Three Easy Methods Of Attaching Wood To Concrete Block
Attaching wood to CMU, usually known as a concrete masonry unit, is possible by applying several methods. But, first of all, you need to establish or ascertain how much stress the fastener needs when it comes to resisting the connection between the concrete block and the wood. Apart from that, decided whether you are looking to make the connection removable or permanent. All of the fastening methods when it comes to attaching wood to concrete blocks are extremely easy which you can do yourself easily.
Method 1: Glue Method
- Clean The CMU Block
First of all, you need to clean the CMU block with the help of a stiff scrub brush. If a layer of dust or debris is present on the surface, then the adhesive will not stick to the CMU block properly. - Apply Construction Adhesive
Squeeze the caulk gun in order to apply construction adhesive to the back of the wood. You do not need a lot of adhesives when it comes to securing the wood in position. Place dabs of adhesive at least 12 inches apart on the back side of the wood. - Secure The Wood In Place
Press the wood into place, before securing it with the help of painter's tape as long as the adhesive sets. The painter's tape will come apart easily and will help not to leave any sticky residue behind. When it comes to large pieces of lumber, brace them in place as long as the adhesive dries. If you are looking to permanently fasten wood to a concrete block, then the glue method is the best option. It will also hold out against a lot of stress before the bond breaks.
Method 2: Concrete Screw Method
- Mark The Locations For The Placement Of The Concrete Screws
Firstly, you need to make a visible impression or stain on the locations for the placement of the concrete screws into the CMU block. It is important that the screws are within the CMU block, not at a joint between blocks. The screws will not take hold of the joints' concrete mortar. - Pre-drill Holes Into The Wood For The Concrete Screws
Pre-drill or create a space for holes into the wood for the concrete screws, with the help of a countersink drill bit. Countersink the wood sufficiently in order to make the top of the concrete screw to be below the surface of the wood. - Hold The Wood In Place
Take hold of the wood in place against the CMU block. Use a marker in order to mark the exact location for all the screws onto the CMU block. - Install A Concrete Drill Bit, The Size Of The Screw
Place or fix a concrete drill bit, the size of the screw, into a hammer drill. Position a piece of painter's tape on the drill bit which will help indicate the depth needed to drill. This will be the screw length minus the wood depth plus 1/4 inch. - Secure The Wood To The CMU Block With The Wood Screws
Blow the holes out using a can of compressed air. Use a power screwdriver in order to secure the wood to the CMU block with the wood screws. If you are looking to attach the wood to a concrete block that is removable, then this method is the best option. However, it is not as strong a connection in comparison to the glue method.
Method 3: PAT Method
- Place Powder-actuated Tool Position Charge Into The Chamber Of The PAT Gun
Position a PAT, usually known as a powder-actuated tool, charge into the chamber of the PAT gun. Load a PAT nail into the PAT gun tip. Go through the labels on the box of nails and charges in order to establish or ascertain the correct ones for your application. The strength of charge is usually decided by the thickness of the material attached to the concrete and its hardness. - Hold The Wood In Place Against The Concrete Block
Hold the wood in place against the concrete block. Position the tip of the PAT gun against the wood where you are looking to install the fastener. Pull the trigger & the PAT gun will fire the nail through the wood as well as into the CMU block. The nail will help stop where it hits the built-in washer. This fastener method is permanent and is a strong method of securing wood to CMU block. However, the fastener is visible and is above the surface of the wood.