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study guide: Lumber
Learning Objectives:• Thefeaturesandbenefitsoftheproductsyousell.
• Howtoansweryourcustomers’product-relatedquestions.
• Howtohelpyourcustomerchoosetherightproducts.
• Howtoincreasetransactionsizesbylearningmoreaboutadd-onsalesandupsellingtechniques.
Product Knowledge:
Chapter 1: Types of LumberModule 1: Softwood Lumber
Fir
• Firisoneofthemostabundantandmostcommonlyusedwoods.
• Itislightweight,versatileandstrong.Itisoneofthemostcommonwesternsoftwoodsusedinconstructionandthefirstchoiceofbuildersandengineers.Ithasgoodperformanceagainsthighwindsandearthquakes.
• Firholdsnails,platesandgluewell.Italsorespondswelltousewithmachineorhandtools.
• Itisusedforframinginresidentialconstructionandawiderangeofcommercialapplications.Italsostainswellandisoftenusedforexposedapplications,suchaswindows,doors,panelingorbeams.
• ThemostcommontypeisDouglasFir.WesternLarchisanotherwoodspeciesthatisoftenmixedwithDouglasFirindimensionallumberproducts.However,theyareseparatedinappearance-gradelumber.Theyarealsoavailableintreatedwood.
• DouglasFirandWesternLarchhaveessentiallythesamephysicalandworkingcharacteristics.
• Theyhaveasmoothtextureandastraightgrain.Theircolorcanbealmostpurewhiteororange/red,dependingonwhichpartofthetrunktheyarecutfrom.
• AmixtureofDouglasFirandWesternLarchismarked“DF-L”,orwithsymbolsassignedbytheWesternWoodProductAssociation(WWPA).
Hemlock
• Hemlockisstrong,freefrompitchandeasytowork.
• Hemlockhasastraightgrainandafinetexturethatresistssplittingandholdsstainwell.
• Itscolorrangesfromanoff-whitetoafaintreddish-brown.
• Popularusesincludeframing,trusses,decking,panelingandcabinetwork.
• HemlockisoftengroupedwithfirwoodandreferredtoasHem-Fir.Thesetwospeciesareoftengrown,harvested,milledandmarketedtogetherbecauseoftheirsimilarcharacteristics.ItisoneofthemostpopularsoftwoodsintheWesternregion.
• TheHem-Firvarietyisapopularchoiceforpressuretreatedwoods.
Woodisoftenclassifiedbythespeciesoftreeitisfrom.Here,we’lldiscusswoodfromsoftwood,orconifer,trees.
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Pine
• Pinehashighstrengthandnail-holdingability.
• Itisusedforavarietyofapplications,fromconstructiontofurnituremaking.
• Pineisthemostcommonwoodtobepressuretreatedtogiveitextradurabilityinoutdoorapplications.
• ThemostcommontypeofpineisSouthernPineorSouthernYellowPine.
• AnothertypeisPonderosaPine,whichhasasoftertexture.Thistypeisbestforlightframingapplicationsandoutdoorapplications.Italsoholdsstainwellandisoftenusedforfurnitureandwoodwork.
• Radiatapineissoldforfinishboards,butusedprimarilyformanufacturedproducts,suchasmoldingsandfinger-jointedmaterials.
Spruce
• Spruceisusedforavarietyofgeneralconstructionwork,aswellashighlyspecializeduses,suchasbuildingmusicalinstruments.
• Itisoftencombinedwithpineandfir,whichsharesimilarcharacteristics,includinghighstrength,lightweightanddurability.
•Amixtureofspruce,firandpinewoodisreferredtoasSPF.
Cedar
• Cedarisusedforsiding,deckingandfences,aswellasinteriorpaneling,molding,doors,windowsandfurniture.
• OnecommontypeisWesternRedCedar.Itisthelargestofallcedars.Itcontainsnoresinandisaverydecayresistantspeciesforbothinteriorandexterioruses.
• Itscolorrangesfromwhitetoadarkreddishbrowntoalightyellow.Italsohasastrongaromaticorspicyodor.
• Ithasafine,straightgrainanduniformtexture.
Redwood
• Redwoodhastheleastamountofshrinkagecomparedtoothercommonsoftwoods.Thatmeansinexterioruseitstaysstraightandflat.
• Redwoodhaslittlepitchorresin,whichallowsittotakeandretainfinisheswell.
• Itislightweightandstrong,easytosaw,glue,nailordrill.
• Redwoodisstrongforitsweightandcanbeusedforloadbearingsupportssuchasposts,stringersanddeckframing.However,itshouldnotbeusedingroundcontactandneedstobepreservedtopreventrotandinsectdamagelikeanyotherwood.
Common Defects in Softwood
Lumberisgradedaccordingtoitsquality,orhowmanydefectsithas.Thegradeofeachpieceoflumberwilldeterminehowitcanbeused.We’lllearnmoreaboutgradingsoftwoodintheDimensionalLumbermodule,buthere,we’llintroducesomecommondefectsthatcanaffectthegradeofapieceoflumber.
• Twistiscurvingsothefourcornersarenolongerinoneplane.Theboardiscurvedinaspirallikeway.
• Cuppingisadeviationfromtheflatplane.Thewidesurfaceoftheboardiscurvedacrosstheface.
• Bow isthelengthwisecurvatureofthewidefaceoftheboard.
• Crookisthelengthwisecurvatureofthenarrowedge.
• Knotsareclassifiedbysize,frompinknotstolargeknots.
Foranexplanationofmoredefects,seetheappendix.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I use a special type of fastener for wood I’ll be using outside?A: Forexteriorwoodapplications,useacorrosion-resistantfastener,suchasstainlesssteelorhot-dippedgalva-nizedsteel.
Q: What is kiln dried lumber?A: Kilndryingissendinglumberthroughanoventodrivethemoistureoutofthewood.Thealternativeisairdrying,whichmeansthelumberisstackedoutsideuntilthemoistureevaporatesfromthewood.Lumberusedinhomesmustbedriedbeforeitisused.Otherwise,itwillshrinkandcauseproblemsinthestructure.ItisoftenlabeledKDonthestamp.
Q: What type of wood is usually pressure treated?A: Pressuretreatedwoodiscommonlypine.Thisgivesitextradurabilityinoutdoorapplications.
Add-on Sales
• Suggestasquareandtape measureformeasuringboardstothedesiredlength.
• Mostcustomerswillwantapower sawforcuttinglumber.
• Suggestahammerandnailsforfasteninglumbertogether.
• Atool pouchishandyforkeepingtoolsandfastenerscloseathandwhileworkingonaproject.
Taking it to the Floor:
Product Knowledge:
Module 2: Dimensional Lumber
Sizing Lumber
• Muchofthelumberyousellatyourstorehasbeencuttostandarddimensions.Itisusuallyplanedsmoothonallfoursides.Mostofthislumber,however,isreferredtobyitsnominalsize,notbyitsactualsize.
• Thenominalsizeisthesizeofthelumberbeforeithasbeendriedandplaned.Therefore,theactualsizewillbesmallerthanthenominalsize.Forexample,lumberthatissoldasa2x6(nominalsize)isactually1-1/2”deepx5-1/2”wide.
• Lumbersizedbetween2”and4”thick(nominal)isoftenreferredtoasdimensionallumber.
• Whenreferringtothenominalsizeofdimensionallumber,referfirsttowidthanddepth.Whenlengthisstated,itistheactuallength,notnominallength.
• Whensellingpackagesoflumber,youmaysellintermsofboardfeet.We’lldiscussthatinChapter2,module2.
• Inthechartonthefollowingpage,you’llseesomeofthecommonnominalsizesfollowedbytheactualsizes.
Softwoodlumbercutandsoldinlumberyardsisdividedintothreecategories:dimensionallumber,timbersandboards.Inthismodule,we’lldiscussdimensionallumber.
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Nominal Size Actual Size
1” 3/4”2” 1-1/2”4” 3-1/2”6” 5-1/2”8” 7-1/4”10” 9-1/4”12” 11-1/4”
Grading
• Lumberisalsosoldaccordingtoitsgrade.EachpieceofwoodisgradedbynationalstandardsdevelopedbytheU.S.DepartmentofCommerce.Thosestandardsarethenenforcedbyregionalassociations.Mostoftheinformationinthiscourseisbasedoninformationfromoneofthelargestofthoselumberproducingassociations,theWesternWoodProductsAssociation(WWPA).
• Lumbermaybegradedforstrengthorappearance.Sinceitisusedforstructuralapplications,dimensionallumberisgradedforstrength.
• FollowingarethegradingguidelinesestablishedforSouthernPine.Thesegradesaresimilartootherspeciesgradesbuttheyhavemoregradeseparationsavailable.However,mostmillsdonotmanufactureallproductsandmakeallgradeseparations.
• Select Structural:Highquality,relativelyfreeofcharacteristicsthatmayimpairstrengthorstiffness.
• No. 1:Provideshighstrength,recommendedforgeneralutilityandconstructionpurposes.
• No. 1Dense:Goodappearance,especiallysuitablewhereexposedbecauseofknotlimitations.
• No. 2:AlthoughlessrestrictedthanNo.1,itissuitableforalltypesofconstruction.
• No. 2 Dense:Allowswell-spacedknotsofanyquality.
• No. 3:Assigneddesignvaluesmeetwiderangeofdesignrequirements.Recommendedforgeneralconstructionpurposeswhereappearanceisnotacontrollingfactor.ManypiecesincludedinthisgradewouldqualifyasNo.2exceptforasinglelimitingcharacteristic.Provideshighqualityandlowcostconstruction.
• Stud:CompositeofNo.3strengthandNo.1nailingedgecharacteristics.
• Economy: Usablelengthssuitableforbracing,blocking,bulkheadingandotherutilitypurposeswherestrengthandappearancearenotcontrollingfactors.
The Grade Stamp
• TheWWPA Certification MarkcertifiesthatthelumberhasbeenjudgedbyWWPAstandards.
• Mill Identification—allowsWWPAtoidentifywhichmillproducedapieceoflumber.
• Grade Designation—identifiesthegradeofthelumber.
• Species Identification—indicatesthespeciesorgroupofspeciesoftree.
• Condition of Seasoning—indicatesthemoisturecontentoftheboardatthetimeitwascut.
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Light Framing
• Lightframinglumberisusedwherehighstrengthvaluesarenotrequired.
• ItistypicallyavailableinSPF,orspruce,pine,fir.
• Itisusuallysized2”to4”thickand2”to4”wide.
• Mostoftheusesfor2x4sinresidentialconstructionarenon-structural.
• Itisavailableinconstruction,standard,utilityandeconomygrades.
Studs
• Studsareusedforstructuralpurposes,includingloadbearingwalls.
• Itssizesareusually2x4or2x6and10’longorshorter.
• Onecommonlengthofprecutstudis92-5/8”.Thisisusedwhereasoleplateisputunderthestudandtwoplatesareputontop,makingatotalinsidefloor-to-ceilingheightofabout8’.
• Anothercommonlengthofprecutstudis94-1/8”.Thisisusedincaseswherethereisasoleplateunderandonlyonetopplate,stillmakingafinishedheightof8’.
• Athirdcommonlengthofprecutstudis92-1/4”.Thisiscommonwithslabconstructionwherecarpetwillbeapplieddirectlyovertheslab.It’spopularinTexasandtheSouthwest.
• Studisitsowngrade,andisacompositeofNo.3strengthandNo.1nailingedgecharacteristics.
Structural Light Framing
• Structurallightframinglumberisusedforengineeringapplicationswherehigherbendingstrengthratiosareneededinlightframingsizes.Itistypicallyusedintrussesandconcretepierwallforms.
• Sizesare2”to4”thickand2”to4”wide,thesameaslightframingsizes.
• Manystoreswillnotcarrythiskind,exceptfor4x4s.
• Gradesareoftenmixedandlabeled“Standard&Better.”ThismeansthebuyermayreceiveamixtureofStandardandConstructiongradedpieces.
Structural Joists & Planks
• Structuraljoistsandplanksareusedforengineeringapplicationsforlumber5”andwider,suchasjoists,raftersandgeneralframinguses.Theyarealsousedforbeamsorgirders,posts,stairstringersoranyotherload-carryingpurpose.
• Sizesareusually2x6through4x16.
• Thetypicalstorestockincludes2x6,2x8,2x10and2x12.
• Storesgenerallyonlystockonespecieforeachsize.
• Gradesareoftenmixedandlabeled“#2andBetter.”Thismeansthebuyermayreceiveamixtureof#2,#1andSelectStructural.Eachlumberisstampedwithitsspecificgrade,butmostconsumerswillnotneedtopickoutallofonetype.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is it called a 2x4 if it is really only 1-1/2”x 3-1/2”?A: Thepieceofwoodstartedout2”x4”,buttheprocessofdryingandplanningmadeitsmaller.Howmuchitshrinksdependsonwhetherthelumberhasbeenleftgreen(undried)orhasbeendriedtoamoisturecontentof19%orless(whichisconsidereddry).
Q: Why are some 2x4s more expensive than others? A: Thequalityisverydifferentbetweenthetwo.OneisaStudgradepieceoflumberandtheotherisUtilitygrade.TheUtilitygradeismuchlowerqualityandshouldn’tbeusedforconstructioninloadbearingwalls.Thereisabigdifferenceinqualitybetweenthetwo.
Q: What grade of board should I use for building a wall? A: Ifthewallwon’tbecarryinganyweightaboveit,youcanusealightframing2x4.Theotheroptionisastud,whichcanbeusedforloadbearingwalls.
Add-on Sales
• Customerspurchasingdimensionallumberwilllikelyalsoneedcommon nailsforgeneralconstructionapplications.
• Customersinvolvedingeneralconstructionmayalsoneedframingstrapsandties,suchasjoist hangers,tie platesandnail plates.
• Acarpenter’s pencilisanotheritemtheprocustomermayneedtobuyfrequently.
• Customerspurchasingalargequantityoflumbermaywanttoconsiderextrasaw blades,incasetheonestheyareusingstarttogetdull.
• Alwayssuggestpersonalsafetyequipment,suchasgloves,safety glassesandear protection.
Product Knowledge:
Module 3: Timber, Beams, Posts and Trusses
Timbers and Beams
• Timbersandbeamscanbegroupedintotwocategories:beamsandstringersandpostsandtimbers.
• Beamsandstringersarepiecesoflumbersized5”andthickerwherethewidthismorethan2”greaterthanthethickness.Thesearenormallyusedasbeamsplacedhorizontally,andtheycarryaloadalongitslength.
• Postsandtimbersarepiecesoflumbersized5”andthickerwherethewidthisnotmorethan2”greaterthanitsthickness.Theyarenormallyusedaspostscarryingloadsplacedontheirendastheystandvertically.
Trusses
• Trussesareengineeredframingcomponentspre-builtatthefactorysotheycansimplybeinstalledatthejobsite.
• Atrusscontainsthreeparts:thetopmemberortopchordthatreplacestherafter,thebottommemberorbottomchordthatreplacestheceilingjoist,andtheinteriorpiecesorwebsthathelpholdittogether.
• Biggestreasontheyareusedisthattheycanbeengineeredtospecificdesignloads,whichmakesthemstructurallysuperiortoaroofdesignedatthejobsite.
• Mosttrussesareplaced24”oncenter(asopposedtothestandard16”)sofewermaterialsandlesslaborareneeded.
Taking it to the Floor:
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Truss Types
• Therearethreecommontrussshapes:Kingspost,ScissorandFinkor“W”.
• Theseareexamplesofroof trusses,whichsupporttheroof.Theycanalsobedesignedtospanlongdistances,sometimestheentirelengthfromoutsidewalltooutsidewall,eliminatingtheneedforload-bearinginteriorwalls.
• Floor trussesareflattrussesthatreplacefloorjoists.Theycanbedesignedtosupportalongspan,butaload-bearingwallinthebasementisn’tunusual.Thelongerspanunsupportedbyawallrequiresatallertruss,whichraisestheprofileofthehouseorrequiresadeeperbasement.
MSR Lumber
• MSRlumber,ormachinestress-ratedlumber,isgradedbytestingitonamachine.Thisisdifferentthanmostothertypesoflumberthataregradedvisually.
• Byputtingthelumberonamachinetogradeit,themanufacturercanfinditsactualstrengthandcanusepiecesthatarejusttherightstrengthfortheapplication.
• StrengthandstiffnessaretheimportantfactorsindeterminingthespecificationofMSRlumber,andaremarkedontheMSRgradestamp.
Treated Wood
• Treatedlumberhasbeenchemicallytreatedtoresistdecay,insectsanddeteriorationovertime.
• Themostcommonpreservativeisalkalinecopperquaternary(ACQ).UseitonwoodslikeSouthernPine.
• Thistreatmentusuallydoesn’tprovidemoldtreatment,sotheusermustapplyaseparatemoldicide.
• ACQiscorrosivetoferrousmetalsthatmakeupmostfasteners.Useafastenerthatwillstanduptothatcorrosion,suchasstainlesssteelorhot-dippedgalvanized.
• Anothertypeoftreatedwoodismicronizedcopperquaternary,orMCQ.UnlikeACQtreatedwood,MCQtreatedwoodcauseslittletonocorrosioninthewood,doesnotchangethenaturalcolorofthewoodanddoesnotposethesafetyconcernsoftenassociatedwithACQ.
Kingspost
Scissor
Fink or “W”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are chemicals used to treat pressure treated wood dangerous?A: Previously,pressuretreatedwoodwastreatedwithachemicalcalledCCApreservative,whichwasbannedforresidentialusesintheU.S.attheendof2003.Thischemicalwasconsideredunsafeforcertainuses.ACQ(alkalinecopperquaternary)isreplacingCCAinmostofthecountry(whereSouthernPineisused)exceptthefarwest,whereCA(copperazole)ismorecommon(Hem-FirandSPFarethemostcommonspeciestreated).
Q: Do I need to let treated lumber dry?A: Yes.Thetreatmentprocesssaturateswoodwithachemicalthatiscarriedinwater.Thewoodwilltakeseveralmonthstodryoutafterthetreatment.Asthewooddries,thereisthepossibilityitmayshrinkorwarp.Youshouldnotpaintorstainthewooduntilithasthoroughlydriedout.
Q: Are there differences in the types of treated lumber I can buy?A: Thedifferenceyouneedtobeconcernedaboutiswhatkindofuseit’squalifiedfor.Thegradestampwillindicatewhetheritisratedforgroundcontact,abovegrounduseorbelowgrounduse.You’llwanttousetheproperconcentration,asthehigherconcentrationlumbercostsmoreandwearsoutsawbladesmorequickly.
• Abovegroundisforuseinapplicationssuchasdecking,fencesandrailings.
• Groundcontactisforuseforposts,retainingwallsandlandscapetimers.
• In-groundisforuseonwoodfoundationmaterials.
Taking it to the Floor:
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Q: Is it dangerous to cut treated wood?A: Youcancuttreatedwoodsafelyifyoufollowafewsafetyprecautions.First,wearamasktopreventinhalingthedustanduseglovestopreventsplinters.Alsoweareyeprotectiontoprotectfromparticlesflyingintoyoureye.Then,disposeofthedustinthetrash;donotburnscrapsorsawdust.Alwayscutinawell-ventilatedarea.Thoroughlywashhandsandfacebeforeeatingorsmokingtoavoidaccidentalingestionofthedust.
Q: How is MSR lumber tested?A: MSRlumberistestedbyamachine.Totestapieceoflumber,thepieceentersamachinethatexertsbendingstressintwodirections.Electronicloadcellsmeasureresistancetobendingandsendthatinformationtoadataprocessingunit.Thedataprocessoranalyzestheinformationandacceptsorrejectsthepieceaccordingtostiffnesscharacteristics.Eachpiecereceivesanappropriatestamp.
Q: What grade of board should I use for building a wall? A: Ifthewallwon’tbecarryinganyweightaboveit,youcanusealightframing2x4.Theotheroptionisastud,whichcanbeusedforloadbearingwalls.
Add-on Sales
• Anyonebuyingtreatedlumberwillneedgalvanizedorstainless steel fasteners.
• Recommendadust mask,glovesandsafety glassesaspersonalprotectionwhencuttingtreatedlumber.
• Askcustomersiftheyneedanextrasaw blade,incasetheonetheyareusinggetsdull.
• Remindcustomersthateventhoughtheyarebuyingtreatedwood,theyshouldstilluseawood preservativeforpreservingthecutendsoflumberaswellasforwaterproofing.
Module 4: Boards
Product Knowledge:
Sizing Boards Aboardisgenerallyapieceoflumber1”nominalinthickness(3/4”actual)andanywidth.
Thickness
• Aboardisgenerallyapieceoflumber1”nominalinthickness(3/4”actual).
• Boardsthickerthan1”nominalarecalled5/4(five-quarter)or6/4.
• Theseareoftensoftwoodsinfinishgradesanduseboardgradingrules.
Width
• Boardsaretypically2”andwider.
• Withthickerboards,itiscommontobuyS2Slumber(surfacedontwosides,notontheedges).Theyareoftenrandomwidths.
Length
• Typicalstockforastoreisboardsinevenfootlengthsfrom8’to16’.
Patterns
• Someboardsareprecutintostandardshapesforusessuchaspaneling,siding,flooringorshiplap,whichisaboardwithnotchededgessoadjoiningpiecesoverlap.
Grading
• Boardsaregradedontheirappearanceratherthantheirstructuralqualities.Theirintendedusedependsontheirgrade,orhowmanydefectstheyhave.Theyhavelowmoisturecontentandarekilndried.
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Select Board
• Theselectboardcategoryconsistsofboardsofvarioustypesofspecieswhereappearanceismostimportant.
• Selectsaregradedbasedonappearanceandtheyarealsoknownasappearancelumber.
• Thisisthetypemostcommonlycarriedbylumberyards.
• Idahowhitepineandcedarhaveseparatenamesforthevariousgrades.Thesearelistedherewith“IWP”asaprefix.
• B & Better (IWP-Supreme):Theultimateinfineappearance.Thisisthehighestgradeofselectlumber.Manypiecesareabsolutelyclearofdefects.
• C Select (IWP-Choice):Maycontainafewdefectsthatcanbehiddenbypainting.Recommendedforuseswherefineappearanceisessential.Widelyusedforhighqualityinteriortrimandcabinetwork.FrequentlyblendedwithB&BettergradeandmarketedasC&BetterSelect.
• D Select (IWP-Quality):ForfinishingrequirementslessexactingthanCSelect.Ithasanunlimitednumberofdefectsorblemishesthatcanbehiddenbypainting.Onerestrictedcutoutispermitted.Manypiecesmayhaveafinishappearanceononeside.Itisbetweenthehigherfinishinggradesandtheboardgrades.
Paneling
• Panelingisanothertypeofboardgradedonappearance.
• Thistypeofboardisusedtofinishwalls,andisusuallystainedandvarnished.
• SelectorFinishgradeboardsareusedforpaneling.Selected Grade 2 CommonorGrade 3 Commonisalsousedforpanelingwhereknotsareapartofthefinalappearance.
Common Board
• Commonboardsareusedforutilityandconstruction.
•Thistypeofboardhasenoughblemishesordefectstomakeitunsuitableforworkwhereappearanceisimportant.
Herearethetypicalgradesofcommonboards:• Grade 1 Common (IWP Colonial):Usedwheretheultimateinaknotty
appearanceisdesirable.Allknotsaresoundandtight.Oftenusedforpanelingandshelving.
• Grade 2 Common (IWP-Sterling):Usedforhousingandlightconstructionwhereitwillbeexposedandwhereafineknottyappearanceisdesired.Oftenusedforpanelingandshelving.AllowsforlargerandmoredefectsthanNo.1.Noknotholes.
• Grade 3 Common (IWP-Standard):Usedwhereappearanceandstrengtharebothimportant.Oftenusedforpaneling,shelvingandsidingandespeciallysuitedforboxes,crating,sheathingandmanyindustrialuses.OccasionalknotholespluslargerandmoredefectsthanNo.2.
• Grade 4 Common (IWP-Utility):Mostwidelyusedgrade.Usedforgeneralconstructionpurposessuchassubfloors,roofandwallsheathing,concreteforms,low-costfencing,cratingandsimilartypesofconstruction.Allowsonlythreeknotholesper12’lengthofboard.
• Grade 5 Common (IWP-Industrial):Usedforeconomyapplications.Allowsalmostunlimiteddefectsifitholdstogetherduringordinaryhandling.
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Alternate Board
• Alternateboardsarenotsuitableforworkwhereappearanceisimportant.
• Thegradeofthisboardisdeterminedfromitsbetterface.Therearetwocommongrades:
• Select Merchantableisusedforpaneling,shelvingorwhereaknottytypeoflumberisdesirable.
• Constructionisusedforlet-inbracing,spacedsheathing,fences,boxes,cratingandindustrialapplications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I buy more paneling that matches what I already have in my house?A:Ifthedesignisastandardpattern,ithasanumberandiseasytoreorder.We’llchecktheWWPA’s“StandardProductPattern”booklet.
Q: What does 5/4 mean?A: Mostboardsaresoldusingthequarter(1/4)system,wherefour1/4”incrementsmakeupaninch.Therefore“4/4rough”equals1”thick,5/4equals1-1/4”thick,8/4equals2”thick,etc.Theseareusuallysoftwoodsinfinishgrades.
Q: What would you recommend for building sides to a drawer?A:Useboardsthatare5/8”or1/2”thick.Theseareusuallyusedforbuildingdrawersidesandforhobbywork.
Q: What board would I use for a stair tread?A: Usea5/4ora6/4board.Thesearethickerthanthestandardboard,whichis1”nominal.Theseareusedforstairtreadsaswellasformakingtrimandcabinets.
Add-on Items
• Customerspurchasingboardswilllikelyneedbasicmeasuringandcuttingtools.Askiftheyhaveasquare,measuring tape,carpenter’s pencilandsaw.
• Theymayalsoneedbasicassemblytools,suchasahammerandfinish nails.
• Next,askhowthecustomerwillbefinishingthewood,andrecommendtheappropriate paint,stainor polyurethane.
• Theywillalsoneedbrushesandragsforapplyingthefinish.
• Otheritemsyoucanrecommendincludesandpaperforpreparingthewood’ssurfaceandwood puttyforcoveringnailholes.
• Don’tforgettorecommendadusk mask,glovesandeye protectionforworkingwithwood.
Taking it to the Floor:
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Module 5: Deck and Fencing
Product Knowledge:
Wooden Deck Board
• Woodendeckboardisusedforoutdoorandgardenapplications,suchaspatios,decks,benches,trimandfencing.
• Itisalsoknownaspatiodeckingorradius-edgedpatiodecking.
• Itisgenerallymadetobeinstalledflatandusedforloadbearingapplications.Themaximumspanis16”oncenter.
• Manyofthedecksbuilttodayusepressure-treatedwoodbecauseitresistsdecay,insectsanddeterioration.However,sometreatmentscanbetoxicandcorrosivetofasteners.Pineiscommonlyusedforpressure-treatedwood.
• Somedecksaremadefromsoftwoodsthatarenaturallyresistanttodecay,suchasredwoodandcedar.
• Bothofthesetypesneedtobemaintainedwithastainorwoodpreservativetomaintaintheirappearanceandextendtheirlife.
Grades of Fencing and Decking
• Somemillsanddistributorsmixgradesandcointermssuchaspatiograde,deckgradeandgardengrade.Theyattempttocomeupwithamixthatwillbesuitableforbuildingadeckorfence,forexample,atthelowestprice.
• Herearesomegradesyou’llfindfordecking:
• ThePatio 1gradeissimilartotheNo.2andBetter.Itisacommongradeofboardlumberwhereafineknottyappearanceisdesired.Itallowsfewermanufacturerdefects.
• ThePatio 2gradeissimilarinappearancetotheNo.3Commongradeofboardlumber,whichallowsforoccasionalknotholespluslargerandmoredefectsthanNo.2grade.
Grading Redwood
• Unlikedimensionlumberandboards,redwoodisgradedbasedonwhetherthewoodisallheartwoodorcontainssomesapwood.Herearethegeneralgrades.Foramoredetailedlistingofgrades,seetheappendix.
• TheCleargradeisthehighestqualityandhasfewdefects.
• TheConstructiongradehassomedefectsbutissuitableforloadcarrying.
• TheMerchantablegradehasmoredefectsandmaybesimilartoagoodgradeofutilitylumber.
Plastic Deck Board
• Plasticdeckboardismadefromextrudedvinyl,usuallyPVC.
• Sometypesarehollow,butbettertypeshaveanopen-cellPVCconstruction.
• Plasticdeckboardislowmaintenance,anddoesn’tmoldorrot.Sometypescanbeworkedlikewood.
• Itisavailableinavarietyofcolors.Somemanufactureshaveboardsthatcloselymimicwood.
Clear Grade
Construction Grade
Merchantable Grade
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Deck Accessories
• Inadditiontodeckingboards,thecustomerwillneedseveralotheraccessoriestocompletetheproject.Thesemaybeavailableinbothwoodandcompositedeckingmaterials.
• Stair stringersareoftenprecutwiththeriseandrunatstandardlengthsforaneasierinstall.
• Balustersarepartoftherailingsystemandhelpgivethedeckafinishedappearance.Thebalusters(verticalpieces)andtherails(horizontalpieces)areusuallyavailableindifferentstyles.Theymayalsocomewithanassemblysystemthatmakesthemeasytoinstall.
• Latticecanbeusedasunderpinningtoclosetheopenspacebetweenthedeckandtheground.Itcanalsobeusedtrellisesorarborsforthegarden.
About Fencing
• Afencesystemincludesposts,horizontalrailsandverticalslats.Italsoincludesavarietyofgatehardware.
• Fencesaresometimessoldinpreassembledpanels.Theyaresimplyattachedtopostsintheground.Othersystemsaresoldasseparatepieces.
• Severalstylesofdecorativefencesareavailable,includingsolidboard,shadowbox,spacedpicket,latticetop,stockade,basketweaveandpostandrail.Whenchoosingastyle,homeownersshouldconsiderthestyleoftheirhouseandwhatfunctiontheywantthefencetoserve.
Wood Fencing
• Pressuretreatedpineisoneofthemostcommonlyusedwoodsusedforfences.Itresistsdecayandisinexpensive.Makesurethepressuretreatedlumberyousellhasachemicalconcentrationsuitabletotheuse.Lowerconcentrationsofchemicalareforabove-grounduseandhigherconcentrationsareforbelow-grounduse.
• Cedarandredwoodareotherpopularwoodsusedforfences.Theynaturallyresistdecay.Theyareoftengradedaccordingtodifferentcategoriesthanthepine.
• Whenlookingforwoodsuitableforafence,appearanceisanimportantfactor.Uniformitywillbeanimportantfactortoconsider.Refertogradingguidelinestoseewhichgradesaresuitableforusebelowground.
PVC Fencing
• PVCfencingismadeofvinylinavarietyofstylesthatmimicwood.
• Severalcolorsareavailableandthisfenceneedsnopainting.Onhigh-qualityfences,thecolorgoesallthewaythroughtoresistscratchingandchipping.
• Thistypeoffencingresistsrottingandsplintering.
• Stylesincludeornamental,picket,postandrailandprivacy.Accessorieslikepostcapsandfinialsarealsoavailable.
• Itassembleswithscrews.
• Eachmanufacturerofthisproductwillhaveitsownuniquesetoffeatures.Knowthesellingpointsthatdifferentiatetheproductyourstoresellsfromotherproductsonthemarket.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to stain or paint my cedar fence?A:Cedarisnaturallyresistanttodecayandwhenitweathers,itwillturnasoftsilvergrayandevenblackinsomeareas.Toprotectitscolorandprotectfrommildew,useapenetratingstain.Youcanuseatransparentstain,asemi-transparentstainoranopaquestain.
Q: What kind of nails should I use for my deck?A:Usenon-corrosivenails,suchasstainlesssteelorhot-dippedgalvanized.Ring-orspiral-shankednailsprovidebetterholdingcapacity.
Q: How deep should I bury the fence posts?A:Agoodguideistoburyatleast1/3thetotallengthofthepostintheground.Forpoststhatareontheendorthatwillsupportagate,burythepostanadditional6”.
Q: How strong is vinyl fence?A:Farmersusevinylfencetosafelycontaincattleandhorses.High-qualityfenceshaveabettertensilestrengththanwood.
Q: What can I use to clean my wood fence?A:Useaproductdesignedforthepurpose.Ordinaryhouseholdcleanersmaycontainbleach,whichbreaksdownthefibersinthewoodandcanalsodamagesurroundinggreenery.
Q: Do I need to apply a waterproofer on top of the stain?A:No,thatwon’tgivethefenceextraprotection.Thewaterproofermustpenetratethewoodtoworkanditcan’tdothatifthereisalreadyacoatingonthewood.
Q: How do I maintain my redwood deck?A:Redwoodisstrongerthanotherwoods,soyoucanletitweathernaturallyanditislesslikelytowarporsplit.Itwillweathertoanaturalgraycolor.Toenhancethecolorofthewoodandprovideadditionalprotection,useafinishthathasawaterrepellent,amildewcideandUVprotection.
Taking it to the Floor:
Composite Fencing
• Similartocompositedecking,compositefencingisgenerallymadefromacombinationofplastic,woodand/orothermaterials.
• Itiseasytomaintainanddoesn’trequirestainingorpaintinglikewoodenfencing.
• Italsoresistsfading,warping,rotting,splittingandinsects.
• Avarietyofstylesareavailable,similartothestylesavailablewithothertypesoffencing.
• Itisusuallyeasytoassembleandrequiresfastenersspecifiedbythemanufacturer.
Upselling Skills
• Severalmanufacturershaveprocessesthattreatwoodwithouttheuseoftoxicchemicals.Thetypesincludeathermallymodifiedlumber,acetylatedlumberandaglass-infusedlumber.Whilethesetypesofwoodareoftenmoreexpensive,theadvantageisthattheyarenon-toxic,non-corrosivetofasteners,aremoredimensionallystablethanregularwood,andresistinsectsandfungi.Somemanufacturersevenclaimtheirproductsarefireresistant.Mostproductscarrylongwarranties.
• Alsoremindcustomersoftheadvantagesofcompositedeckingandfencingmaterials.Whilethesehaveahigherinitialcostthanwood,theylastlonger.Eachmanufacturerofthisproductwillhaveitsownuniquesetoffeatures.Thesefeaturesshouldbeyoursellingpointsasyoushowcustomerstheirdeckingoptions.
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Add-on Sales
• Manyoftheseadd-onsaleswillbeusefulforeitherafenceordeckinstallationproject.
• Suggestatape measure,string lineandstakesforlayingouttheareawherethefenceordeckwillbeinstalled.
• Suggestapost-hole diggeroraugerfordiggingaholefortheposts.Customerswillalsoneedconcrete mixforsettingthepost.Suggestashovelforfillingindirtaftertheposthasbeenset.
• Askifcustomersneeda circular sawformakinganynecessarycutstotheboardoralevel foraligningtheposts.
• Forcustomerswhowillbeinstallingagate,suggesttheappropriategatehardware.
• Customersusingcompositematerialswillneedacarbide saw bladeformakingcuts.
• Makesurecustomershaveplentyofgalvanized nailsandahammerforinstallingwoodenproducts,orspecialty fastenersrecommendedbythemanufacturerforcompositeandvinylproducts.
• Finally,forcustomersbuyingwoodmaterials,remindthemtouseastainorsealertokeepthefenceordeckwellmaintained.
Module 6: Hardwood Lumber
Product Knowledge:
Oak
• Oakisoneofthemostpopularhardwoodsforbothwoodworkersandconsumers.
• Ithasapronouncedgrainthatcatchestheeyeanddistinguishesitfromotherhardwoods.Open-poresmeanithasdramaticgrainpatternsinsawnlumber.
• Someboardsmayhavedarkmineralstreaks.Occasionally,verysmallpinkpinknotswillbepresent.
• Themostcommontypesincludered andwhite oak.
• Whiteoakistypicallymorefine-grainedandhasamoregray-browncolor.
• Oakisusedinawidevarietyofapplicationsincludingflooring,furnitureandcabinetryconstruction.
White Oak
Red Oak
Birch
• Birchhasafinegrainpatternandexcellentworkingproperties,whichmeansitissuitableforavarietyofprojects.
• Thereisawidevariationbetweensapwoodandheartwoodbirch.Thesapwoodhasacreamyyellowcolorandtheheartwoodhasarichreddish-browncolor.
• Somecustomersmayspecifyallwhite(sapwood)orallred(heartwood).
• Birchisusedinkitchencabinetsandothercarpentryforthehomeandoffice.
Walnut
• Walnuthasarichbrownappearanceandtypicallyhasnumerousknots,tightburlsandwavygrains.
• Itisafavoriteofhomeworkshopsandcabinetmakersbecauseitworkswellwithmachineandhandtools,anditnails,gluesandholdsscrewswell.
• Walnutfinishes,turns,sandsandcarveseasily,andcanbepolishedtoahighsheen.
• Onetype,American black walnut,driesveryslowlyandissuitableforsteambending.
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Cherry
• Cherrytypicallyhasareddish-browncolor,butfreshlycutwoodmaybelighter.Thesapwoodcanbeacreamywhite.
• Itismoderatelydurablewithmediumstrengthandlowstiffnessandhasatendencytodarkenwithageoraftercutting.
• Cherryworkswellwithhandandpowertools.
• Itnails,gluesandstainswellandcanproduceasmoothfinish.
• Italsohasgoodbendingproperties,andisoftenusedforturningandcarving.
• Cherryisverypopularforuseinfinefurniture,forflooring,molding,paneling,doorsandmusicalinstruments.
Ash
• Ashisstraightgrainedwithacoarse,uniformtexture.
• Thesapwoodislightcolored,andtheheartwoodisgrayishbrowntolightbrown.
• Itmachineswell,andholdsnails,screwsandgluewell.Itissuperiorforsteambending.
• Ashhasgoodstrengthqualitiescomparedtoitsrelativelightweight,aswellasgoodshockresistance.
• Itisusedforcabinets,joinery,plywood,oarconstruction,sportinggoodsandtoolhandles.
Maple
• Maplehasastraight,close-grained,uniformtexture,butsometimeswillshowcurls.
• Thesapwoodiscreamywhitewithatouchofbrownincolor,whiletheheartwoodcanbelighttodarkreddishbrown.
• Itdriesslowlyandshrinkssignificantly.
• Mapleisgoodforsteambending.Ithasahighresistancetoabrasionandwearandhasgoodstrengthproperties.
• Itmachinesandgluessatisfactorily,butholesshouldbepre-boredfornailsorscrews.
• Itproducesanoutstandingfinishwhenstained.
• Mapleisafavoriteformakingbaseballbats.
Poplar
• Poplarhasastraight,closedgrain.
• Sapwoodiswhitishyellowincolor,whiletheheartwoodisstrawbrowntogreen.
• Poplarislightweightwithmoderatestiffnessandgoodstrength.
• Itworkswellwithhandandmachinetoolsbuthasaslighttendencytosplitwhennailed.
• Poplarholdspaintwellandtypicallybetterusedwithdarkstainsastheheartwooddoesn’tabsorbstainwell.
• Itisusedforpaneling,interiortrim,furniture,carvingandturning.
Chestnut
• Chestnutresemblesoakincolorandgrain.
• Itislightincolorandslightlylighterinweightthanmaple.
• “Wormy”chestnuthastinypinholesthataretheresultofpinworminfestation.
• Itisacoarsewood,soitdoesn’tturnaswellasotherwoods.
• Itworkseasilywithhandandpowertools,andsandswellandrespondswelltofinish.
• Chestnutisoftenusedasaveneerforcabinets,forfurnitureconstructionandbyantiquerestorers.
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Hickory
• Hickoryisaheavywoodknownforitsstrength.
• Ithasadensegrainwithhightoughness,stiffnessandshockresistance.
• Thesapwoodiswhiteincolor,whiletheheartwoodistantobrown.
• Hickoryisdifficulttomachine,orcut,andcanblunttools.
• Itstainsandfinisheswell.
• Hickoryisusedtomakesportinggoodsequipment,carvingsandveneersonpaneling.
Beech
• Beechhasaclosegrainthatmakesitsuitableforturningandcarving.
• Itistypicallywhite,palecreamorpalebrownincolor.
• Thiswoodhasgoodsteambendingproperties,anditglueseasilyandfinisheswell.However,itcanbedifficulttocutorplane.
• Sometimesitisusedasasubstituteforbirch.
• Beechisusedforhigh-endfurnitureandcabinetryaswellastoys,sportsequipmentandmusicalinstruments.
Lauan
• Lauanissofterthanmostsoftwooddimensionallumber.
• ItisalsoknownasPhilippinemahogany,whichisnotthesameastropicalmahogany.
• SometimesLauaniscalledthepoorman’shardwood,asitisusuallytheleastexpensiveofthepopularhardwoods.
• Oneuseisasaveneeronplywood.
Grading Agencies for Hardwood
• TheNationalHardwoodLumberAssociationestablishesthesegradesofhardwoodlumber.Sincehardwoodsarerarelyusedforstructuralpurposes,themainfactorinhard-woodgradingisappearanceandthenumberofclearcuttingspossiblefromapiece.
• FAS(FirstandSeconds).Themostpiecesclearofdefectsandalsothemostexpensive.Boardsaregenerally6”andwiderand8’andlonger.Usedforfinefurnitureandcabinetry.
• Selects.Acost-effectivesubstituteforFASwhenonlyonegoodfacingisrequired.Boardsare4”andwider,6’andlonger.
• #1 Common.Ashoporthriftgradewhereboardsare2/3clearfacecuttings.Agoodvalueforwheresmallerpiecescanbeused.
• #2 Common.Boardshave50%clearfaces.Generally3”andwiderand4’andlonger.Usedforsomepanelingandflooring.
Cutting Boards
Boardsmayvaryinpriceandqualitydependingonhowtheyarecutatthesawmill.Thewayaboardiscutwillaffectitsappearanceandstability.Herearethethreemainwaysboardsarecut.
Plain Sawn:Inaplainsawnboard,boardsarecutparalleltothelog.Itproducesthefamiliar“cathedral”appearance.Thisisthemostefficientwaytocutaboardandthereisminimalwaste.Thedisadvantageisthattheseboardshaveatendencytocup,twistorbow.
Quarter Sawn:Aquartersawnboardisfirstcutinquarters,thencutmostlyperpendiculartothegrain.Thisproducesaboardwithmostlystraightlines.Itisalsomorestablethataplainsawnboard.Sinceittakesmoreworktocutthistypeofboardandsinceitproducesmorewaste,itismoreexpensive.
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Q: Why does a piece of wood have knots?A:Knotsmarkthespotonatreewherethereoncewasabranch,whichhassincebeenencasedbythegrowthofthetree.
Q: What’s the difference between hardwood and a softwood?A:Thebiologicalansweristhathardwoodsproduceseedswithsomesortofcovering,suchasafruitoranut.Softwoodsproduceseedswithnocovering—theyfalltotheground.Hardwoodstendtobemoredense,butthehardnessordensityofthewoodisnotthemeansofclassification.(Balsawood,thelightestofallwoods,isconsideredahardwood).Butinthelumberyard,structurallumberissoftwoodbecauseitiseasytoworkwithandtheleastexpensive.Hardwoodismoreexpensiveandisusedmainlyasafinishingmaterial.
Q: What does it mean if a board is quarter sawn? A:Toquartersawapieceofwoodmeanscuttingthelogata90ºangletothegrowthring.Thiswillproduceauniformorverticalgrainpattern.Thismethodofcuttingproducesfewerboardsperlogandthusquarter-sawnboardsaremoreexpensive.Theyareusuallyusedfordecorativeapplicationsandwillexpandandcontractlessthanboardscutfromthelogbyothermethods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a less expensive alternative to buying a solid piece of hardwood?A:Dependingonhowyouareusingit,youmighttryapieceofplywoodwithahardwoodveneer.Thatisathinsliceofhardwoodbondedtoacoreofcompositeboard,soyoucanstillgetthelookofhardwoodwithoutthecostofasolidpieceofwood.
Q: Why is there so much color variation among different pieces of hardwood?A:Hardwoodtreestakemanyyearstomatureandeachonedevelopsitsowncharactermarkings.Sapwood(woodtakenfromtheouteredgeofthetree)andheartwood(woodtakenclosertothecoreofthetree)oftenhavecolorvariations.Thecolorofthewoodalsoshowstheeffectsofvariousmineralsthetreemayhaveabsorbedasitgrew.
Taking it to the Floor:
Add-on Sales
• Customerspurchasinghardwoodsmayalsobelookingforavarietyofhandandpowertools.YoucanlearnmoreaboutthosetoolsintheBasicTrainingCourseinHardwareRetailing.Butevenforcustomerswhoownallofthenecessarytools,therearestillsomeitemstheywillneedonaregularbasisthatyoucanrecommendduringasaleofhardwood.
• Askifthecustomerneedsanyadditionalbladesforthesawsusedtocuthardwoods.
• Theymayalsoneedacarpenter’s pencilformarkinglines.
• Next,askhowthecustomerwillbefasteningtheboardtogether.Woodworkersgenerallyuse glueandsometypeofjoinery,suchas biscuitsordowels.
• Anotherimportantphaseofawoodworkingprojectisthefinishingphase,soremindyourcustomertogetthepropersandpaper.
• Then,showthecustomeryourselectionof paints,stainsandfinishes,alongwithbrushesand rags.
• Remindyourcustomertousesafetyequipmentforworkingwithhardwoods,includingsafety glasses,ear protectionandgloves.
Riff Sawn:Inariftsawnboard,everyboardiscutdirectlyperpendiculartothegrain.Thisproducesaboardwithstraightlinesoneachsideoftheboard.Itisthemostdimension-allystablecutoflumberavailableandthemostdesiredforfurnituremaking.However,itproducesthemostwasteandisthemostdifficulttocut,thereforethemostexpensive.
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study guide: Lumber
Product Knowledge:
Chapter 2: Selling LumberModule 1: Understanding Board Feet
Sellinglumbercanbemorecomplexthanmostoftheotherproductsyousell.Somecustomerswillgiveyouadetailedlistofeachsizeandquantitytheyneed.Othersmaycomeinwithaprojectandaskyoutohelpthemfigurequantitiesandsizes.Eachmoduleofthischapterwillhelpyoumakesurethelumbertheygetisadequateforthetask.
Whilemuchlumbertodayissoldbythepiece,somelumberyardsselllumberbytheboardfoot.Thismodulewillhelpyouunderstandboardfeetandhowtopriceandcalculatequantities.
Board Feet & Lineal
•Aboardfoot(BF)is144cu.in.oflumber.Thinkofitasapieceoflumber12”squareand1”thick.Itcould,forexample,bea2x6thatis1’long,oranycombinationthatequals144cu.in.
•Linealfeet(LFT)istheequivalentofplacingthelumberendtoendandjustcountingthetotallength.Itissometimescalledrunningfeet.Forexample:10piecesof2x4sthatare10’longwouldbe100LFT.
Reading Board Foot Tables
• Toreadaboardfoottable,firstreadthenominalsizecolumntofindthelumbersize.
• Nextreadacrosstothecorrectcolumn.Thenumbershavealwaysbeenroundedup.
• Usetheleftcolumntofindouthowmanylinealfeetareinacertainnumberofboardfeet.
• Forexample,howmanyLFTof2x4saretherein300BFof2x4s?Tofindtheanswer,lookinthetabletofindhowmanyLFTthereareinoneBFof2x4.Thenumberis1.5.Multiply1.5x300.Theansweris450LFTof2x4in300BF.
• Usethesecondcolumntofindouthowmanyboardfeetareinacertainnumberoflinealfeet.
• Forexample,howmanyBFaretherein450LFTof2x4s?Thetabletellsusthereis.6667BFperLFTina2x4.Calculate.6667x450=300BFin450LFTof2x4.
• Tofindhowmanyboardfeetthereareineachpieceoflumber,lookfirstunderthenominalsizecolumnforthesizeyouwant,thenfindtheappropriatelength.
• Forexample,a22’long,2x12boardhas44BF.
Board Feet Formula
• Youcanalsocalculateboardfeetwithoutthetable.
• Usethisformula:NUMBEROFPIECESxTHICKNESS(ininches)xWIDTH(ininches)xLENGTH(infeet)=BOARDFEET(dividedby)12.
• Here’sanexample.HowmanyBFarein20pcs.of2x6-16’?Tofindtheanswer,multiply20x2x6x16=3,840.Then3,840/12=320.Theresultis320BF.
• Asecondformulais:LINEALFEETxTHICKNESS(ininches)xWIDTH(ininches)=BOARDFEET(dividedby)12.
• Forexample,howmanyBFarein500LFTof2x10?Theansweris500x2x10=10,000.Then:10,000dividedby12=833-1/3.833.34BF.
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Converting Board Feet To Lineal Feet
• Remember,linealfeetissimplyhowmuchlengthoflumberyouhave.Sometimesyoumayhavetochangeboardfeetintolinealfeet.
• Todothat,firstfindouthowmanyboardfeetareinonelinealfootofthegivensize.Dothiseitherbylookingatthechartorusingeitheroftheboardfootformulasjustdiscussed.
• Second,dividethatnumberintotheboardfeetgiven.
• Here’sanexample.HowmanyLFTof1x3lumberisthereis1,000BF?First,usethecharttofindthat1pieceof1x3,1’longcontains.25BF.Thenmakethecalculation:1,000BFdividedby.25=4,000.Answeris4,000LFT.
Converting Board Feet To Number of Pieces
• Anestimatorinyourstoremaygiveabuilderaprice“bythethousandboardfeet.”Thecontractoracceptedthebidandnowit’stimetodeliverthematerials.You’llhavetoconverttheboardfeettoactualpieces.
• Todothis,firstfindouthowmanyboardfeetthereareinonepieceofthedesiredsize.
• Nextdividethatnumberintotheallottedamount.
• Finally,roundupordowndependingonthesituation.
• Forexample,thebidyouweregivenshows2,000BFof2x8satacertainprice.Thecustomerwants14’lengths.Howmanyshouldyoudeliver?
• Answer:Lookonthechartandseethat1pieceof2x8-14’contains18.667BF.2,000totalBF/18.667=107.14pieces.Youshoulddeliver107or108pieces.
Pricing Lumber
• Manytimes,you’llpricelumber“bythethousand”boardfeet,abbreviatedMBF.Thereareseveralwaysyoucancalculatethisandarriveatthesameanswer.
• ThefirstoptionistocalculatethepriceperM,or1,000BF.
• FirstmultiplythepriceperMxthenumberofBF.
• Next,divideby1,000.Theeasiestwayistomovethedecimalpointthreeplacestotheleft.
• Forexample,howmuchdoes350BF.of2x10scostifthepriceis$500/M?Tofindtheanswer,multiply350BFx$500(whichequals175,000)thendivideby1,000.Price:$175.00
• AsecondoptionistodivideBFby1,000thenmultiplybythe“perM”price.
• Athirdoptionistodividethepriceby1,000thenmultiplybyBF.
Units
• Lumbercomesfromyoursupplierinunits,orlargebundles.
• Whenorderinglumberfromyoursupplier,itishelpfultoknowwhatquantitiesmakeupstandardunits,asitisusuallyadvantageoustoorderfullunits.Thepriceisbetter,bandedunitsareeasiertoloadandunloadanddeliveryisusuallyfasterbecauseofeasierhandling.
• Themainreasonyouwouldchangequantitieswithsizeistotrytokeepalltheunitsapproximatelythesamesizetosimplifywarehousing.
• Therearestandardlumberunitquantitiesandsizes.Forexample,2x4scommonlycomeinunitsof180,192and294pieces.SeetheAppendixformoreexamples.
• Youmayalsoorderlumberbythecompletetruckloadorrailcarload.
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Module 2: Estimating Lumber Coverage
Product Knowledge:
Estimating Lumber Coverage
• Becauselumberissoldinboardfeetandcalculatedonthenominalsize,somepeoplearemisledastohowmucharealumberwillcover.Theproblemisthata1x8,forexample,isactually7-1/4”wide,notafull8”.
• Alllumberhasthissameproblem.Ifyouhavetherighttablesavailableyoucaneasilytellhowmuchtoaddtomakeupforthedifferenceinnominalandactuallumbersizes.
Waste
• Youcancalculateexactlyhowmuchlumbertoaddtomakeupforthedifferencebetweenactualandnominalsizes.
• Therewillalwaysbewastewhenusinglumber.Duringconstruction,piecesthatarecutoffmaybetooshorttobeused,ortheremaybe“badspots”thatmustbecutoff.
• Theamountofwastedependsonthebuilder.Typicallythewasteis5%,whilesomebuilderswillcalculate10%.Addthiswastetothetotalamountneeded.
• Incasesofinstallingaboarddiagonally,therewillbeextrawaste.Thetablewe’llusecalculates6%wasteforthis.
Reading Coverage Tables
• Thistablewillhelpyoucalculatehowmuchlumberyouneedtocoveragivenamountofspace.
• First,selectthekindoflumberyouplantousefromthetwocolumnsonthefarleft.
• Next,multiplythesquarefeetofareatobecovered(lengthxwidth)timesthemultiplierfromoneofthelasttwocolumns,dependingonwhetheryouwanttoincludewaste.
• Thecolumnlabeled“IfDiag.”isfortheextrawasteproducedwhencuttingboardsdiagonally.
Problem #1: HowmanyBFarerequiredtocoverafloor15’x20’ifyouareusing1x8S4Sboardsandwanta5%wastefactor?
Answer #1:
• Figurethesquarefootageoftheroom:15x20=300sq.ft.
• Multiplyby1.15(themultiplieracrossfrom1x8S4SBoards,in5%wastecolumn)
• Answer:345BF.
Problem #2: Howmuch1/2x8bevelsidingwillcover8,000sq.ft.ofwall(including5%waste)?
Answer #2:
• Locatemultiplierof1.33acrossfrom1/2x8bevelsiding.
• Multiply1.33x800=1064(1/2”inlumberisstillfiguredas1”forfindingboardfeet).
• Answer:1,064BF.
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Reading Rafter Tables
• Customersmayalsoneedyoutohelpthemfindhowlongarafterforahomeshouldbe,whichwillhelpyoudecidehowmuchlumbertheyneedtobuildtherafter.
• Thereareafewtermsyouneedtoknowasyoureadthistable.
• Thecommonrafterrunisthehorizontal,orflat,distancetheraftercovers.
• Theslope,orpitch,ofaroof,isaratiooftheriseandrunofaroof.Itisdeterminedbytheverticalrise,ininches,foreveryhorizontal12”length,orrun.
• Forexample,ifaroofhasa4/12pitch,thenforevery12”oflength,theroofrises4”.
• Tofindhowlongaraftershouldbe,firstfindthecommonrafterrunincludingtheoverhang.Afterthat,findtheslopefromtheraftertable.
Rafter Table Examples
• Forexample,ifthehouseis26’wideandhasa2’overhang,thecommonrafterrunis15’.Halfofthehousewidthis13’,sincetherafterspeakinthemiddleofthehouse.Afteryouadd2’fortheoverhang,youget15’.
• Next,youneedtofindoutwhattherafterslopeshouldbe.Forourexample,assumetheriseandrunwillbe4/12(4in12).Find4in12underthe“Rise&Run”columninthetableandreadacrosstothe“CommonRafter”column.Thatnumberis1.054.
• Finally,taketherafterrunlength(15’)andmultiplytimesthecommonraftercolumnnumber(1.054)tofindtheactualrafterlength.You’llneedtouse16’stocklumber.
• Anothertypeofrafterrunisoneforahip/valleyrafter.Tofindthistypeofrafterrunforthesameroof,multiplytherafterrunbythemultiplierinthefarrightcolumn(“Hip/ValleyMultiplier”).Thefinalanswerwillbe21.8’,or22’stock.
Reading Rafter Tables Problem Problem: Assumeabuildinghasa5/12rise/runanda2’overhang.Findrafterrunsforbuildings22’,28’and32’wide.
Answer:
• 22’widebuilding:14.08’(22’÷by2=11’.Adda2’overhang,andlength=13’.13’x1.083=14.08’).
• 28’widebuilding:17.33’.
• 32’widebuilding:19.49’.
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Module 3 Reading Span Tables
Product Knowledge:
Readingspantablesmaybethemosttechnicalpartofsellinglumber.Butbuildersandremodelersarehigh-volumecustomersandtheymaylooktoyoufortechnicaladvice.
Span Tables
•Spanisthebuildingwidthinaroof.Itisalsothedistancefromonesupporttothenext.
•Structuralmembersarewhatcarrytheweightinabuilding.Itisaseriesofbearingwalls,joists,raftersandtrusses.
•Theamountofweighteachstructuralmembercancarrydependsonitsstrength,itsspeciesandgrade(howmanydefectsithas),lumbersize(whetherit’sa2x4,a2x10,etc.),whatitisbeingusedfor(joist,rafter,etc.)andwhetherornotitisusedbyitselforwithagroupofothermembers.
•Spantablesprovideaneasyreferencetodeterminethesizeoflumberforaspecificpurpose.Theyhelpanswerquestionsthatpertaintobuildingcodessuchas:“WhatsizefloorjoistshouldIbeusing?”or“WhatsizelumberdoIneedforthewindowheaderI’mbuilding?”
A Word of Caution
• Remember,theinformationprovidedhereistogiveyouabasicunderstandingofspantables.Neverguessatoroffertodesignstructuralmembers.Referthequestiontoaqualifiedengineer.
• NeverrecommendstructuralmembersthatarenotspecificallystatedintheSpanTableyouareusing.Beawarethereisahighliabilityofriskifyouguessatwhatsizeofboardyourcustomershouldbeusing.
• Alwaysrefertolocalcodesfirst.Thetablesprovidedherearelegitimate,butareonlyguidestohelpyouunderstandthespantablesthatmaybeineffectinyourarea.
• Forexample,howmanyboardfeetaretherein450linealfeetof2x4s?Thetabletellsusthereis.6667BFperLFTina2x4.Calculate.6667x450=300BFin450LFTof2x4.
• TofindhowmanyBFthereareineachpieceoflumber,lookfirstunderthenominalsizecolumnforthesizeyouwant,thenfindtheappropriatelength.
• Forexample,a22’long,2x12boardhas44BF.
Codes
• Inmostareas,buildersandremodelersmustfollowcertainbuildingcodesthatspecify,amongotherthings,whattypeoflumberandwhatsizetheycanuseforspecificapplications.
• Variousgradingagenciespublishinformationforthespeciesoflumbertheygrade,sotheremaybeseveraldifferentsourcesforspantables.
• Thiscoursewillusethespantablesfromthe“InternationalResidentialCode(IRC)forOne-andTwo-FamilyDwellings.”Itisbestsuitedforanintroductiontospantablesandforanationwidecoursesuchasthis.
• Beawarethatthebuildingcodeyouareunderisdeterminedbyyourlocale,whichmayimposevariationsonthiscode.Alsoknowthatsomeareasareundernobuildingcodes,butitisagoodpracticetoalwaysrecommendconstructionthatfollowstheminimumsfoundinthecodes.
• Thetablesrepresentedinthiscoursearejustasampleofthemanyavailablefordifferentconfigurations.Consultthe“IRCforOne-andTwo-FamilyDwellings”andyourlocalbuildingcodeofficialsfortablesapplicabletoyourarea.
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Load
• Thestructuralsystemofthehouseismadetoresisttheloadsplacedagainstit.
• Dead loadsaretheweightofthebuildingmaterialsandobjectsinstalledinoronthestructure.Therearestandardcalculationsfordeadloadsandtwoareincludedonoursamplespantables.10psf(persquarefoot)isstandard.20psfiscommonifthestructureissupportingmoreweightthannormalsuchasagroutbedfortile.
• Live loadsareweightsthatcomefromuse(likefurnitureandpeople),windandsnow.Thisloadisimpossibletocalculateaccuratelybecauseitchanges.Thereareestimatedliveloadsbasedonuseofthebuildingandgeographiclocation.Forexample,aloadof30psfiscommonforsleepingrooms.
• Total loadisdeadloadandliveloadcombinedandisusuallyrepresentedonspantables.Checkwithyourlocalbuildingcodetodetermineifthespecificsituationyouaredealingwithmatcheswhatisdescribedinthetables.
• Thetypesofstressastructuralmembercanendurealsoaffectthesizeoflumberandspan.
Lumber Stress Types
• Anunderstandingofstresstypesinlumberwillexpandandsupplementyourknowledgeofspantables.
• Raftersandjoistsmustendureavarietyofstresses.Arafterorafloorjoisthastobedesignednottobreakorevenbendundertheloaditiscarrying.
• Spantablesaresetupwithanunderstandingofthestresslimitationsofeachsizeandgradeoflumber.Theywillnotrecommendauseforapieceoflumberthatwouldcauseittobreak.
• Understandingthetypesofstressesapieceoflumbermustendurewillhelpunderstandthelimitationsspantablesplaceonlumber.
Common Stress Types
Hereisabriefdefinitionofthecommonstresstypesonlumber.Pleaseseetheappendixforamoredetailedexplanation.
Extreme Fiber Stress In Bending
• AbbreviatedFb.
• Usuallythelimitingfactorinrafterdesign.
• Liveanddeadloadsonastructuralmembercausethemtobend.Thiscreatesstressonthewoodfibers.
• Themostextremestressoccursalongtheverytopedgeandbottomedgeofthelumber.
• Asstressisplacedonthelumber,thetopedgehasatendencytogetshorter,ortocompress.
• Asthetopportioniscompressed,thebottomportionwantstolengthenorpullapart.Thisiscalledtension.
• Theclosertothemiddleofthepiece,thelessstressthereis.Thereisapointatthecenterofthepieceoflumberwherethereisnobendingstress.Thisiscalledtheneutralaxis.
Modulus of Elasticity
• AbbreviatedE.
• Usuallythelimitingfactorforfloorandceilingjoists.
• Elasticityishowmuchapieceoflumberwillsagordeflectinrelationtotheloadplacedonit.
• Inceilingjoiststhisisaproblembecauseasaggingceilingjoistmeansthedrywallattachedtoitwilldevelopnailpops.Or,afloorjoistthatsagswillcauseanywallsattachedtoittosagandalsocausenailpops.
• Thebuildingcodewillsetalimitonhowmuchapieceoflumberisallowedtodeflect.Thesearereflectedinthespantables.
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Compression Parallel to Grain
• AbbreviatedFC.
• Anormalstressonapost,column,stud,etc.
• Typicalstresswheretheloadissupportedontheendofthepiece.
• Thefibersinthewoodareuniformlystressed.Stressisparalleltoandalongthefulllengthofthewood.
• Thisisrarelyaprobleminhomeconstructionasmostlumberisverystrong.
Compression Perpendicular to Grain
• AlsoabbreviatedFC.
• Thestresswhenafloorjoist,ceilingjoistorbeamrestsonasupport.Theloadtendstocrush,orcompress,thefibersatthebearingpoint.
• Thebearingareahastobelargeenoughsothattheloaddoesn’tcrushthefibersatthesidegrain.
• Buildingcodessetminimumbearingsforlumber.
Horizontal Shear
• Stresswhenwoodfibersslideoverthemselveshorizontallyrightatthetoptobottommid-pointofthemember.
• Theonlytimewhenthisstressisaproblemisinshort,heavilyloadedbeamsthataredeep.
• Thesolutionistoincreasebeamcrosssection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Who publishes the building codes?A:Therearethreemajorbuildingcodesthathaveevolvedasmodelbuildingcodes.TheInternationalCodeCouncilisacooperationofthesethree.Inanefforttostandardizebuildingcodes,theycooperateastheInternationalCodeCouncilandpublishthe“InternationalResidentialCode(IRC)forOne-andTwo-FamilyDwellings.”
Q: May I use these span tables for engineered lumber?A:Thespantablesforengineeredlumberandstandardlumberproductswillbedifferent.Thesuppliersoftheseproductsdesignthemandtheirusesarebrandspecific.Tousethem,refertoinformationspecifictoeachmanufacturer’sproduct.
Q: Does everyone use the same building code?A: No,asthebuildingcodeyouareunderisdeterminedbyyourlocale,whichmayimposevariationsontheinternationalcode.Someareasareundernobuildingcodes,butitisagoodpracticetoalwaysuseconstructionmethodsthatfollowtheminimumsfoundinthecodes.
Q: Why is it important to use span tables?A: Spantablesassurethatyouhavetheproperspacingofsupportsunderraftersandjoists.Arafterorafloorjoisthastobedesignednottobreakorevenbendundertheloaditiscarrying.Spantableswillrecommendtheproperusesforapieceoflumbersothatitwillnotbreak.
Taking it to the Floor:
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Module 4: Reading Span Tables
Product Knowledge:
Joists & Rafters
• Joistsaresupportingmembersofahousethatsupportaceilingorfloor.Theyrestonwalls,thefoundationoronbeams.
• Arafterisaslopedstructuralmemberdesignedtosupporttheroofdeck.Itrestsonawallplate.
• Tocorrectlydeterminethesizeoflumberneededforajoistorrafter,firstlocatethecorrectspantable.Thereisaseparatetableforeachtypeofstructuralmember.
Using a Floor Joist Span Table
• Find the live load.Makesuretheliveloadratingmatchesthetypeofroomyouareconsidering.
• Find the dead load.Determinewhetheryouwillbebasingyourcalculationsonadeadloadof10psfor20psf.Formostpurposes,youwilluse10psf,andthat’swhatwe’llusehere.
• Determine the structure’s width.Askthecustomerhowwidethehouseisandhowwideisthespanbetweenmembers.Asanexample,considera28’widehousewithabearingwallinthecenter.Thatmeanseachspanwillbe14’.
• Determine joist spacing.Nextaskaboutthejoistspacing,sometimesreferredtoasthe“OnCenter”measurement.Forourexample,use16”.
• Determine the species and grade of wood.Forthisexample,useDouglasFir-Larch,No.2andBtr.Note:ThisincludesgradesNo.1andSelect,andmorethanlikelyyourstorehasamixtureinstock.SinceyourmixoflumbermayincludeamixofgradesSS,#1or#2,alwaysusethedesignvaluesforthelowestgradeoflumberpossibleinthemix.Inourexample,itis#2DougFir-Larch.
• Find a span value.Forthisexample,findaspanvaluethatisatleast14’.Theclosestwecanfindonthetableisaspanvalueof15’-5”.
• Find the correct size of lumber.Thesizeoflumberthetabledirectsustouseisa2x10.Thatsizeoflumberwillsupporttheloadplacedonitforaspanofupto15’-5”,enoughforaspanof14’.
Headers
• Whenanopeningiscutinawallforadoororwindow,someofthesupportingmembers(usuallywallstuds)mustbecut-offtomakespacefortheopening.Theweight,then,thatnormallywouldhavebeencarriedbythosemembersmustbetransferredtoanothermember.Headeristhetermgiventosupportingmembersthattransfertheloads.
• Thesizeoftheheaderdependsonseveralfactors,includinghowmuchweightitisexpectedtocarry,whereitislocatedandthestrengthofthewood.
• Headersaregenerallydesignedonthejobsiteoutofstandarddimensionallumber.Theyareusuallymadebynailingtwoormorepiecesof2xlumbertogether.
• Toknowwhatlumberyou’llneedtosellyourcustomerfortheheaderhewillbedesigning,you’llneedtoknowhowtoreadgirderandheaderspantables.ThesetablesarealsoprovidedbytheIRCforOne-andTwo-FamilyDwellings.
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Non Load-Bearing Headers
• Someheaderswon’tcarryasignificantload.Theseareessentiallynon-loadbearing.
• Tocreatetheseheaders,youcanusea2x4turnedflat.Thepurposehereisjusttoframeanopeningforthewindow.
• Oneexampleisawindowplacedonthegableendofaone-storyhouse.Themainpurposeofthestudsistoprovidenailingandbackingforexteriorsheathingandsidingandforinteriorwallfinish.
• Anotherexampleisforinteriorwallsonthetopfloorofatrussedroofbuilding.Thetrusscarriestheweightoftherooftotheoutsidewalls.Studsforinteriorwallsdon’thavetocarryanyload.
Load-Bearing Headers
• Whentheheadermustcarryaload,itmustbedesignedaccordingtothespecificationsoutlinedbytheIRC.
• Somebuilderswilltellyouexactlywhatsizetheywant,soallyouhavetodoispriceitforthem.Othertimes,youmayneedtohelpsomeonefigureoutwhatsizetheyshouldbeusing.Remember,neverdesignastructuralmemberortrytoguesswhatsizesomeoneneeds.Ifthetablesdon’tansweryourquestionsexactly,thenconsultaqualifiedengineer.
• Theheadermustbesupportedbystuds,andthemoreweighttheheadermustcarry,themorestudsthereneedtobetosupportit.
• ThesestudsarecalledjackstudsandhowmanyofthemareneededisspecifiedintheIRCGirderSpanandHeaderspantable.
Using the Header Table
Aheaderspantablecanhelpyoufindtheappropriatesizeoflumberforthespanyourcustomerdesires.Herearethestepsyoushouldtaketohelpacustomerfindtherightheaderforawindowinahouse.
• Determine the width of the house.Inthiscase,thecustomersaysthehouseis28’wide.
• Determine the snow load.Knowthesnowloadforyourareaandchoosetheappropriatecolumnonthetable.Forthisexamplewe’lluse30psf.
• Determine the species.Notethatitspecifiesthespeciescoveredbythesespecificationsaredouglasfir-larch,southernpineandspruce-pine-fir.Afootnotetellsusthattheassumedgradeis#2.Sothevaluesonthetablearevalidforamixoflumber#2&Btr.
• Determine what the header is supporting.Inourexample,wearelookingforawindow.Theonlyweighttheheaderwillbesupportingisaroofandceiling.
• Determine the windows rough opening.Thecustomersaysthewindowwillneedaroughopening(RO)of8’,sotheheadermustcoveraspanofatleast8’.
• Find the closest allowable span.Usingtheheaderspantable,wecanseethattheclosestspanthatallowsatleast8’is8’-5”.Fromthere,wecanlookunderthe“size”columntodetermineweneedtwo2x12piecesoflumber.
• Determine if jack studs are needed.Intheadjoiningcolumnlabeled“NJ”(numberofjackstuds),wefindweneedtwojackstudstosupportthatheader.
Notethatthisexamplecouldalsobeusedifwewerefiguringaheaderforadoororwindowonthesecondfloorofatwo-storybuilding.Youonlyhavetofiguretheweightforthestructureabovetheheader.
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Girder
• Youmayalsoneedtousethespantabletofindthelengthofagirder,whichisalsoabeamthatcarriesbuildingloads,oftenafloorjoist.
• Thisisusuallyapieceofengineeredlumber,butalsomaybemadebynailingpiecesoflumber(usuallythreepieces)together.
• Insteadofjackstuds,girdersgenerallyrestontopofawallorpost.
• Example#1:
• We’llworkintheoppositedirectionofthetableaswedidfortheheaderproblem.Wewanttousethree2x10stomakethegirder.Howfarapartshouldweplacethepoststhatsupportthisgirder?
• Sincethegirderwillbesupportinganinteriorwall,usethetablelabeled“GirderSpansandHeaderSpansforInteriorBearingWalls.”
• First,ourexamplehouseis28’widewithonestoryandatrussroof.
• Tosupportonefloor,ifwearegoingtousethree2x10piecesoflumbernailedtogether,wewouldneedatleasta7’-7”spanbetweensupportingposts.
• Example#2:
• Yourcustomerwantstobuildagirderfora32’-wide,two-storyhouse.Heasks,“IfI’mgoingtousethree2x10stomakeupthegirder,whatisthemaximumspacingofthebasementposts?
• Tofindtheanswer,usethetableGirderSpansandHeaderSpansforInteriorBearingWalls.
• Sincethereisnocolumnfor32’,usethenexthighest,36’.
• Usetherowlabeled“TwoFloors”andfindtherowfor3-2x10.
• Thepostswillneedtobe4’-10”apart.
Q: What is the “on center” measurement?A: Thisishowmuchspacethereis,forexample,betweentwofloorjoists.YoumayseethisabbreviatedasOC.Iftwoframingmembersare16”oncenter,thentheyare16”inchesapart,measuredfromthecenterofonemembertoanother.
Q: What kind of header do I need for a window on the gable end of a house?A: Ifthewindowisonthegableendofone-storyhouse,youcanlikelyuseanonload-bearingheader.Tocreatethisheader,youcanusea2x4turnedflat.Thepurposehereisjusttoframeanopeningforthewindow.You’realsoprovidingnailingandbackingforexteriorsheathingandsidingandforinteriorwallfinish.
Taking it to the Floor:
Q: How do I create a header?A: Headersaregenerallydesignedonthejobsiteoutofstandarddimensionallumber.Theyareusuallymadebynailingtwoormorepiecesof“2by”lumbertogether.
Q: How do I figure a header for the second floor of a two-story building?A:Figureitthesamewayyouwouldforaonestorybuilding.Youonlyhavetofiguretheweightforthestructureabovetheheader.
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