jim wrote in message ...


That depends on what the OP wants to do. I was trying to make
suggestions based on his post layout now. 2X4's 10 feet long on the
flat is a long span and over the years will sag again so the truss
will take out the sag for a long time.

Also if the rod ends are within the wood and the wood splits the rod
ends may not hold up well especially under tension loads. The trusses
will last longer tho maybe cost more ??

I really doubt the rod will split the wood. Assume you have a 1/4 hole
through the rails with a washer on top near the posts and the same near the
center on the bottom. The load is static and light. I would bet you could
support an engine block on the end of those two slender steel rods doncha
think? I like the steel with the turn buckle as you always can adjust it.

If you were to use wood with an inverted V not much is going to stop the sag
of the truss timbers over time. (Think of 2X4 roof rafters)

Either way would however be satisfactory for a 3 foot picket fence, as would
adding a short post in the center supporting the lower rail. The down side
here is you gotta dig a hole and mix the cement.

--
Roger Shoaf
If you are not part of the solution, you are not dissolved in the solvent.