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2x4 Quality Selection Tips
How to Buy Quality 2x4s
By Mark J. Donovan
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Often when buying 2x4s from a home
improvement center you see a wide range in 2x4 quality. It’s not uncommon to
find lower quality 2x4 boards that are bowed or twisted amongst the quality 2x4
pieces. Likewise when you order a large volume of 2x4s to be delivered to your
job site you inevitably end up getting some of these lower quality 2x4s. Just
because they are of lower quality, however, does not necessarily mean that they
are unusable. Often they can be used in a variety of framing applications where
straightness and appearance is not as critical.
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This said, when selecting 2x4s its
best to pick out quality ones when possible, particularly for framing in doors
and windows, and corners, where straight and plumb walls are critical. Also keep
in mind that 2x4s actually measure 1.5 x 3.5 inches.
So what do you look for in a quality 2x4? Well first, check to see if the board
is crowned, bowed, or twisted in any way. If it is, you may want to put it
aside. To see if a 2x4 board has a crown turn it on its edge and look down the
length of it for a hump.
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Then roll the board over 180 degrees
and again look for a crown on the opposite side. To check if the 2x4 board is
bowed, turn it on its flat side and see if it is bent in any way.
While inspecting a 2x4 for crowning and bowing, also see if the board has any
twists in it by again looking down the length of it. In addition, examine the
end grain of the 2x4 to see if it has the potential to eventually twist. If you
can see vertical lines in the grain, then the 2x4 should be stable and not be
apt to twist. 2x4 boards that are cut out of the center of the tree have the
vertical band lines and are typically the most stable. |
Also examine the edges of the board
for damages. These defects are known as wane defects. Although not the prettiest
of lumber, this lower quality 2x4 type is acceptable for using as packing studs
up against straight door or window frame studs.
For a comprehensive new home construction
checklist, see my
New Home Construction Bid Sheet. The New Home Construction Bid
Sheet provides a request for quote checklist section that you can provide to
prospective building contractors. It also includes a comprehensive new home
construction cost breakdown table, in Microsoft Excel format, that allows the
contractor to include his projected new home construction costs for every phase
of the project.
How to Finance your New Home Construction Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
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