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What You Need To Know About Lumber

Part 3

    Planks:

    Planks, as shown in Figure 5, are generally 2 inches thick, but could also be 3 or 4 inches thick. Planks are used as flooring, roofing and decking, directly over and supported by rafters, joists, beams and girders.

    planks

    Figure 5 - Planks
  • Lumber cut for Vertical Use:
  • Posts:

    Posts, as shown in Figure 6, are vertical supports, usually short.

    Columns:

    Columns, as shown in Figure 6, are vertical supports, longer than posts and are used to transfer horizontal loads down to the foundations.

    Studs:

    Studs, as shown in Figure 6, are actually mini-columns. Studs are a series of slender structural members placed at small, regular intervals, as the supporting elements in load-bearing wood walls and partitions.

    post, column & stud

    Figure 6 - Post, column & stud

    Additional information on working with studs.

  • Lumber cut for Diagonal Use:
  • Bracing:

    Bracing, as shown in Figure 7, is a piece of lumber applied to the frame on the diagonal to stiffen the structure. In modern construction this bracing is often replaced by use of plywood sheathing.

    bracing

    Figure 7 - Brasing

    Bridging:

    Bridging, as shown in Figure 8, is used in an “X” pattern between the joists to stiffen the floor. It can also be a solid piece of lumber the same dimensions as the floor joists.

    floor joist cross bridging

    Figure 8 - Floor joist cross bridging

    Additional information on floor joist bridging.

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