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A customer of mine has a patio that is in the corner of an -shaped house. The outside edge is curved so that the patio is 1/4 of a circle. They want a pergola built over this patio to follow the curved edge. At first I told them I would have to build the header as if it were 1/4 of an octagon. By this I mean that it would be 3 straight sections that formed around the patio. I have been thinking I would like to try to laminate a beam that is curved to match the patio. I am thinking of using 1/2″ exterior plywood and making the beam 7 layers thick. I figure I would have to glue one or two layers at a time. After I glue the beam I will cap it with pieces of 3/4 cedar cut to follow the curve. My question is what kind of glue should I use that will give me a long working time, is water proof and not cost an arm and a leg. I am thinking of using Titebond II but am unsure if it will hold up. I intend to finish with paint but am thinking of putting some kind of marine varnish on first. If anyone knows of a better way I am open to any idea. Or is there somewhere I could have this made. I checked locally and couldn’t find anything.
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A customer of mine has a patio that is in the corner of an -shaped house. The outside edge is curved so that the patio is 1/4 of a circle. They want a pergola built over this patio to follow the curved edge. At first I told them I would have to build the header as if it were 1/4 of an octagon. By this I mean that it would be 3 straight sections that formed around the patio. I have been thinking I would like to try to laminate a beam that is curved to match the patio. I am thinking of using 1/2" exterior plywood and making the beam 7 layers thick. I figure I would have to glue one or two layers at a time. After I glue the beam I will cap it with pieces of 3/4 cedar cut to follow the curve. My question is what kind of glue should I use that will give me a long working time, is water proof and not cost an arm and a leg. I am thinking of using Titebond II but am unsure if it will hold up. I intend to finish with paint but am thinking of putting some kind of marine varnish on first. If anyone knows of a better way I am open to any idea. Or is there somewhere I could have this made. I checked locally and couldn't find anything.