Does wood creep over time?
August 2, 2020 11:24 AM Subscribe
I had a 6x6 PT porch beam warp and pull the rail away from the other wall. I added a cleat, used Timberlocs and a wrench to force everything back in place, and screwed the railing into place. Will the warped beam eventually relax into its new position? I’m wondering if I should leave the cleat or if I can take it off in days/weeks/months.
I doubt the kind of seasonal wood movement accommodated by special hardware and construction techniques is a meaningful factor here. You aren’t dealing with wide panels like you would in a door, tabletop or cabinet. This seems to be a frame made of relatively narrow sticks, and sticks stay the same length.
Was this porch recently constructed, or has it been there for years? New PT lumber tends to be wet, and to do a lot of moving around during initial drying. If you’re able to hold it in place during that period (months at least) then it might relax into shape somewhat. But if this was a recent change on a longstanding structure, I’d look for other explanations than spontaneous post warpage.
Even if the tension relaxes, you’ll need something to hold the railing in place. It sounds like the original connection was ruined.
posted by jon1270 at 12:57 PM on August 2, 2020
Was this porch recently constructed, or has it been there for years? New PT lumber tends to be wet, and to do a lot of moving around during initial drying. If you’re able to hold it in place during that period (months at least) then it might relax into shape somewhat. But if this was a recent change on a longstanding structure, I’d look for other explanations than spontaneous post warpage.
Even if the tension relaxes, you’ll need something to hold the railing in place. It sounds like the original connection was ruined.
posted by jon1270 at 12:57 PM on August 2, 2020
I suggest calling a local lumber store. Your wood should have been kiln dried. But it clearly was not dry enough. I had a PT fence post twist badly after a fresh cut. I used it anyway and figured it would straighten out with fasteners and it never did. Of course, it’s not under gravity loads so maybe that would make a difference but I don’t know.
posted by amanda at 10:20 PM on August 2, 2020
posted by amanda at 10:20 PM on August 2, 2020
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So forcing things into place and then screwing and bolting everything to make it immovable may work in the short term, but something will likely give, given time. Brackets that incorporate oval slots for screws are one of the ways that timber can be fastened together while allowing for seasonal changes.
posted by pipeski at 12:40 PM on August 2, 2020 [1 favorite]