How to Attach Lumber to Cement

Anchor Bolt and Epoxy

• 1

  Attach a masonry drill bit to a combination hammer drill.

  Wrap electrical tape around the drill bit's shank to indicate the desired depth of the bolt hole. The bolt must pass through the lumber and protrude far enough above the lumber to allow attachment of the washer and nut.

• 2

  Drill into the masonry material until the electrical tape meets the surface.

  Remove concrete dust from the hole with a blast of air from an air compressor or with a small brush. To ensure a proper bond between epoxy and masonry, remove all loose particles from the hole. Load a tube of two-part anchoring epoxy into an epoxy gun. Fill the hole with epoxy until just below the hole's rim.

• 3

  Plunge the bolt into the epoxy-filled hole and adjust the bolt into an upright position.

  Immediately wipe excess epoxy from the masonry surfaces with a damp rag. Allow the epoxy to cure according to manufacturers instructions, typically several hours. Attach a wood drill bit to the drill and bore a hole through the lumber at the desired location of the anchor. Place the lumber over the bolt and press the board against the masonry surface. Slide a washer onto the bolt.

• 4

  Thread a nut onto the bolt.

  Tighten the nut by hand until the nut and washer press against the lumber's surface. Fully tighten the nut with an adjustable wrench to anchor the lumber to the masonry surface.

Masonry Wedge Anchors

• 5

  Attach a masonry drill bit to the drill and wrap electrical tape around the drill's shank to indicate the depth of the of the anchor's hole.

  Drill into the masonry material until the electrical tape meets the surface. Clean debris and dust from hole with an air compressor or brush. Attach a wood drill bit to the drill and bore a hole through the lumber at the desired location of the anchor.

• 6

  Place the wedge anchor's conical butt into the hole.

  Slide the lumber's hole over the anchor's shank. While holding the lumber in position, slide a washer onto the anchor and thread a nut approximately halfway onto the anchor's shank. While holding the lumber in place, pound the anchor's tip with a hammer or mallet. Alternatively, have a work partner hold the lumber as you pound.

• 7

  Pull on the anchor's tip away from the wall after hammering.

  If the anchor slips out of the hole, reinsert the anchor and pound again. If the anchor holds, cease pounding. Tighten the anchor's nut by hand until the washer and nut press against the lumber. Attach an adjustable wrench to the nut. Use the wrench to fully tighten the nut and secure the lumber to the masonry surface.