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Seeking Advice What lumber Size Should i use?

235 Views 6 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  AdamBinAdam, 
AdamBinAdam
Hello, Everyone.

I'm intending to get some lumber for a wide variety
of small projects for my Garden.

that includes things such as pergolas, Benches, Sheds, outdoor furniture, aviaries, cat patios, Kennels, Chicken coops, Hutches ..etc
I'm a beginner and I would like to learn and develop my skill through these projects plus it supports my other hobbies.

now when it comes to lumber I have two choices locally that I found for a good price

1 . 2x2 13f

2 . 1.25x2.75 13f

My question is which one do you recommend (or other sizes if must )?

and Generally What's the difference in usage between square and rectangular lumber for such structures?

Thanks.
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G
For what you want to build, you will want a wide variety of lumber sizes. From 4x4 (maybe 6x6) to 1 x 2 in many different widths.

You need to ask this question for a specific build to get good answer.

Where do you live that you have such a limited supply?

George
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woodnthings
AdamBinAdam said:
Generally What's the difference in usage between square and rectangular lumber for such structures?
Click to expand...
Posts, vertical supports, can support a lot of weight pressing straight down.
Beams, horizontal supports, will not have as much strength in that orientation.
To make horizontal supports stronger, you can either double them up side by side OR just go to a wider size.
Like instead of a 4 X 4 use a 4 X 6.
If the wide face is oriented vertically, like a 2 X 12, the more weight it can support.
Licensed builders know how much weight a horizontal structural member can safely support with a given distance between the supports.
There are also online "span" tables for DIY'ers like this:

span tables for construction lumber at DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo. Privacy, Simplified.
duckduckgo.com duckduckgo.com

awc.org

Understanding Loads and Using Span Tables

awc.org awc.org
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F
Find some plans for whatever you plan to build, even if you don't follow the plan exactly it will give you and idea of what size material you require, seems like you are putting the cart before the horse.
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AdamBinAdam
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GeorgeC said:
For what you want to build, you will want a wide variety of lumber sizes. From 4x4 (maybe 6x6) to 1 x 2 in many different widths.

You need to ask this question for a specific build to get good answer.

Where do you live that you have such a limited supply?

George
Click to expand...
Hello George .

OK the main structure that i will build at least 8 or 10 of it is a simple rectangular (6.5F Wx13F L x6F H ) Chicken cage/run. with cinder Block footing .
so there will be a lot of framing .and i was wondering what is the most suitable size for such Structure mainly .

I live in Saudi Arabia and most sizes of lumber are available soft/hard soft wood is mainly European (Austrian/Swedish) and Canadian.
this link of a store reflects what available in the market Timber and Plywood

however i specified the sizes Because i found some quantity of it for good price if its Suitable for the purpose that is .

and yes i will need multiple size including plywood ..etc however i want to know what is the most i need to devote most of budget for it .

thank you for replaying and sorry i did not clarify in my previous post .

here some examples :

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AdamBinAdam
woodnthings said:
Posts, vertical supports, can support a lot of weight pressing straight down.
Beams, horizontal supports, will not have as much strength in that orientation.
To make horizontal supports stronger, you can either double them up side by side OR just go to a wider size.
Like instead of a 4 X 4 use a 4 X 6.
If the wide face is oriented vertically, like a 2 X 12, the more weight it can support.
Licensed builders know how much weight a horizontal structural member can safely support with a given distance between the supports.
There are also online "span" tables for DIY'ers like this:

span tables for construction lumber at DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo. Privacy, Simplified.
duckduckgo.com duckduckgo.com

awc.org

Understanding Loads and Using Span Tables

awc.org awc.org
Click to expand...
Thank You that clarifies it.
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AdamBinAdam
FrankC said:
Find some plans for whatever you plan to build, even if you don't follow the plan exactly it will give you and idea of what size material you require, seems like you are putting the cart before the horse.
Click to expand...
" putting the cart before the horse. "
Just a Little bit of that .
im excited to to start practising and i want to do every thing at once .
but i should stick to 1 project at a time .
first the animal enclosures and then maybe a pergola.

thanks for the advice.
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