Prevent post from twisting. (pergola)

[Jonbeee]

Hi.

I have built a pergola with overhead 45X120 beams. I didn't screw the beams directly into the underlying beam initially, so they twisted before I could. I then tried with clamps and powerful screws to force them back, but it didn't work well. I'm considering buying new overhead beams, but before I do;
If I screw them directly into the beam below when they're straight, is there still a big risk they will twist?

How should it otherwise be done?

The wood was purchased at a "better" building supply store and should be of good quality, though I haven't seen any markings on the wood itself...

 

[ClasseClas]

If you use 45x120 C24, you should have fewer problems with twisted studs. By the way, was it pressure-treated wood or regular studs?

Otherwise, the trick is to glue the studs back to back. Rip the stud lengthwise, rotate one piece 180 degrees, and (screw) glue the stud back together. See also here: https://www.byggahus.se/forum/byggm...-som-inte-slar-sig.html?perpage=15#post507346

 

[Lexington]

Had exactly the same problem with 45x120 C24 timber (uncoated), sawed everything on day 1 to be able to paint, on day 2 three out of five had twisted (was out in the sun).

Anyway, I put it up, twisted it back as much as possible, and secured it with sturdy screws and angle brackets.

I guess I'm the only one who sees that it has twisted, but it still feels a bit disappointing.

https://www.byggahus.se/forum/altan-uteplats/256713-bygga-pergola.html (post 27)

 

[Jonbeee]

It is pressure-treated wood, unpainted. It also lay in the sun, so it probably dried quickly.

Resawing is unfortunately not an option, the small bandsaw I have can't handle those dimensions.

Do you think they would have twisted less if I had screwed them before drying, can the screws withstand the forces?

 

[Lexington]

If the screw can handle the forces, I'm not sure? My studs have only been in place for a week so far (4 pcs 6x80 screws).

I guess it would have twisted anyway, a couple of screws at each end can't manage to hold it in the middle of the stud.

 

[Jonbeee]

No, then there's the problem with the long distance between the anchor points, there's nothing to hold it in the middle.



The overlays are recessed into the lower beam (closest to the camera), and there is an 8X200 screw going straight through the overlay into the beam. However, it didn't help much...