Introduction

As for all other building materials, a critical aspect of wood structures is the manner by which members are connected. Wood products are building materials which are easily drilled, chiseled, or otherwise shaped to facilitate the connection of members, and a number of methods and a wide range of products are available for connecting wood.

The installation of metal fasteners is the most common method of connecting wood products and a wide range of hardware is available. These range from the nails and the light connectors used for light framing construction to the bolts, side plates and other hardware used for heavy member connections. Each type of fastener is designed to be used with a particular type of construction. When used appropriately, metal fasteners provide means of connection which are easy to install and which offer trouble free performance... Introduction.pdf(66 KB)

Nails and Screws

Nailing is the most basic and most commonly used means of attaching members in wood frame construction. Usually, nailing is used as a structural connection and appearance is not a factor. Exceptions to this are nails used for cladding, decking and finish work, where care in the selection of the type of nail can lead to enhanced appearance... Nails and Screws.pdf (203 KB)

Framing Connectors

Framing connectors are made of sheet metal and are manufactured with prepunched holes to accept nails as shown... Framing connectors.pdf (149 KB)

Heavy Connections

Heavy Connections include: Bolts, Lag Screws, Timber Rivets, Split Rings and Shear Plates, Split Rings, Shear Plates... Heavy Connections.pdf (287 KB)

Timber Joinery

Timber Joinery is a post and beam wood construction technique which does not make use of metal fasteners. For connections, it relies upon the precision interlocking of members for load transfer.

Many historic structures in North America were built at a time when metal fasteners were not readily available. Instead, wood members were joined by shaping the adjoining wood members to interlock using mortise and tenon joinery as shown below similar to that which is still used in the making of strong inconspicuous joints for furniture. The mated joints were restrained by inserting wooden pegs into holes bored through the interlocked members... Timber Joinery.pdf (55 KB)

Adhesives

Adhesives play a prominent role in wood construction. They are used for:

• The manufacture of laminated products
• As a means of increasing the structural rigidity of sheathing/joist combinations in floors and of affixing non-structural panel products
• End joining dimension lumber
• Repair

Adhesives.pdf (28 KB)