Wood framing common practice
Wood framing common practice
(OP)
My boss always tell me to use at least double 2xs or LVLs when I have a beam. His reason was because you want more room nailing the floor joist/roof rafter connectors. So theres many time when I calculate beams I only need 1 LVL and he told me to put 2 instead. Do you guys do this also?
He also tell me to use at least 3 2xs or LVLs on 2x6 stud walls for headers because it will match the wall thickness. By doing this, the framer doesnt need to fill the gap that much. So he rather uses (3)-1 3/4x9 1/2 LVLs instead of (2)-1 3/4x11 7/8s LVL or (2)-1 3/4x9 1/2 LVLs
He also tell me to use at least 3 2xs or LVLs on 2x6 stud walls for headers because it will match the wall thickness. By doing this, the framer doesnt need to fill the gap that much. So he rather uses (3)-1 3/4x9 1/2 LVLs instead of (2)-1 3/4x11 7/8s LVL or (2)-1 3/4x9 1/2 LVLs






RE: Wood framing common practice
I have noticed in home construction, some framers using (2) in 2x6 walls with no blocking between to match the width of the wall. I do not agree with this approach. Everybody seems to be trying to cut corners.
RE: Wood framing common practice
RE: Wood framing common practice
RE: Wood framing common practice
RE: Wood framing common practice
RE: Wood framing common practice
RE: Wood framing common practice
If you have a framing connector tying into a beam, you often need the extra thickness for nail penetration. Simpson's catalogue will tell you the minimum header thickness required for their connectors.
RE: Wood framing common practice
Also, there is a very simple reality when it comes to timber: Our design values, timber properties, etc. are all based on the 5th pecentile value. That means, in effect, that for every twenty single ply beams you specify, one will be understrength. Doubling up virtually guarentees that this won't occur, as the other 19 members are likely to be stronger than the 5th percentile, so your combined member is sweet.
I've learnt a very simple rule (and something Canadian Engineers are "taught" at the end of their Undergrad degree) to be very true. I don't know what I'm doing, and I'm here to learn. Once I've done it five times, then I start to (gently) second guess more senior engineers. This is always done with a great deal of respect, in an air of comeraderie, and with the (often stated) goal of prompting more knowledge out so that I can better my work and designs...
Good luck, and keep posting,
This forum was invaluable for me starting out,
YS
B.Eng (Carleton)
Working in New Zealand, thinking of my snow covered home...