|
 |
 FRAMING
Lumber prices have continued to skyrocket due to the increasing pressure in the United States to ban logging. Even with growth in our forests exceeding the amount of lumber being harvested, we are importing a considerable amount of lumber from other countries.
A quote from an article in the Union (April 15, 2002) states "Sierra forests grow by 2 to 4 percent a year—or 2 billion to 4 billion board feet. Typical home construction uses 15,000 board feet. Meanwhile, California imports 80 percent of its timber," Van Zee (Sierra Collage forestry instructor) said. "The fact is, we can produce more," he said, as opposed to importing from countries whose logging has "significantly less environmental protections than we do, any way you cut it."
As a result, lumber has diminished both in quality and strength. The 1997 Uniform Building Code lowered the structural strength of most framing materials. As a result, not only has lumber increased in price, but the typical home now requires more lumber due to the change in structural qualities.
 TRUSS JOISTS
One of the ways to cope with the problems of cost and quality of framing materials is to use alternate methods of constructing a home. The use of truss joists is one way. It allows greater spans for floor and roof framing than conventional lumber. It is also more uniform in dimensions, and produces a very sturdy floor. For every two to three trees needed to build a conventional floor, the truss joist uses only one. Yet, pound for pound, it's much stronger.
ORIENTED STRAND BOARD (OSB)
OSB is manufactured from waterproof, heat-cured adhesives and rectangularly shaped wood strands that are arranged in cross-oriented layers, similar to plywood. This results in a structural engineered wood panel that shares many of the strength and performance characteristics of plywood. Produced in huge continuous mats, OSB is a solid, panel product of consistent quality with no laps, gaps or voids.
 OSB panels can be manufactured from a wide range of fast-growing species and from relatively small trees. The production process utilizes a maximum amount of wood fiber from each tree that is harvested, and because the process is very highly automated, the yield of finished product is very high.
|
CONVENTIONAL FRAMING: Finger-Jointed Studs
 At left is typical framing on one of our homes that we have built. The exterior walls are 2" x 6" Douglas fir lumber, spaced 16" on center. An alternate stud material to use is 2" x materials which have been finger jointed together. Although a little more expensive, this method helps save lumber.
Finger-jointed studs are structural studs that are suitable for vertical application in light framing in commercial and residential construction. Manufactured from short-length, stud-grade lumber that is processed to remove defects, the studs' joints are fastened with a water-resistant, polyvinyl acetate glue.
 Studs are made primarily of Engleman spruce, lodgepole pine, and Douglas fir species. The finger-jointed studs' designs make them more dimensionally stable, and more resistant to warping or twisting than solid sawed studs. Quality and consistency make them efficient materials in the field. There are fewer wasted pieces, and less time is spent sorting for acceptable pieces. Finger-jointed studs come in 2' x 4' and 2' x 6', and standard lengths are 8', 9', 10', and 12'. Precision end trim lengths are available from 84" to 144". |
DECKING: Trex
 Redwood is becoming more expensive. It is hard to maintain, and tends to turn black if not treated on a yearly basis. Although Trex is a little more expensive, the long-turn upkeep is much less, and becomes cost effective if you consider the cost of maintenance.
A unique composition combines the natural beauty of wood with the durability of plastic, and allows your deck to maintain its beauty and warmth, season after season. And because it's made entirely of reclaimed plastic and wood fibers, Trex is environmentally responsible.
|
|
|
|
Select another topic of interest. |
|
