So, I had a load of wood delivered a few days ago for a deck build. With the beams, I have one board that is about 1/4" smaller in width than the others. What is the right way to deal with this?
A) Center it with the other 2×10 that I'm doubling it up with, leaving 1/8" top and bottom (guessing that it is newer wood, and will shrink equally)
B) Level the top of the double beam, leaving a 1/4" gap against the post. Fill in that gap with a 1/4 shim.
C) Same as B, but level the base – but no shimming on top. The joists will simply be "sitting" on one 2×10 instead of on both of them.
Best Answer
I don't like any of the A-C options presented here, the beam is a very important structural component and incorrect beam installations can compromise the entire deck. Shims, shortcuts and hoping for shrinkage are inappropriate. I would either:
D) Return/exchange the bad board for one that is proper size.
E) Trim the larger beam member to the same width (height, as installed) and adjust the post-beam notch or bracket to compensate for the slight decrease.
Of these two options, I favor option D but with sky-high lumber prices and low availability now (Summer 2021) that might be difficult.