Adding height to Glulam beam

[BotusBuild]

We have a 6m long Glulam beam that runs along the side of our stairwell that will remain as an exposed feature and it protudes up into the upper living area floor.

 

We will be installing a slatted "wall" between the top of the glulam and the ceiling.

 

PROBLEM: The glulam currently sits about 5-10mm lower than our final floor level. It's this one being inspected by the cat.

 

We've been in touch with the glulam supplier to get a length of the wood that makes up the Glulam beam (6m x 140mm x 40mm) but they can't provide this and suggested just getting a 6m 6x2, which I can get from a number of timber merchants. My experience of these suppliers is warped, like some of the wood supplied.

 

Does anyone know of a supplier who could provide something that is not going to warp or twist,  or do I just have to get the piece in and fit it pronto with lots of glue and screws?

 

Anyone got other idea on how to make up the shortfall?

 

Thanks

[Omnibuswoman]

I’ve heard that Totem timber in Plymouth is good for straight wood… 

[Mr Punter]

22 hours ago, BotusBuild said:

The glulam currently sits about 5-10mm lower than our final floor level.

 

I don't understand why you need a 6 x 2 to make up 5-10mm?  Neither does the cat.

[BotusBuild]

13 minutes ago, Mr Punter said:

I don't understand why you need a 6 x 2 to make up 5-10mm

We actually want the Glulam to come up above the FFL. The extra 30-35mm will do this nicely. Should have said.

[BotusBuild]

15 minutes ago, Mr Punter said:

Neither does the cat.

Not sure who is more picky. The cat or me? 😂

[Jenki]

Is the whole 6m length exposed?

With glulam and the visible horizontal joints any decent joiner /competent diyer will sort that no problem even with shorter lengths of timber the joints should become invisible.

[JohnMo]

On 28/05/2025 at 20:24, BotusBuild said:

My experience of these suppliers is warped, like some of the wood supplied

That is is simple, you go to the supplier (almost any) by and pick the piece you want. They deliver it.

 

You then need to use it immediately. But any decent joiner will pull most things straight. 

 

 

[Russell griffiths]

Why will it warp, the time you have glued and clamped it to the glue lam that’s already there it will be as straight as the beam you fix it to. 

[saveasteading]

A slight bend or twist will straighten as you fix it progressively. Ie start at the middle and work outwards.

Does it need to be 6m long or will 2 x3m be acceptable?

 

Only for a 2x2, but I've had a 90° twist disappear using screws at 1200cc. 

You should probably screw at 600cc.

 

Def choose a bit. It is an attraction of Wickes. You can rummage.

[BotusBuild]

Thanks for all the responses. To be clear, I am the joiner (and a lot more besides - see the blogs, this a true self build).

 

Thanks for all the advice and tips. Time to get some bigger clamps.

 

The glulam is exposed underneath, to one side (see photo) and to the top. I'd prefer to do this as a single piece if possible, but thinking about it, the join would only be really visible from the stairs, and eyes will be focussed forwards, not sideways (except mine of course!)

 

What glue would people recommend?

[Jenki]

3 hours ago, BotusBuild said:

What glue would people recommend

D4 PVA will work, but I'd go for 30 min polyurethane. If it foams out of the joint let it cure and trim with a chisel, don't be tempted to smear it when wet.