If the thread doesn't already exist, I would like to discuss the topic of timber dimensions, how it changes over time, and how others perceive this. I know it has been discussed before in some thread, but that time it was considered a material defect and the product was returned.
For example, tongue and groove timber dimension "22x95" has been around for a long, long time. Even when it said 22x95 on the shelves, the thickness tended to shrink downwards. First towards 21 and then towards 20 mm. Nowadays, it seems like many suppliers have switched (or have been forced to) to specify 20X95. So now the race towards less wood continues. I just measured a piece of tongue and groove timber from Jem in Fix with the dimensions 19.2 x 92.9. In the old days, you could expect that a 95 tongue and groove would build 87 mm, nowadays it seems more like 85 mm. On their website, it says 20x95, but at least a few weeks ago, it said 22X95 at the timber stand! Their 17x95 tongue and groove seem to hold at 17 mm, at least from what I could measure in their stand. It may be that they are phasing out the "22" dimension completely. Then, as a small plus, they can also sell more frame timber for trusses etc. Can we as consumers do anything about this? What should all of us with old houses do when renovating/rebuilding? It seems that stinginess has taken an even firmer grip on the construction industry. The quality of the timber also does not speak in our favor.
Compared to a 22 mm board, the deflection increases by 80% and the load-carrying capacity decreases by 35% for a 19 mm. Not entirely insignificant.
For example, tongue and groove timber dimension "22x95" has been around for a long, long time. Even when it said 22x95 on the shelves, the thickness tended to shrink downwards. First towards 21 and then towards 20 mm. Nowadays, it seems like many suppliers have switched (or have been forced to) to specify 20X95. So now the race towards less wood continues. I just measured a piece of tongue and groove timber from Jem in Fix with the dimensions 19.2 x 92.9. In the old days, you could expect that a 95 tongue and groove would build 87 mm, nowadays it seems more like 85 mm. On their website, it says 20x95, but at least a few weeks ago, it said 22X95 at the timber stand! Their 17x95 tongue and groove seem to hold at 17 mm, at least from what I could measure in their stand. It may be that they are phasing out the "22" dimension completely. Then, as a small plus, they can also sell more frame timber for trusses etc. Can we as consumers do anything about this? What should all of us with old houses do when renovating/rebuilding? It seems that stinginess has taken an even firmer grip on the construction industry. The quality of the timber also does not speak in our favor.
Compared to a 22 mm board, the deflection increases by 80% and the load-carrying capacity decreases by 35% for a 19 mm. Not entirely insignificant.
Member
· Västerbottens län
· 18 051 posts
Yep, that's how it is.
I made a thread a while ago when I measured a 2.5 mm2 electrical wire; it was 1.72 mm in dia, and that's only 2.32 mm2.
Now the standard is the resistance in the wire, not how thick it is, so it was apparently OK.
Yes, it's important for the sawmills to get as many running meters as possible, and they compromise on the dimensions.
Protte
I made a thread a while ago when I measured a 2.5 mm2 electrical wire; it was 1.72 mm in dia, and that's only 2.32 mm2.
Now the standard is the resistance in the wire, not how thick it is, so it was apparently OK.
Yes, it's important for the sawmills to get as many running meters as possible, and they compromise on the dimensions.
Protte
There are too few quality-conscious customers. That is where the problem lies.
I usually try to find timber in full dimensions when possible. There are still small sawmills and planing mills that produce such wood. For structural timber, I also try to get sawed wood in full dimensions when possible. Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find. The entire lumber industry is completely rotten.
There is no economy in these thinner dimensions. For example, 19mm facade timber with a grooved backside, which is fashionable nowadays, is purely unacceptable. A proper board cladding of good spruce boards, either 22 or 25 mm thick, should last between 60 and 150 years depending on how exposed the location is. 19 mm grooved fine-sawn facade boards often only last 30-40 years before they crack and become nothing. The fact that the price per meter is the same just makes the overall economy even worse.
I usually try to find timber in full dimensions when possible. There are still small sawmills and planing mills that produce such wood. For structural timber, I also try to get sawed wood in full dimensions when possible. Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find. The entire lumber industry is completely rotten.
There is no economy in these thinner dimensions. For example, 19mm facade timber with a grooved backside, which is fashionable nowadays, is purely unacceptable. A proper board cladding of good spruce boards, either 22 or 25 mm thick, should last between 60 and 150 years depending on how exposed the location is. 19 mm grooved fine-sawn facade boards often only last 30-40 years before they crack and become nothing. The fact that the price per meter is the same just makes the overall economy even worse.