I ordered lumber from Lowes for building deck beams, but now I realize after putting up the beam that while they are all level, the boards are of slightly different widths.
Of the 2×10 boards I had for both the ledger and the beams thus far, everything tells me that they should be 9 1/4" actual, when in reality they are mostly 9 1/2" and some of the beam boards are 9 3/8" actual.
Is this normal for weather treated wood to swell a bit after it is planed and cut? Any ideas on how to get the joists to set evenly on the beams now? I figured if a beam is slightly too high then I could notch the top of the beam for the joist, but if it is too low by a 1/4" perhaps that I might have to shim it?
This is sort of throwing everything I know for a loop. When I get dimensional lumber then it should all be of uniform width. Apparently this is not true anymore.
Best Answer
Reorder the beams so they are installed from shortest to tallest, with same heights together in sequence. I would place the tallest next to the building.
With a little luck, a board across them will create a straight line. If it does not, how much variation could there be? 1/16th inch? 1/32nd? If you are blessed with perfect climate which will not distort the lumber's dimensions, then maybe some sliver shims are called for. Otherwise, prohibit your guests from laying down and gazing across the decking.