Picking 2x4's

Home repair projects commonly involve 2x4's or other 2x materials, and most homeowners go to the store and pick them out. Don't let aesthetic issues influence your picking. Boards can be twisted, crooked, bowed or sometimes straight. Boards that have excessively rounded ("waney") edges should not be dismissed. This condition is a result of the board being cut from the outside of the log close to the bark. If the board is otherwise straight, wane should not be rejected -- these boards are often the pick of the pill. Remember framing lumber (2x4's) are seldom seen when the project is completed.

- Stephen Corwin

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2001