On Sun, 19 Oct 2008 05:37:41 -0700 (PDT), Aaron Fude
wrote:

Hi,

I'm not an expert carpenter by any means, but sometimes it seems to me
that lumber one finds at home depot is to bowed and twisty for most
things such as building a wall. Yesterday I went to hd to by some
2x10's to replace a few joists in kitchen floor and once again, the
lumber is a little bowed a litte twisted a little chipped and a little
banged. But for joists (with plywood and hardwood to go on top), does
it really matter? Should I stick with HD or go to a lumber yard and
pay double or triple? How about lowe's?

Many thanks in advance,

Aaron


A perfect 2x10, square and flat, will warp, twist, bow, wane, cup and
split with changes in humidity. I have made fine furniture from HD
wood. Understanding wood movement can be critical for some
applications, but should be fine for a joist. Construction adhesive
and good long screws will help prevent floor squeaks.