Una-Lam glues covered bridge deck panels

Here at Una-Lam, we’re often asked about how we glue together our material. These photos of our employees gluing up deck panels for the Groton Street covered bridge show the process in more detail.

First, employees set up the lam stock that has been finger-jointed to the proper length (in this photo around 95′) on carts for gluing. Next, the individual boards are fed through our glue spreader. Once the glue has been applied to the board, employees place it on a form. When all of the pieces are glued and on the form, they are clamped together so the glue can set. After the glue cures, the beam is taken off of the form and sent to the finishing department.

These deck panels are approximately 9″ thick x 53″ wide by 95′ long and will be installed on their side (just like they are shown in the final photo.) The panels bear on the main floor beam pairs and create the actual roadway with up to 4″ of asphalt paving added to the top just as a wearing surface.