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What is the weakest wood?

It's common knowledge, but Balsa is indeed the softest and lightest of all commercial woods. Nothing else even comes close.

wood-database.com - Top Ten Softest Woods | The Wood Database
Where should you not use MDF?
Where should you not use MDF?

There are a few areas where MDF should never be used – kitchen or bathroom cabinets and trim in the bathrooms. These are the two areas we see the...

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Last updated Jan 13, 2021
Should I build my shed with 2x4 or 2x6?
Should I build my shed with 2x4 or 2x6?

The only time it makes sense to use 2×6 lumber is if you plan to use your shed as a work or living space. 2×6 framing gives you more options for...

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Last updated Jul 13, 2018
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

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by Eric Meier

The most common test for testing wood hardness is known as the Janka hardness test. The actual number listed in the wood profile is the amount of pounds-force (lb f ) or newtons (N) required to imbed a .444″ (11.28 mm) diameter steel ball into the wood to half the ball’s diameter. While most people would be looking for the hardest wood, just out of curiosity, here’s a list of the ten softest woods on the site. Keep in mind that five out of these ten woods (including the three softest) are considered hardwoods. This just goes to show that the terms hardwood and softwood merely refer to the botanical classification of the trees as either conifers (softwoods) or angiosperms (hardwoods). There’s no guarantee that any given hardwood will actually be hard! Note: A hardwood named Quipo (Cavanillesia platanifolia) is commonly reported as the softest known wood, with an alleged Janka hardness of 22 lb f (98 N). However, the wood is omitted from this list for two main reasons. First, it is virtually unobtainable and not commercially available outside of its natural range in Central/South America. Secondly, the purported hardness seems highly questionable, especially in light of the fact that Quipo seems to be very susceptible to rot, and on one USDA test, it was remarked that “the results for quipo may have been influenced by the presence of considerable decay.” Furthermore, when comparing Quipo with Balsa, it has been shown that the two woods are virtually identical in hardness, with the absolute lowest recorded Janka hardness values, in the range of 20-35 lbf (89-156 N), were actually from Balsa, and not Quipo.

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Are you an aspiring wood nerd?

The poster, Worldwide Woods, Ranked by Hardness, should be required reading for anyone enrolled in the school of wood nerdery. I have amassed over 500 wood species on a single poster, arranged into eight major geographic regions, with each wood sorted and ranked according to its Janka hardness. Each wood has been meticulously documented and photographed, listed with its Janka hardness value (in lbf) and geographic and global hardness rankings. Consider this: the venerable Red Oak (Quercus rubra) sits at only #33 in North America and #278 worldwide for hardness! Aspiring wood nerds be advised: your syllabus may be calling for Worldwide Woods as part of your next assignment!

Does cardboard insulate heat?
Does cardboard insulate heat?

As regards to its insulation properties, cardboard is actually a great insulator as it has poor thermal conductivity. The definition of...

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Last updated Nov 14, 2022
What is the largest portable building you can get?
What is the largest portable building you can get?

The largest portable building that 5 Star Buildings creates is 16' x 48'. A portable building of this size will give you approximately 705 square...

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Last updated Apr 10, 2022
These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

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How long does it take a wet 2x4 to rot?

Wood can Start to Rot in 1-6 months If: Wood is untreated. The wooded area is sitting in water. Water and/or air space is hot & humid. The area is at or near the ground.

mrhappyhouse.com - How Long Does It Take For Wood To Rot From Water? | Mr. Happy House

Is water coming into your home? A well built house with the right framing and expertise is surely not capable of withstanding the true forces of nature. Depending the type of wood installed, whether if it’s in the framing, siding, soffit, fascia, or decking, rotted wood is never something that should be ignored. Over time, rotted wood can pose a serious health hazard if kept untreated for a long time. Rotted wood can start to degenerate and lose it’s strength, making your home vulnerable to future damage. The best way to prevent your wood siding, framing, soffit, or fascia from rotting is to first take preliminary steps beforehand, but if you’re on this page, then it is most likely that you already have rotted wood, so let’s first identify the rot and fix the issue before you have this:

What is the span for a 2x6 floor joist?
What is the span for a 2x6 floor joist?

According to the International Residential Code 2018 (IRC), the maximum length a 2x6 can span as a floor joist is 12'-6”, as a ceiling joist is...

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Last updated Apr 30, 2019
Is saving 1000 a month good?
Is saving 1000 a month good?

Yes, saving $1000 per month is good. Given an average 7% return per year, saving a thousand dollars per month for 20 years will end up being...

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Last updated Nov 30, 2018
These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »
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What can I use for a shed wall?
What can I use for a shed wall?

Oriented strand board (OSB) is the least expensive option for sheathing the walls and roof of a shed, which is why it's used so often for sheds and...

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Last updated Jul 17, 2020
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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How thick should a metal shed be?
How thick should a metal shed be?

Each shed manufacturer uses a different framing system and thickness of metal for the walls. A flimsy metal shed will have metal walls 0.25mm...

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Last updated Aug 16, 2020