Modern homes use trusses instead of traditional rafters because they are stronger, cheaper, and cover more expansive spaces without extra support. Trusses are factory-made, making them efficient and easy to install. However, they limit attic space unless specially designed. Trusses are held together with gussets, metal or plywood plates connecting the wood. Plywood gussets are … Read more
The floor rests on floor joists unless your home is built on a concrete slab. These are usually 2”x 8”, 2”x 10”, or 2”x 12” dimensional lumber, depending on the span between supports and the spacing between the joists themselves. The building code has mandated this for years. In recent years, engineered wood joists, essentially … Read more
We all consider wood a stiff material, but it’s not. All you have to do is take a thin branch from a tree or even a 1”x 4” and try to bend it to see how flexible wood is. Of course, the thickness of the wood and the type of wood affect just how adaptable … Read more
Plywood is an incredibly durable material, but it can be damaged. If a heavy item has been dropped onto the floor, or a piece of heavy furniture has been sitting for a long time, you might find yourself needing to remove a dent from plywood. Luckily, it is fairly easy to raise a dent, leaving … Read more
One of the advantages of working with plywood is also one of its chief problems. That is, the size of the sheet. Transporting a 4-foot by 8-foot sheet of heavy plywood, whether that means bringing it home from the lumberyard or carrying it up a flight of stairs is always a challenge. Care and planning … Read more