I just want to scream and cry. Argh. Construction woes

[U_Stormcrow]

I keep thinking about this.
I wonder if they sold you someone else screw up?
I'd be ticked off.
Have bought lumber that's a bit longer than they should be, but never shorter.

It sounds like they bought precut studs, thinking they were buying 2x4x8s.

Instead of 96" (+ a little bit, because they aren't cut to length, rather shrunk to near length) they got 92 5/8 whitewood or SYP studs (which are cut to length) to use as their joists. And if its like most lumber yards I've visited, the studs are usually next to the #2 grade 2x4x8s, I've seen plenty of people move wood from one pile to the other looking for straight wood, then leaving it in the wrong pile...

and I know you know this @aart, just explaining for others who may spend less time in lumber yards.

My local Lowes FINALLY moved all the whitewood to the back aisle and pulled (almost) all the PT to the front, stopped stocking studs next to full length lumber.

I hope they return them - whitewood studs are fine for inner walls of conditioned buildings, but they are a poor choice for joists outside, in a potentially sometimes moist environment.

 

[aart]

It sounds like they bought precut studs, thinking they were buying 2x4x8s.

Those don't look like 2x4's, see pics in first post, more like 2x8's.
But we will see when the OP comes back to tell us how it worked out with the lumber seller.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Those don't look like 2x4's, see pics in first post, more like 2x8's.
But we will see when the OP comes back to tell us how it worked out with the lumber seller.

THAT is a fine point. Agree. Those do look bigger on second glance

 

[wrathsfarm]

I keep thinking about this.
I wonder if they sold you someone else screw up?
I'd be ticked off.
Have bought lumber that's a bit longer than they should be, but never shorter.

That's why I mentioned they might have been pre-cuts being so close.OP stated that when held up to one end it was 1/2" off which would make the pre-cuts 92 5/8" pretty close to that.
According to my math if outside measurement is 96", inside of framing would be 93". These would have fit. But it sounds like OP stated they were 1/2" off which coincides with pre-cut studs.
The other monkey wrench tho, if this is all PT they don't sell pre-cuts which then would be obvious these were cut and returned or....

 

[wrathsfarm]

Just caught the last few posts.. my bad.

 

[Lulu-vt]

I think if you are buying 8'ft joists there is a decent chance it won't all be the same - if it's anything like we get in the UK. I'd cut out the longer edge 1½"

Frustration will pass - I spent a week trying to get my base level, which I thought I had, but when I started building on it I realised it was an inch out at one end. Actually it took an hour to fix, but I was so close to giving up.

A month from now you will be posting a build article about the stuff you did right and wrong, but you'll be basking with your new chicken run ....

Thanks for your optimism!! I can't wait to share.

 

[Lulu-vt]

It sounds like you or someone loaded 'pre-cut' studs whiçh measure out at 92 5/8" actual.
If your floor measures out to 96" outside, inside will be 3" shy at 93".
If it were mine... I would just use them. There only 3/8th short, especially since your using joist hangers. Butt tight on one side and pound a cedar shim on other to fill the gap.

Or exchange them...

Oh my gosh!!! This is EXACTLY what happened. GRRRRR. I was so upset when I realized they were short. Mostly upset because I thought I did something wrong. I was actually relieved to learn that my boards were short and it wasn't me!!
I did end up going back and exchanging them. It was so easy. While I was there I picked up some plywood that I got for 50% off because I was "kind" to the lumber guy!!! Thanks for your input, it's really appreciated.

 

[Lulu-vt]

Measure both the frame and the joists to see what's wrong where.

My husband came out and helped me calm down!!! He measured and they were short!! I exchanged them.

 

[Lulu-vt]

What I would probably do is sister a board to the inside of one end board – just put a 1x or 2x board side-by-side with the end board and a bunch of screws to hold it there. That will effectively make the gap between the two end boards either 3/4” or 1.5” shorter, choosing one or the other depending on how much too short the joists are. You then may have to cut a bit off the joists to fit in the now-smaller space, but that is easy enough to do.

Though if you are able to replace the lumber, that’s even better!

I thought about doing a sister board but wasn't sure it would be sound. Last thing I need is my coop falling down!! Turns out the wood was short. I exchanged them easily and now on to the next thing. Thanks so much for replying. I really appreciate your time.

 

[Lulu-vt]

Just caught the last few posts.. my bad.

No worries! I returned them. I can't believe I fell for that ridiculous "not correct" construction measurement. I mean, what the heck? Why can't it just measure what it's supposed to. Grrrrr. It all ended up ok....just time spent.