BASICS HANDBOOK
Table of Contents LUMBER Finding Board Footage.......................................................... Stock Lengths........................................................................ Pieces per unit........................................................................ Weights.................................................................................. Grades & Stamps...................................................................
2 3 4 4 5
PLYWOOD Grades................................................................................... Pieces per unit....................................................................... Weights.................................................................................. APA Stamps..........................................................................
6 7 7 8
DECKING Overview & Terms............................................................... Quantity tables......................................................................
9 10
SIDING Coverage Estimator...............................................................
11
PRESSURE TREATED Retention & Uses..................................................................
12
BAG GOODS Coverage Estimator...............................................................
13
FENCING Materials & Installation.........................................................
14
DRYWALL Coverage Estimator............................................................... Weights..................................................................................
15 15
ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS BCI Joists.............................................................................. Versa-Lam............................................................................. Versa-Stud............................................................................. Glulam Beams.......................................................................
16 17 18 19
NAILS & SCREWS Weights..................................................................................
20-21
MISC. Conversions............................................................................ Abbreviation of Terms........................................................... Definitions..............................................................................
22 23-24 25-27
1
Finding Board/Square Footage How To Convert Lumber to Board Footage Thickness x Width ÷ 12 = Board Footage per LF Thickness x Width x Length ÷ 12 = Board Footage per Piece
or….. Multiply the length of the board to the multiplier Board Size 1x 2 1x 3 1x 4 1x 5 1x 6 1x 8 1 x 10 1 x 12
Multiplier 0.1667 0.2500 0.3333 0.4167 0.5000 0.6667 0.8333 1.0000
Board Size 5/4 x 2 5/4 x 3 5/4 x 4 5/4 x 6 5/4 x 8 5/4 x 10 5/4 x 12
Multiplier 0.2083 0.3125 0.4167 0.6250 0.8333 1.0417 1.2500
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
x x x x x x x
2 3 4 6 8 10 12
0.3333 0.5000 0.6667 1.0000 1.3333 1.6667 2.0000
4 4 4 4 4 4 4
x x x x x x x
4 6 8 10 12 14 16
1.3333 2.0000 2.6667 3.3333 4.0000 4.6667 5.3333
6 6 6 6 6 6
x x x x x x
6 8 10 12 14 16
3.0000 4.0000 5.0000 6.0000 7.0000 8.0000
8 8 8 8 8
x x x x x
8 10 12 14 16
5.3333 6.6667 8.0000 9.3333 10.6667
How To Convert Plywood To Square Footage from feet width x length (example: 4' x 8' = 32 sqft) from inches width x length ÷ 144 (example: 48" x 96" = 4608, 4608 ÷ 144 = 32 sqft)
2
Stock Lengths for Lumber
The following list is an example of lengths of materials commonly stocked at the typical Meek's yard.
Boards – Douglas Fir lx4 (util&btr) lx6 (std&btr)
6’ through 20’ (2’multiples) 6’ through 20’ (2’multiples)
Studs – Douglas Fir or Hem Fir 2x4 (std&btr) 92 1/4", 104 1/4", & 116 1/4" 2x6 (#2&btr) 92 1/4", 104 1/4", & 116 1/4" 2" Framing – Douglas Fir 2x4 (std&btr) 2x6 through 2x12 (#2&btr)
8’ through 20’ (2’multiples) 8’ through 24’ (2’multiples)
4" Framing - Douglas Fir 4x4 (std&btr) 4x6 through 4x12 (#2&btr) 4x14 (#1&btr)
8’ through 20’ (2’multiples) 8’ through 24’ (2’multiples) 18’ through 24’ (2’multiples)
6" Timber - Douglas Fir 6x6 through 6x12 (#1&btr)
8’ through 20’ (2’multiples)
Redwood 1x4 through 1x12 2x4 through 2x12 4x4 through 4x12
8’ through 20’ (2’multiples) 8’ through 20’ (2’multiples) 8’ through 20’ (2’multiples)
Pine 1x4 through lx12 (#2 com)
6’ through 16’ (2' multiples)
NOTE: Clears in Cedar, Redwood, Pine, or Doug Fir are shipped in Odd & Even lengths, pieces as short as 3' may be received.
33
Lumber, pieces per unit
These unit sizes are used for green Doug Fir. Unit size may vary from mill to mill, for example, 2 x 4's vary from 195 to 268 pieces per unit from our current suppliers. Also be aware Dry Lumber is often packaged in larger units.
Typical unit sizes
Pre cut studs 2 x 4: 208 2 X 6: 128 Lumber, 2" 2 x 4: 2 x 6: 2 x 8: 2 x 10: 2 x 12: 2 x 14:
208 128 96 80 64 48
Lumber, 4" 4 x 4: 4 x 6: 4 x 8: 4 x 10: 4 x 12: 4 x 14:
91 56 42 35 28 21
Lumber, 6" 6 x 6: 6 x8: 6 x 10: 6 x 12: 6 x 14:
32 24 20 16 12
** The number of pieces per unit should always be verified when receiving or shipping loads.
Lumber Weights
Green Fir – weighs approximately 2.5 to 3 lbs. per board foot. Dry Fir – weighs approximately 2.0 lbs. per board foot. Green Redwood – weighs between 2.5 to 4 lbs. per board foot. Dry Redwood – weighs approximately 1.8 lbs. per board foot.
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Lumber Grades and Stamps
There are hundreds of grades but we are attempting to show only those used frequently by our stores.
Fir, Pine, Cedar, Spruce
Two main grading associations: WCLIB (West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau) WWPA (Western Wood Products Association) Fir- Graded for Strength Light Framing: Utility (Low) Standard Construction (High) Structural Framing: #3 (Low) #2 #1 Select Structural (High)
Studs:
Stud Grade
*MSR- Machine Stress Rated is also available for specific uses requiring more precise ratings of strength.
Pine, Cedar – Graded for Appearance using the best face. #4 Common (Low) #3 Common #2 Common D Clear C Clear (High)
Redwood
Two main grading associations: CRA (California Redwood Association) Graded for Appearance Merchantable (Low) Construction Select & Clear B Grade Clear (High)
Graded for Decking Deck Common (Low) Deck Heart (High)
* All redwood grades have a higher quality available as "All Heart"; meaning the wood is all red in color without sap wood, which is white in color. Redwood is graded for appearance and is not structurally rated or intended for use where strength is a requirement.
5
5
OSB and Plywood OSB (Oriented Strand Board) is composed of strands of wood glued together to form a structural panel. Plywood is cross laminated veneers of wood. The purpose of the cross laminating is to increase the strength of the product. Plywood Grades A – One of the highest possible face grades available. It is typically sanded and it may contain seamless wood patches or inlays.
B – This face is usanded and has a consistent surface with the possibility of some minor open splits C plugged - This face is sanded and can contain limited size knots and other defects that are plugged and touch sanded. C – This face is sanded and can contain limited size knots and other defects.
D – This face is unsanded and can contain large voids and other defects. Exposure Durability Exterior – For applications subject to permanent exposure to the weather or to moisture. Exposure 1 – For applications where long construction delays may be expected prior to providing protection or where high moisture conditions may be encountered in service. Interior – These panels are intended for interior applications only. * Note: CDX is frequently mistaken as an Exterior panel and erroneously used in applications for which it does not possess the required resistance to weather. The X indicates the type of glue used not that it is an Exterior panel.
Here is an example of where to find the information on stamps and exposure durability.
6
6
Plywood, pieces per unit
These unit sizes are gathered from Western Wood plywood packaging of various thickness’. Southern Yellow Pine may differ. The number of pieces can vary from mill to mill, and whether the material is full or nominal thickness.
Typical unit sizes Plywood 1/4” 3/8” or 11/32” 1/2” or 15/32” 5/8” or 19/32” 3/4” or 23/32” 1-1/8”
120 pcs. 88 pcs. 66 pcs. 55 pcs. (available in T&G) 44 pcs. (available in T&G) 28 pcs. (available in T&G)
OSB (Oriented Strand Board) 3/8” 88 pcs. 7/16” 70 pcs. 1/2” or 15/32” 65 pcs. 5/8” or 19/32” 53 pcs. (available in T&G) 3/4” or 23/32” 42 pcs. (available in T&G) 1-1/8” 24 pcs. (available in T&G) Particle Board Underlayment 3/8” 82 pcs. 1/2” 68 pcs. 5/8” 55 pcs. 3/4” 40 pcs. ** The number of pieces per unit should always be verified when receiving or shipping loads.
Plywood Weights
Approximate weight per 4x8 sheet Thickness 1/4" 3/8" 1/2" 5/8" 3/4" 1-1/8"
Weight 22.0 28.5 40.6 48.0 60.8 84.5
7
7
Typical APA Registered Trademarks
8
8
Decks Deck board options: Redwood Composites Hardwood (IPE, Ironwood) Cedar
Common types of decks: Girder System (using 4x6 D.F. beams) Joist System (using 2x6 or 2x8 D.F.)
Glossary of common items used in deck construction:
Beam - Spans between the posts and supports the joists. Decking boards - Floor surface of the deck attached to the joist or beams. Fascia - Boards that are attached around the sides of the deck floor, covering the ends of the deck boards and the perimeter joists for decorative purposes. Footings - Concrete bases embedded in the ground. They provide main support for the deck. Joists - Provide support for the decking boards, usually 16 inches on center. Joist Hangers - Metal fasteners that attach joists to ledger board. Ledger board - The board that attaches directly to the existing structure. Piers - Concrete blocks located above the footing. Posts - Vertical supports that rest on piers and support the beam. Post Anchors - Metal brackets that attach the post to piers. Rim Joist - Sometimes called "perimeter joist". Butts up against the joist ends, usually on the side of the deck away from the house.
Nails & Screws: Deck boards can be fastened to the joist or beam using either ring shank nails or screws. Screws are recommended as they won't loosen and pop up like nails have a tendency to do. "Dacro" screws 2 1/2" or 3" are the best. t As a general rule 1 pound of screws per 20 square feet of deck is needed.
9
9
10
10
Siding Coverage Estimator Size
Multiplier
Shiplap
1x6 1x8 1x10 1x12
1.17 1.16 1.13 1.10
T&G
1x4 1x6 1x8 1x10 1x12
1.28 1.17 1.16 1.13 1.10
S4S
1x4 1x6 1x8 1x10 1x12
1.14 1.09 1.10 1.08 1.07
Bevel Siding
1x4 1x6 1x8 1x10 1x12
1.60 1.33 1.28 1.21 1.17
Sidings are nominal in width which means that an 8” board is only slightly wider than 7”. Because of this, it is necessary to add a factor to the different types of sidings available to determine how much product is needed for the actual square footage of coverage. For example: 1,000 sq.ft. of 1x8 shiplap siding would require 1740 lin.ft. of product. 1,000 sq.ft. of 1x8 1,000 times 1.16 multiplier = 1,160 sq.ft. 1,160 divided by .6667 (factor for 1x8) = 1,740 lin.ft. or 174/10’ pieces.
11
11
Pressure Treated Pressure Treating is the process of forcing chemical solutions into wood by using a treating cylinder and high pressure. A vacuum pump draws the air out of the cylinder, forming a vacuum. The cylinder is filled with the desired solution and is then pressurized, forcing the chemical deep into the wood. Wood is subject to biodeterioration from decay fungi, wood destroying insects, marine borers, and fire. Pressure treating can overcome these undesirable characteristics.
Retention is the amount of treatment left in the wood after treating. It is measured as pounds of chemical solution per cubic foot of wood. Applications
Retention
Typical Uses
Above Ground Uses
0.25
Decking, Fencing, Sills, Railings (Borate 0.18)
Soil or Fresh Water Contact
0.40
Decking, Posts, Landscape Timbers, Retaining Walls, Docks
Soil or Fresh Water Contact (Structural)
0.60
Permanent Wood Foundations, Building Poles
Soil or Fresh Water Contact (Structural)
0.80
Foundation Piles, Docks
Salt Water Contact
2.50
Timbers, Pilings, Bulkheads, Docks
Types of Chemicals used for Preservative Treatments: t Borate – Typically used for above ground applications that are not exposed to weather.
t ACQ – Typically used for ground contact applications that are exposed to weather.
t Creosote – Typically used for railroad ties and marine applications.
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Bag Goods
Concrete - 1/2 Cu. Ft. or 2/3 Cu. Ft. Bag Estimating
SLAB THICKNESS 3"
4"
6"
3
2
2
3
5
2
3
4
8
3
5
7
10
4
6
8
12
5
7
10
15
SQUARE FEET SQUARE FEET SQUARE FEET
SLAB AREA
SQUARE FEET SQUARE FEET
6
8
12
20
8
11
16
25
10
13
20
30
12
16
24
40
16
21
32
50
20
27
40
SQUARE FEET SQUARE FEET SQUARE FEET SQUARE FEET SQUARE FEET SQUARE FEET
*Quantity given is in 2/3 cu.ft. sacks* If you are using 1/2 cu.ft. sacks, multiply the quantity by 1.25
Fence Post Mix – 50# bag
Used for fence posts only
Mortar (type s) – 60# bag or 94# bag 60# bag lays 38 common-style bricks 94# bag lays 59 common-style bricks
Portland cement (type 1-11) – 94# bag Concrete
Mortar
Cement (1 part) Sand (2 parts) Gravel (3 parts) Cement (1 part) Lime (½ part) Sand (5 parts)
Stucco – 50# bag
Covers 10 sq.ft. at 1/2” thick
Concrete Patch – 50# bag
Used for concrete repair under 2” thick Covers 10 sq.ft. at 1/2” thick
Asphalt – 60# bag
Covers 5 sq.ft. at 1” thick
Utility Sand – 60# bag
Used for horticulture and construction uses Sterilized by kiln drying Contains approximately 1/2 cu.ft.
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Fencing Meek's sells two species of fencing: Redwood & Cedar Common board widths: 1x4, 1x6, 1x8, 1x12 Common board lengths: 4’, 5’, 6’ Common post sizes: 4x4 (7’ and 8’ lengths) Common rail sizes: 2x4 (8’ length) Bottom boards or Kick boards: 1x8, 1x12 (8’ or 16’ lengths) Common grades for redwood: Merch, Con. Com., Con. Heart Common grades for cedar: #4 com, #3 com, #2 fence, #1 fence Typical Installation: Posts are spaced 8' apart. Posts are required to be pressure treated .40 or RCH Posts should be set into the ground a minimum of 2'. Rails are nailed at the top of the post and l' up from the ground. One 50 lb bag of fence post mix is recommended for each post. 16d Hot Dip Galvanized nails are recommended for the rails. 7d or 8d Hot Dip Galvanized nails for the boards. Nylon twine and line levels should be used to keep fence runs level.
Typical fence section includes: 1- 4x4 8' Post 2- 2x4 8' Rails 16- 1x6 6' Board 1- 50 lb. bag of fence post mix
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Drywall Estimating how much drywall: Find your wall area: Add together the length of all the walls that need to be drywalled and multiply it by the height of the room. Find your ceiling area: Multiply the length of the ceiling times the width of the ceiling. Subtract area for doors and windows: Subtract 20 sq.ft. for each door and 15 sq.ft. for each average size window. Find how many sheets of drywall: Add the wall area and ceiling area together. Subtract the area for any doors and/or windows. Divide the total area by 32 (8’ sheets), 36 (9’ sheets), or 40 (10’ sheets). * It is best to account for a 10% waste factor in estimating drywall *
Example:
LW(length of walls) x H(height of ceiling) = WA (sqft of wall area) LC(length of ceiling) x WC(width of ceiling) = CA(sqft of ceiling area) WA + CA – 20(sqft for each door) - 15(sqft for each window) = TA(total area) **To add waste factor, multiply TA by 1.1** TA ÷ 32 = Total sheets needed
Drywall Finishing 1,000 sq.ft. of surface will take: 370’ of drywall joint tape Taping - 150 lbs. of joint compound Texturing – 250 lbs. to 300 lbs. of compound Drywall Weights 1/2” regular gypsum: 1.8 lbs. per square foot 1/2” lightweight gypsum: 1.6 lbs. per square foot 1/2” green board gypsum: 1.85 lbs. per square foot 5/8” fire stop gypsum: 2.4 lbs. per square foot 15
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BCI® JOISTS
***
RESIDENTIAL FLOOR SPAN TABLE * (BOISE RECOMMENDED)
**
Live Load deflection limited to L/480: The common industry and design community standard for residential floor joists, 33% siffer than L/360 code minimum . However, floor performance may still be an issue in certain applications, especially with 9½" and 11⅞" deep joists without a direct-attached ceiling.
Joist Depth 9½"
11⅞"
14"
BCI® Joist Series
12" o.c.
16" o.c.
19.2" o.c.
24" o.c.
32" o.c.
5000
1.7
17'-1"
15'-7"
14'-9"
13'-9"
12'-0"
6000
1.7
17'-8"
16'-2"
15'-3"
14'-3"
12'-11"
6500
1.8
18'-5"
16'-10"
15'-11"
14'-10"
13'-6"
5000
1.7
20'-2"
18'-5"
17'-5"
15'-9"
13'-4"
6000
1.7
21'-0"
19'-2"
18'-1"
16'-10"
14'-8"
6500
1.8
21'-11"
20'-0"
18'-11"
17'-7"
14'-10"
60
2.0
23'-3"
21'-3"
20'-1"
18'-8"
16'-4"
90
2.0
26'-3"
23'-11"
22'-6"
20'-11"
19'-1"
6000
1.7
23'-10"
21'-9"
20'-7"
18'-6"
15'-5"
6500
1.8
24'-10"
22'-9"
21'-5"
20'-0"
15'-5"
60
2.0
26'-5"
24'-2"
22'-9"
21'-3"
16'-4"
90
2.0
29'-9"
27'-1"
25'-6"
23'-8"
19'-6"
6500
1.8
27'-5"
25'-1"
23'-8"
21'-1"
15'-9"
16"
60
2.0
29'-3"
26'-8"
25'-2"
21'-10"
16'-4"
90
2.0
32'-11"
29'-11"
28'-2"
26'-2"
19'-7"
18"
90
2.0
35'-11"
32'-8"
30'-9"
28'-7"
23'-10"
20" 90 2.0 38'-10" 35'-4" 33'-4" 30'-11" 24'-8" Table Values based on residential floor loads of 40psf liveload and 10psf deadload
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VERSA-LAM速 Products An Introduction to VERSA-LAM速 Products When you specify VERSA-LAM速 laminated veneer headers/beams, you are building quality into your design. They are excellent as floor and roof framing supports or as headers for doors, windows and garage doors and columns. Because they have no camber, VERSA-LAM速 LVL products provide flatter, quieter floors, and consequently, the builder can expect happier customers with significantly fewer call backs.
LVL BEAMS
RIM BOARD
17
17
18
18
2550 1345 1310 1270 1010
1.6 2250 VERSA-STUD® 1½" X 5½ "
Douglas-Fir # 2 Grade 2x6
Spruce Pine Fir (North) # 1 / 2 Grade 2x6
Hem-Fir # 2 Grade 2x6
Western Woods # 2 Grade 2x6
• Dimensional lumber values taken from 1997 Edition, NDS Design Values for Wood Construction (per 2000 IBC/IRC).
• Design Values are for loads applied to the narrow face of the studs.
Notes:
Bending Fb [psi]
Product
Compression Parallel to Grain Fс [psi]
1,000,000
1,300,000
1,600,000
1,400,000
1,600,000
• Additional VERSA-STUD® Bending Values:
135
150
135
180
225
Horizontal Shear Fν [psi]
3½" depth = 2580 psi, 7¼" depth = 2375 psi.
• Repetitive member and size factors have been applied.
900
1300
1150
1350
2500
Modulus of Elasticity E [psi]
Allowable Design Values - 5½" Depth
VERSA-STUD®
GLULAMS
These beams are the beams of choice in applications where members are exposed to view, because they have a smooth, attractive finish. Stock beams are often supplied with this appearance so they may be exposed to view in the finished structure. Voids greater than ¾” are filled, three sides (excluding the top) are planed or sanded, and edges are eased on the bottom face of the member.
These beams are used in concealed applications or in other places where appearance is not of primary importance, such as warehouses and garages. Voids are not filled, and only the two wide faces are planed.
V4 (unbalanced) glulam beams are typically designed for simple/single spans. It is very important to install the V4 glulam beam with the top side up. (The word “TOP” is always printed on the corresponding side.) V8 (balanced) glulam beams are typically designed for multiple spans and cantilever conditions.
19 19
Common Nails Size 2d 3d 4d 5d 6d 7d 8d 10d 12d 16d 20d 30d 40d 50d 60d
Length (inches) 1 1-1/4 1-1/2 1-3/4 2 2-1/4 2-1/2 3 3-1/4 3-1/2 4 4-1/2 5 5-1/2 6
Gauge 15 14 12-1/2 12-1/2 11-1/2 11-1/2 10-1/4 9 9 8 6 5 4 3 2
Approx No. per pound 876 568 316 271 181 161 106 69 63 49 31 24 18 14 11
Gauge 15-1/2 15 15 13 12-1/2 11-1/2 11-1/2 11 10
Approx No. per pound 807 584 500 309 189 128 113 90 62
Finish Nails Size 3d 4d 5d 6d 8d 10d 12d 16d 20d
Length (inches) 1-1/4 1-1/2 1-3/4 2 2-1/2 3 3-1/4 3-1/2 4
H.D. Galv Box Nails Size 3d 4d 5d 6d 7d 8d 10d 12d 16d 20d
Length (inches) 1-1/4 1-1/2 1-3/4 2 2-1/4 2-1/2 3 3-1/4 3-1/2 4
Gauge 15 14 14 12-1/2 12-1/2 11-1/2 10-1/2 10 10 9
Approx No. per pound 615 453 389 225 200 136 90 76 69 50
20 20
Green Vinyl Sinkers Size 8d 16d
Length Approx No. (inches) Gauge per pound 2-3/8 11-1/2 153 3-1/4 9 64
Duplex Size 6d 8d 10d 12d 16d
Length (inches) 1-3/4 2-1/4 2-3/4 3 3-1/2
Gauge 11-1/2 10-1/4 8 8 6
Approx No. per pound 150 88 62 44 28
Gauge 5/16 3/8 3/8 3/8 3/8
Approx No. per pound 6 4 3.5 3 2
Spikes Size
7 8 9 10 12
Length (inches) 7 8 9 10 12
Roofing Nails Size
Length (inches) 1/2 5/8 3/4 7/8 1 1-1/4 1-1/2 1-3/4 2 2-1/2
Approx No. Gauge per pound 11 534 11 436 11 340 11 300 11 267 11 220 11 187 11 167 11 142 11 116
Construction Screw Size
Length (inches) 1 1-1/4 1-1/2 1-3/4 2 2-1/2
Approx No. Gauge per pound 6 373 11 220 11 187 11 167 11 142 11 116
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Conversions Square conversions 144 square inches = 1 square foot 9 square feet = 1 square yard 30-¼ square yards = 1 square rod 160 square rods = 1 acre 4,840 square yards = 1 acre 43,560 square feet = 1 acre 640 acres = 1 square mile An acre is equal to a square whose sides are 208.71’ each Linear conversions 12 inches 3 feet 5-½ yards 1 rod 320 rods 5,280 feet
= = = = = =
1 foot 1 yard 1 rod 16-½ feet 1 mile 1 mile
Liquid conversions 1 pint 2 pints 8 pints 1 gallon 1 cubic foot
= = = = =
16 ounces 1 quart 1 gallon 231 cubic inches 1.48 gallons
Metric conversions Starting measurement
Inches Millimeters Feet Meters Cubic Feet Cubic Meters Board Feet Cubic Meters
Multiplying factor
25.4 0.03937 0.3048 3.280 0.02832 35.315 0.00236 424
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Ending measurement
Millimeters Inches Meters Feet Cubic Meters Cubic Feet Cubic Meters Board Feet
Abbreviation of Terms B&Btr – B Grade and better Bd Ft – Board feet CLF – Hundred Lineal Feet Clr – Clear Com, Cmn – Common CWT – Hundred Weight Econ – Economy EE – Eased Edges EG – Edge Glued, or Exterior Glued, or Edge Grain Ext – Exterior FJ – Finger Joint FOHC – Free Of Heart Center Grn – Green Hem – Hemlock HF – Hem-Fir KD – Kiln Dried Lam – Laminate or Laminated Lin – Lineal or Linear M – Thousand MBF – Thousand Board Feet MDF – Medium-Density Fiberboard MDO – Medium-Density Overlay OC – On Center OSB – Oriented Strand Board PB – Particleboard 23 23
PBU – Particleboard Underlayment PET – Precision End Trim P&TS – Plugged and Touch Sanded RC – Red Cedar Rdm – Random Reman – Remanufacture RL – Random Length RS – Resawn RW – Random Width RWRL – Random Width, Random Length S1S2E – Surfaced One Side and Two Edges S1S – Surfaced One Side S2S – Surfaced Two Sides S4S – Surfaced Four Sides S-Dry – Surface Dry Sel – Select S/L – Shiplap SP – Sugar Pine Std – Standard Std&Btr – Standard and Better STK – Select Tight Knot SYP – Southern Yellow Pine UL – Underlayment Util – Utility Util&Btr – Utility and Better VG – Vertical Grain WRC – Western Red Cedar
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Definitions Here is a list of words and terms commonly used in the lumber industry, and their meaning. This list is by no means complete. Air dried - Seasoned (dried) by exposure to the elements, as opposed to being dried in a kiln. Anti-stain treatment - A dipped or sprayed on chemical treatment applied to lumber to prevent discoloration and the growth of fungus during transit and storage, Boxed heart - The pith, or center of the tree, enclosed within the four sides of the end of the piece. Checking - A lumber defect referring to the separation of wood fiber across the annual growth rings. Dimension lumber - Lumber usually two inches in nominal thickness. Dry - Seasoned (dried), usually to a moisture content of less than 19%. Eased edge - A slight rounding of the edge of lumber, done as the lumber goes through the planer. End match - A pattern run on both ends of pieces of lumber; one end has a tongue, the other a groove. When butted together end to end the alignment forms a joint. End stamp - A grade stamp placed on the end of finished lumber, instead of on the face. Finger Jointing - A method of end joining lumber whereby the ends are cut in a deep zigzag pattern forming "fingers." Using glue, heat, and mechanical pressure, the pieces are forced together to form a strong end to end joint. Free of heart center (FOHC) - Lumber that does not contain the pith of the tree in either end of the piece. Full sawn - Lumber cut in the rough, to its full nominal size. Grade stamp - An ink mark put on lumber to show its important characteristics and mill information. 25
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Green lumber - Lumber with a moisture content in excess of 19%. Heartwood - The center (usually darker in color) portion of a log between the center (pith) and the sapwood. Hem-Fir - A species grouping including Western Hemlock and all true firs except Alpine and Balsam. Incising - Cutting slits into the surface of a piece of wood to improve absorption of chemical preservatives. Joist - A structural faming member used horizontally to support a ceiling or floor. Kiln dried (KD) - Describes lumber that has been dried in a kiln (as opposed to being air dried). Nominal - The name for the size of a piece of lumber, not the actual measurement of that piece (i.e., what we call a 2x4 is actually a piece of lumber measuring 1 1/2"x3 1/2"). Precision end trimmed (PET) - Lumber trimmed smooth on both ends and varying no more than 1/16" in no more than 20% of the pieces. Pressure-treated lumber - Lumber that has been saturated with chemicals to prevent rot or decay caused by living organisms. Radius edged (decking) - Lumber with a larger than normal eased edge. Random lengths (R/L) - A lumber tally containing various lengths. Resawing - The process of cutting lumber in two, parallel to its wide face. For example, making a 2x12 into two pieces of 1 x l2. Rough - Lumber that has not been planed or surfaced. Sapwood - The (usually) lighter colored part of the log between the heartwood and the bark. Saw sized - Lumber cut in the saw mill to the net size of surfaced lumber. Select - A high grade of lumber that allows few defects.
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Shake - A lengthwise separation of the wood which usually occurs between or through the rings of annual growth. Splits - A separation of the wood due to the tearing apart of the wood cells. Square edge - Lumber on which there is no wane and the edges have not been eased. Standard sawn - Lumber that is rough cut to smaller than fullsawn size, yet large enough so that it still may be run through the planer and clean surfaced on all four sides. Stud - A piece of dimension lumber, usually PET, used as an upright in wall construction. Surfaced - Lumber that has gone through a planer so that its sides are smooth and uniform in size. Timber - Lumber 5" or more in thickness. Unseasoned - Lumber that contains more than 19% moisture content; also called "green". Vertical grain (VG) - Lumber sawn so the wide face of the finished piece is approximately perpendicular (greater than 45 degrees) to the annual growth rings of the log. Wane - A lumber defect referring to the absence of wood or the presence of bark along an edge or corner.
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