This is what happens when you let a bit-pusher mess with hardware.
When an experienced, professional carpenter looks at a project, she asks, “how strong do I have to make this to suit its application?”
![[Photo]](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3487/3230130162_ed7a1afe77.jpg)
![[Flickr]](/graphics/flickrt.png)
Towards my office, before the reno
I am not a professional carpenter.
![[Photo]](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3392/3230130978_c60a5bb890.jpg)
Towards the bedroom, before the reno
When I look at a project, I ask, “how strong can I make this?”
![[Photo]](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3322/3230131626_05b3b9b66b.jpg)
Towards my office, working on framing
Really not the same thing.
![[Photo]](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3457/3229281563_f83ce7beb5.jpg)
Towards the bedroom, working on framing
This point was driven home to me, not for the first time, as I was constructing the laminated header beam for this wall. Granted, I'm not planning to tie the header into the ceiling, so there was (just possibly) some grounds for considering its strength.
But I expect a sandwich of two two-by-fours around a core of half-inch plywood was overkill for suspending a couple of closet doors that can't weigh more than about 20 pounds (about 9kg for those of you comfortable with a reasonable system of weights and measures) over a sixty inch (1.5m) span.
Nevermind. Maybe I can use it to do chin-ups or something.
P.S. I did eventually finish.
Comments:
Good British tradition Norm :-)
Brick sh... houses stood for ages, as did iron bridges and early suspension bridges.
Started about 1300, based on experience after that.
Couple of 4x2's should hold it. Half inch ply won't move. What's wrong with that I ask.
If you'd built it with 2x1 and 1/4 ply, you' be afraid to touch it! Not worth it.
Regards DaveP
Yes, but I expect a single two-by-four would have been sufficient.
My brother is a builder, he says if a house was built 50 years ago it'll be standing in another 50, but a house built today is made from a bare minimum of materials, to a minimum cost, and has a design life of 15 to 20 years.
Sometimes over-engineered is an aesthetic plus, not just an extra cost.
That poor dog loses out again
http://norman.walsh.name/2006/10/31/bookcase#comment0002
you better build a kennel for your next project
That "poor dog" generally sits in one of two comfy dog beds, or on one of two couches, or in my chair, or in my lap. He sleeps on our bed, often on my pillow.
The word you're looking for is "pampered". :-)
I build like you. I also always go with screws for all construction even though nails are cheaper and potentially faster ("Robertson" screws of course). Two benefits: they aren't ever slipping out, and they do come out easily when you want them to without wrecking the wood. Especially useful for projects you may wish to undo in future (seems like this is a good candidate). All homes should be built with screws so the wood can be reused.
I think I would have just hired a professional, but I am lazy so go figure!