together using epoxy wood glue. This is good for thin pieces of beams cut down in size, or to add extra reinforcement, aside from screwing the pieces together. Make sure the beams are flush, and add a generous amount to one section. Press the other beam evenly to the glue, and hold. Apply a clamp, and let dry. Remove the clamp once glue is dry, and then add one to two screws to reinforce the beams.