For questions involving the use of lumber as a construction material.
2
votes
1answer
131 views
Is there a name for thin (3/8") redwood/cedar boards for basketweave?
I have to replace a "basketweave" style fence section on my property. The horizontal fence boards in the existing fence sections are 3/8" thick redwood boards (approximately 4" high, 3/8" thick, 8' ...
3
votes
1answer
300 views
Should I let pressure treated lumber dry before building with it?
I bought some treated 2x4's from Lowes, and it was fairly wet and heavy. I went ahead and built a firewood rack, but screwing into it releases a lot of water. It got me thinking, is it better to let ...
6
votes
2answers
374 views
How long should I wait before painting new lumber?
I am building a fence. I just bought some treated 4x4s from the lumber yard and they are water logged from being out in the rain for an unknown amount of time.
The weather has been cool and wet for ...
7
votes
2answers
545 views
Outdoor kids playset - type of lumber use/look for
I'm looking at getting a wooden playset (one of those with a rock wall, swings, slide, and small clubhouse up top) and I was wondering what type of lumber I should be looking for. Not so much the type ...
1
vote
1answer
118 views
Is wolmanized wood different that just treated wood?
The title says it all, is wolmanized wood different that just treated wood?
1
vote
1answer
236 views
Are 38mmx72mm roof trusses sufficient for a 6m span?
My roof truss timbers are 38mm x 72mm on 600mm centres with a 6m span. What's that in good old inches?
It seems a little skimpy to me; is this normal for a modern house? I am trying to do a rough ...
3
votes
1answer
976 views
Is 90mm x 45mm a metric 4x2?
This is similar to this question about metric measurements. In Australia, a common measurement is 90mm x 45mm for timber. A 4x2 would be (approx) 100mm x 50mm but, as I understand it, that is the ...
6
votes
1answer
528 views
Can cutting pressure treated wood harm my saw blade?
Should I take time to clean my circular saw blade after cutting pressure treated lumber? Since fasteners other than stainless steel or galvanized can corrode when used in pressure treated wood, is it ...
3
votes
3answers
1k views
How long will a treated post last in the ground?
The power company says I can put my permanent service entrance on a 6" x 6" pressure treated post. My friend suggested I consider a metal post sunk in concrete, for greater longevity.
How long should ...
3
votes
4answers
7k views
What is the proper way to join two beams on a post?
I'm working on a deck that will involve two 10ft wooden beams across three wooden posts. One of the posts will be in the middle of the two beams. What is the proper method for joining the beams to the ...
10
votes
2answers
2k views
Does decking board orientation really matter?
I've been told that decking boards should always be installed "bark side up" so that the boards crown (and shed water) as they age rather than cup (and collect water). But then I've also heard that ...
8
votes
5answers
3k views
What are framing dimensions like in the metric world?
I was always curious about this. In the states we have:
Lumber - Comes most commonly in 2 inch (2x4,6,8,10,12,16) and 4 inch (4x4,4x6) varieties.
Plywood - Almost always 4x8 feet
...
1
vote
1answer
356 views
What type of wood siding should I use for a shed?
What kinds of inexpensive wood siding, suitable for a shed, are commonly available in the U.S.? I checked Lowe's and Home Depot, but all they had was a single type of barn-style shiplap. I had ...
