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Q. What is a board foot?
A. The lumber industry uses board feet (more typically, thousand board feet - MBF) as it's
unit of measurement for most materials. It is a volume measurement; thickness (in inches)
times width (in feet) times length (in feet). The volume is based on nominal measurements
not actual measurements. For example a 2X8-18' contains 24 board feet (2 X 8/12 X 18).
Q. What is the difference between nominal and actual lumber sizes?
A. The nominal size of lumber is the terminology we use every day (i.e.: 2X4). The actual
size and grading of lumber conforms to a voluntary product standard (PS20.99) published under procedures established by the US Dept of Commerce. Today, the actual size of a 2X4 is 1½" thick
and 3½" wide.
Q. Why are there different grades of lumber?
A. The purpose of grades is to maintain a standard, so that lumber of a given grade can be
used for the same purpose, regardless of the manufacturer. Dimension lumber (nominal 2"
and thicker) is graded for it's strength, while boards (under 2") are graded for their
appearance. Most of the quality dimension lumber in our area is from the west coast and
graded under the auspices of the Western Wood Products Association.
There are different grade names and grade standards for
boards depending upon the species of the wood and the regional association responsible
for setting the standards.
Q. What is the purpose of a grade stamp?
A. The marking on a piece of lumber is it's grade stamp. It shows: the grade of the
lumber, the species of wood, the mill that manufactured the board, and the association
that set and oversees the grade standards. The grade stamp on a piece of pressure treated lumber includes all of the above information, as well as information about it's treatment.
Q. What size joist should I use?
A. The width of the joist depends upon the species of lumber being used, the span (length
of opening) needed, the spacing between the joists (typically 16" separation), and the floor
loads for that area of the house. Your architect will use span tables to size the joist. If
you are using iLevel® wood I-beams, we use iLevel's computer program so that you can be
assured that the joist are properly engineered for your structure.
Q. Why should I buy from Rochester Lumber?
A. If you want quality products at a fair price from knowledgeable people and a company
that has supported the Rochester community for over 90 years, Rochester Lumber is the
place.
Q. I am going to build, how can I get an estimate for my job?
A. I you have a material list, bring it to our East Rochester location and we will review it with you
and then we can price it for you. If you do not have a material list, bring your plan to us and we can
do a material "take-off", after discussing your needs.
Q. With modern technology, why are we still using wood? Are we not depleting all the
old trees?
A. Technology has brought about some products (Trex decking, iLevel floor joists, OSB
sheathing) that are made from wood waste and smaller trees, but wood has so many
positive qualities and advantages over plastic and steel that we
know it is still the best product for residential construction.
Q. Why should I use trusses for my roof?
A. Our trusses are engineered, designed and manufactured for your specific job and our
local conditions and loads. As trusses are stronger and capable of much larger spans than dimensional lumber, they can give you a simple solution to a complex
design/condition without inhibiting building design. Trusses also save the carpenters time,
speeding up the construction process.
Q. Are there any special rules for using trusses.
A. The most important concept is to make sure that the trusses are securely braced during
erection and afterwards for permanent support. Click here for further information on erection and bracing.
Q. What products should I use for my deck?
A. There are several good choices today. CCA treated yellow pine is still the standard for most residential
decks. However, Trex and Timber-Tech are excellent new products that are
taking a share of the decking market. Also, Western Red Cedar continues to be popular with those individuals who want a
product with natural resistance to insects and decay with natural beauty.
Q. I am going to use pressure treated lumber, how much preservative should it have?
A. Each piece of treated lumber is marked with the level of preservative retention,
measured as pounds of water based preservative per cubic foot of wood. A level of .25
lbs/cu.ft is adequate for above ground use. Lumber that comes in contact with the ground
should be treated to a level of .40 lbs/cu.ft. A level of .60 lbs/cu.ft is used for material for
a wood foundation that supports a structure. Southern Yellow Pine is the normal wood used by treaters
as it easily permits a deep, uniform penetration of the preservatives. Except for
landscaping timbers, we stock only .40 lbs/cu.ft treated lumber.
Q. Why should I use pre-built stairs?
A. Pre-built stairs save the trimmer time and helps to speed up the construction process.
Our stairs use housed stringers (the treads and risers are set into grooves in the stringers)
which along with glued wedges and blocks assure a tight sturdy stairway with the correct
rise and run for ease of use.
Q. What dimensions do I need to give so my stairs can be pre-built?
A. It is vital that stairs be built with the proper rise and run for safe use. We need the
overall height, width and run. The height is from the top of the lower finished floor to the
top of the upper finished floor. The width is finished width of the opening. The run is the
length of the horizontal distance from the head of the stair to the outside edge of the last
riser (leave at least 3 feet to any wall at the top or bottom. FHA requires 6'8" minimum
headroom from the edge of the tread to the bottom of the ceiling, but adequate head room
is generally considered to be 7'4" to 7'7".
Q. How do I indicate which way I want my door to open?
A. When we prehang a door, we use the terminology of left-hand (LH) or right-hand
(RH). When you are inside the room, so that the door opens toward you, which side of the
door is the door knob on? If it's on the left, your unit is LH; if it's on the right it's RH.
Q. Where can I acquire more information?
A. Please feel free to contact any of us at Rochester Lumber Company or any of the below
industry associations.
Western Wood Products Association
APA:The Engineered Wood Association (formerly American Plywood Association)
Western Red Cedar Lumber Association
Southern Forest Products Association
Southern Pine Council
American Wood Preservers Association
Western Wood Preservers Institute
Wood Truss Council of America
Canadian Wood Council
Canadian National Lumber Grades Authority
National Hardwood Lumber Association
Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA)
National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association
National Home Builders Association
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