USA old growth timber is on limited availability right now, so I plan to sister two 2x12s to appear as a 4×12. I have not found any listing on the internet how to make the two boards appear as one beam. Miniwax or Woodfoam seem ok for painting but she was thinking of natural stained looks. Not found a successful example yet. Any wood workers have ideas?
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Replies
Any filler will crack with the movement of those members. Why not add a 1x or 2x under with a bit of a wider reveal.
Like Calvin said, filler is a bad idea. I made a bench top a couple years ago using Doug fir 2x6s, and the look is probably close to what you're looking for. I just ran all the glue faces through a planer, then glued the boards up, let it cure, then ran the top through the planer to remove the rounded edges of the 2x. That method likely won't work with 2x12s unless you know someone with a very large planer (or a good jointer), but you can do the same thing with other tools (hand planes, power plane, track saw + sanding, table saw + sanding ... list goes on). Depending on the wood species you're planning to use, make sure to start with lumber that has very straight edge grain and similar color characteristics, and it should be very hard to tell that it's not a single piece when all is said and done.
How about something like this? You'd even have a conduit for wiring if needed.
It looks like some sort of finishable laminate countertop type covering would account for these ideas without compromising the structural integrity of the natural pine beam. Lowes has 1" iron-on finishable fascia but not as large scale as that. I'll check and see if ACE has any specialty items like that and post back the results.
if you're just going for a look, it's not structural, and you don't mind the cost, use some stain grade pine 1x stock and glue.laminate them together - surfaces will already be finished
other thought is to check around your area for someone w/a sawmill and see what's available from them - In RI several guys sell on Craigslist and there's also a couple of commercial millwork yards how could provide the stock - a lumber supply rather than a big box should be able to get you what you want
good luck
lauan plywood turns out to be the best option for what I'm going for. Thanks for all the ideas!