How to Attach Beams to a Center Beam

Attach a 1.5-by-1.5-inch strip to the bottom of the center beam. Place a mark 1.5 inches away from the edge of a 2-by-4, snap a chalk line across the length of the board, and rip the strip from the 2-by-4 using a circular saw. Continue to rip these strips until you have enough to span the entire length of the center beam. When you are done ripping, you will have a strip that is 1.5-by-1.5 inches.

Nail the strips to the bottom of the horizontal center beam using 16 penny nails. The nails should be spaced 12 inches apart. Make sure the strips align with the bottom of the center beam. Pay attention to the end of the strip that is facing up, and make sure that the straightest edges is facing up, as well.

Notch the bottoms of your floor beams/joists on the bottom corner. After you have determined the exact length of your floor joist, measure off of the end 1.5 inches and from the bottom up 1.5 inches. Connect the two marks with a square so that you have a square drawn on the bottom corner of the joist/beam that is facing the center beam.Repeat this on all floor joists that will be attached to the center beam.

Cut the marked notch with a circular saw. It may be necessary to cut slightly past the notch marks with the circular saw, but don't go any further than 1/2 inch past the marks. If necessary, use a hand saw to finish the cuts.

Slide the joists/beams down onto the preattached strips and nail into place by inserting 16 penny nails through the sides of the joist/beam at an angle and into the center beam. Place three nails on each side of the joist. The bond strip will serve as a resting ledge for the floor joists/beams and will support the beam attachments.