Therefore, this application is only going to be successful if you have a concrete block wall and not a solid concrete wall. wikiHow's. Fortunately, there are many ways to make the transition from concrete floors and wall frames to wood floors and drywall. Wear safety gear while nailing or drilling into wood and concrete. Pour Concrete. Mortar nails are the cheapest option for attaching wood to concrete, but there is a trick to get these nails to work. This is a plenty sturdy method for attaching wood to masonry—especially in a pinch when masonry anchors are not handy. Predrill a hole into the wood and concrete that is large enough in diameter for the anchor bolt to fit. The first step is framing it in. Hang Things on a Cement Wall. Covering your concrete steps with wood can add protection and beauty to your steps. At the front of my house I have concrete steps leading up to the porch. The trick to using mortar nails to attach wood to concrete is that you need to properly align each nail so that it is driven directly into the mortar, and not the concrete. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Attaching closet guide into travertine tile. In this video, I show you the method that I use to attach basement framing to a concrete floor! Products available to bond these materials are dated in their technology. An indented design of wood treads looks appealing but it can be problematic if the treads are not secured with a metal angle. A better alternative for anchoring wood to concrete is the concrete screw method. When affixing wood to concrete, one of the best, and easiest, methods is to glue the wood to the concrete with epoxy. By vonny in forum Structural Renovation. This method will work for cut nails or concrete nails. Predrill a 1/4-inch hole in the concrete, then align the wood with the concrete and drill through it straight into the drilled concrete hole. Goggles, ear protection, heavy-duty gloves, and a respirator are recommended. home improvement and repair website. Last Updated: October 4, 2019 Start using your basement by finishing it off. You need to be certain that your screw is long enough to penetrate through your wood and at least ½ inch into the concrete. OCM’s (One Component Mastics) need a perfectly dry surface to work effectively and even if a bond is achieved, it will not be permanent. These ultimate approaches to attaching wood to concrete will make your next project a breeze. Skip this process if you would prefer a simpler, more effective method of attaching wood to concrete. This step ensures that the hanging nose of the wood tread is secured to withstand the pressure applied on it. Al Noble. Removing and replacing concrete porch and steps. Drill holes into the concrete that are the right diameter for lead shields using a masonry bit in a hammer drill. Website operating There are a few different techniques that you can use to attach wood to concrete, each of which will make your project easier to accomplish. Tool Choices for Attaching 2×4 to Concrete Standard Drill and Hammer: If you are only looking to to attach a handful of anchor points to the concrete, you can easily use a standard drill and hammer. Then make matching dadoes in the bottoms of the oak treads, and epoxy the treads to the wooden strips. It may seem that the composition of these two materials would not allow them to be attached to one another, but this is not the case. You will need hammer-set concrete fasteners to connect the wood and concret… Keeping the wood and concrete holes aligned, position the fastener into the hole and hammer it through. All information is provided "AS IS." Tips to Connect Wood Floor Joists to Cinder Block Walls. What I want. You could use concrete drive screws to attach wooden strips on the front and rear edges of the existing treads. To learn how to connect wood to concrete with concrete screws, keep reading! What is the recommended approach to installing planks directly onto concrete? They are know by other names in other countries) are the ideal anchor for attaching almost anything to solid masonry such as concrete. Attaching a wooden board to concrete is a project that many amateur builders dread. Having just rebuilt the porch, I've discovered that they are actually concrete veneer over brick. How to install concrete anchors.How to attach timber / wood to concrete or any other SOLID masonry surface using masonry anchors / DynaBolts. Drive a screw into the hole. Connecting wood to concrete can seem intimidating but, with the right tools, even an amateur craftsman can do it. Always wear eye protection while drilling or nailing into concrete to prevent flying stone chips from injuring your eyes. Hammer-set anchors, also known as nail anchors, are perfect for attaching metal electrical boxes, wood furring strips, metal conduit, and shelf brackets to concrete, block, and brick. Don't drill any closer than 4 inches (10 cm) from the concrete's edge, if possible. Masonry Screws. The backyard and sides of my house are in dire need of improvement. How to calculate, lay out, saw, and attach a set of treated pine steps to a concrete porch. All of the fastening methods for this application are easy for the do-it-yourself handyman. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. For wedge … The longer your screws are, the tighter they will connect the wood and concrete. If you have a low spot on any side, you may need extra timbers to level the area. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Start by aligning the wood block with the concrete and marking where you plan to drill to join the pieces together. These holes will be a guideline for the screws and allow you to screw them into place. Attach the step to the wall using a mixture of grout and water. Step 2 - Predrill Holes Use the sledgehammer to tap the anchor bolt into place. From my research on the web, it is recommended that I go with composite planks instead of wood due to rotting issues associated with attaching wood directly to concrete. Next, you need to pre-drill holes into the wood and concrete that are smaller than the diameter of the screws you are using. One suggested glue is PL-400. enthusiasts. I'd like to add a hand rail to the steps since there's never been one there. Mark where you will drill in both with a permanent marker. Another option to attach wood to concrete is by using masonry screws. Attaching a Fixture with Wedge Anchors 1 ... "Installed two steel support posts to a concrete porch and steps for handrail." This article has been viewed 57,754 times. I seem to remember from reading the code that treated wood is only required within a certain distance from grade. Although this is a very strong method for attaching wood to concrete, like all other methods, it is not 100% guaranteed not to fail. to concrete, and wood to wood connections. Concrete is not the easiest material to work with, especially if you’re trying to build a structure (like a house) that involves the use of both concrete and wood products. Glue forms the initial bond, but without screws and nails, the natural expansion and contraction of the wood can break or weaken the glue. Align the hole in the wood with the hole in the concrete and insert the anchor bolt through the holes. By Glenn Mathewson. Additionally, determine if you must make the connection removable or permanent. Add Concrete to … You will know that you have used enough copper wire if the screw fits tightly into the hole and the connection between the wood and concrete is not loose or wobbly. Copyright© Yet another way to attach wood to concrete is by using concrete anchor bolts. All rights reserved. The concrete fastener will then expand at the back and wedge itself tightly into the concrete. In a pinch, you can also use a syringe blower to remove the dust. Therefore, this application is only going to be successful if you have a concrete block wall and not a solid concrete wall. I’ll mention that there is another very similar method that uses a regular wood screw and a piece of copper wire (usually #14 house wire). Concrete screws are the newest method of fastening wood to concrete and generally the most popular because they are easy to remove. If you're not sure what method best suits your project, ask a professional repairman for advice. Hello, I have a concrete side porch and steps (a stoop, really) that is cru... Options for replacing subfloor on pier and beam. The spots you mark are the areas you plan to concrete the concrete and wood with the hammer-set concrete fasteners. Apr 21, 2020 "This provided a clear step-by-step approach." 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. For more power, a hammer drill can also be used. Cove 4 inches deep from the hole with pea gravel to avoid any water stagnation under the steps and soil in place. You're more likely to crack or chip the concrete if you drill close to the edge. In reality, however, the project is surprisingly simple. Insert a piece of coated stranded wire into the hole through the wood and into the concrete. Connecting wood to concrete can seem intimidating, but you can easily do the job using hammer-set concrete fasteners. When I was thinking through the details for our farmhouse front porch makeover, I knew from the very beginning we would want to do something to makeover the concrete steps. *How DO YOU fix a timber plate to a brick wall? to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. % of people told us that this article helped them. It appears that the concrete is roughly 2-3" thick. Make sure that they are placed in the middle, towards the doorway. We welcome your comments and You can spice up their appearance by adding some wood planks on top of them. Choosing the Right Wall Anchor for Your Project. It doesn't require concrete anchor bolts or other or any other finicky equipment; according to AskTheBuilder.com, you can complete the job with only a masonry drill, some nails and a hammer. When the lower floor is made of concrete, you will need a special fastener to attach the wood to it unless one has already been embedded for this purpose. Attaching Wood to Concrete. Attaching the wood to the concrete doesn't need to be difficult, you just need to use the correct method. When using this method to attach wood to concrete, you should do your best to hit the nail straight down and not at any angles. Let’s compare the various tools used to attach wood to concrete. Step 2 Insert a masonry bit that is 5/8-inch in diameter and at least 12 inches long into a hammer drill. The tightening of the bolt activates it inside the concrete and its locking mechanism will be activated, securing the bolt and attaching the wood to the concrete. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Related Articles. I saw a lot of power washing in our future! Step 4. I created a 6x6 deck off the back door. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. Keep the concrete damp for two days, allowing it to cure slowly. Avoid using wedge-type concrete fasteners, which exert more pressure and can crack the concrete over time. This will keep your drill holes precise so your fasteners will fit securely into the wood and concrete. Once you've determined the right method for your project, you can easily fasten wood and concrete objects! One way to attach wood to concrete is to use mortar nails. Also, I wasn’t sure it would be very practical to have white exterior steps. Thread extra copper wire through the hole if it's too large for the screw. Choosing the Right Masonry Screws for Your Job. Another option to attach wood to concrete is by using masonry screws. Attaching wood to CMU (concrete masonry unit) is possible using several procedures. It's an easy project that you should be able to finish in less than a day. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Hammer-set concrete fasteners, concrete screws, and mortar nails are all effective ways to connect wood to concrete. Blow the residual dust out of the concrete hole using a vacuum or syringe blower. Concrete steps may serve their purpose, but they are not the most attractive looking steps. Jun 19, 2016 - Attaching a wooden railing to a concrete porch adds a touch of elegance. At first I wanted to paint them white, but when we decided to replace all the porch flooring, I wanted the treads to match new wood. Attaching a wood post to a deck’s concrete footing, a concrete walkway, patio or porch slab is easy. Many people are choosing wooden railings over iron because wood does not rust and it's easy to remove or replace. Once the bolt is in place, you can use your socket wrench to tighten the bolt and activate the bolt locking system. Attaching a wood post to a deck’s concrete footing, a concrete walkway, patio or porch slab is easy. Often you need to secure a piece of timber to a wall when doing some decking. The layer of wood you place over the top of the concrete steps can also make them stronger. Stand the wood frame wall up on the concrete foundation in the spot where it will be anchored. How to. Mark the holes in the concrete and wood using a permanent marker first to make sure your holes are precise. My 1965 ranch home needs the subfloor replaced in several areas. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. You will need a hammer drill but I think that it is a much safer way than using the 22 or 25 caliber gun shot. How to. Step 5. This is a video of how I attach wood to concrete and it works very well. The Mayo's in Roan Mountain, TN. By using our site, you agree to our. This method is only effective when you are attaching wood to concrete blocks or a concrete black wall. How to. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Although 1 inch (2.5 cm) of concrete penetration is the minimum, deeper penetration will result in a stronger hold. Do I have to use pressure-treated lumber when I'm attaching wood to concrete or masonry in "dry" situations - such as inside a basement or under the protection of a covered porch? Good luck on your project and don't forget to use construction adhesive. *MASTER CARPENTER HACK! We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Align the concrete with the wood block. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 57,754 times. When glue is used in conjunction with screws and nails, the bond is strong enough to resist natural movement of the wood. Does EDM ultimate 862 works with NBN? Q. Make sure the marked area you choose for the concrete object is in the mortar, not the concrete itself. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. If the hole is too big, use extra wire or larger wire. You want the depth of the hole to be ¼ inch more than the length of the anchor bolt. You do not want the nail driven into the concrete itself, only into the mortar. suggestions. You may freely link How to Install Wood Stair Treads Without Showing Nail Holes. Step 3: Drive Concrete Screws into Wood and Concrete. To attach a wood handrail post to concrete: Mark the location of the holes in a metal post bracket on the concrete. It does a better job of drawing the wood to the concrete for a tight fit. I just want to put wood planks on top of the concrete and enjoy something that LOOKS like a wood deck. The reason for using a sledgehammer instead of even a regular heavy-duty hammer is because the concrete nails are most often made from steel. You can fasten wood to concrete using 3 different methods, depending on your preference. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. After your holes are predrilled, you can attach the wood to the concrete by using the masonry screws. Glue is a secondary method of attachment for bonding wood to concrete. How to. Drill Into Concrete . problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. To learn how to connect wood to concrete with concrete screws, keep reading! How to Stick Wood to Concrete is continually asked through forums, trade and D.I.Y. Share yours! Here’s how to do it. You will need hammer-set concrete fasteners to connect the wood and concrete, which you can get online or from most home improvement stores. View our Privacy Policy here. Most projects involve the use of more than one type of material, which may require you to know how to attach different materials to each other such as attaching wood to concrete. Determine how much stress the fastener needs to resist for the connection between the concrete block and the wood. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". In order for a wooden stairway to be safe, the stringers (support boards) should be securely fastened to both the upper and lower floors. also if you by chance change your mind all you have to do is unscrew the fastener. I attached metal stringers, but I h... [color=#333333]Good afternoon everyone! Step 1 - Select Screws. Unlike the concrete, where you only have to drill. More success stories Hide success stories. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent So, we … DynaBolts (that's the name for this particular anchor in Australia. Put on safety goggles before hammering the nail into the wood and mortar. Put the pre-cast concrete steps into the working area and arrange them on to the gravel. Inspect the hammer drill's safety features, electrical cord and body casing for any defects that could hinder the proper use of the tool. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Connect-Wood-to-Concrete-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Wood-to-Concrete-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Connect-Wood-to-Concrete-Step-1.jpg\/aid9789291-v4-728px-Connect-Wood-to-Concrete-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"