Replies

1. 
   gdavis62 | Mar 29, 2004 11:52pm | #1

   The "warehouse look," huh?

   Were there any cutoffs saved when the framing happened?  If not, can the builder get some cutoffs from the supplier?

   With some samples, you can try out some stains, and some clearcoats over the stains.  Those members are made using some pretty skanky wood, I think it is alder, and if you try a stain you might want to use a lacquer sealer first before the stain to keep the blotchiness down.

1. 
   user-6451209 | Apr 01, 2004 03:27pm | #4

   We didn't want the warehouse look, that's for sure!  We are going to wrap the beams, probably in fir.  Next time, I'll spec gluelams.

   Thanks for the help.

1. 
   user-6451209 | Apr 01, 2004 03:29pm | #6

   We are going to wrap the beams in fir.  Thanks for the help.  Next time we will spec gluelams.

2. 
   WorkshopJon | Mar 29, 2004 11:59pm | #2

   HPR,

   How long are they?  If less than 16' they can be easily covered with planed down 4/4 stock of virtually any mtrl. (I've down it)  Longer than that can still be done, but you mtrl. choices diminish and the $$$ start to go up.

   Jon

1. 
   user-6451209 | Apr 01, 2004 03:28pm | #5

   We are taking your advice.  Next time I'll spec gluelams.  Thanks.

3. 
   Piffin | Mar 30, 2004 02:32am | #3

   finishing those bastiges will cost more than wrapping them!

   if customer wants them exposed, leave them exposed!

   On another point though, I'm woinedering if the Boston fire codes will allow leaving wood structural members open to flame without a minimum twenty minute wrap

    

    

   Welcome to the
   Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
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4. 
   andybuildz | Apr 01, 2004 08:41pm | #7

   Personally I'd put vinyl siding on it

   Be wrapped one too tight

                                       andy

   My life is my passion!

   http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

1. 
   user-6451209 | Apr 01, 2004 09:03pm | #8

   i like that.  the mobile home look.

1. 
   andybuildz | Apr 01, 2004 10:31pm | #9

   Don't get me started on mobile homes.Piff already reprimanded me on my replies back in the good ol' daze.

   Be scolded

                   andyMy life is my passion!

   http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

5. 
   Dreamcatcher | Apr 02, 2004 06:49am | #10

   I think it would look fine to leave it exposed. Laminated beams are the heavy timbers of our time. In the future when everything is made out of vinyl, people may just look at those laminated beams the same way we now look at massive oak and cedar beams in houses and barns.

   I did a house once with an exposed truss of 10x10 paralam beams. it had a wax coating from the factory that we were keen not to abuse during fabrication and installation. Then we just left it with it's "natural" finish.

   For a versalam the best way to take down the protective coating would be with a power paint stripper followed by a R.O. sander. Another option may be to laminate the outside with another veneer layer of your choosing. Leave the plys exposed and let your friends wonder where you got a 8" thick birdseye maple plywood beam!

   Hope I gave you some ideas.

   gk

1. 
   user-6451209 | Apr 02, 2004 02:17pm | #11

   Very thoughtful response.  We may try some sanding and see what happens before we wrap them., I'll let you know.  Thanks.