Are these pole barn trusses defective, or are they okay to use?

[/pine]

That's a fair point in general. However, the pole barn company I'm using (like many others) has a very nice website showing lots of beautiful photos of how the barns are built, the quality of the wood, etc. There are interior photos of beautiful trusses. Yes, this is all advertising, and it does its job: to give me expectations of a perfect, beautiful structure so I will choose this company, like I did.

I challenge anyone to find a pole barn company website or brochure where they say, "Our buildings use lumber that just barely meets the absolute minimum standard of what's structurally acceptable, even if it looks terrible." Bonus points if they include photos of such lumber in one of their buildings.

Like I previously stated...IMO this entire scenario is/was a PR ploy by the truss company and the pole barn contractor to avoid any risk of negative comments via social media...

There is no such thing as "lumber that just barely meets the absolute minimum standard of what's structurally acceptable"...lumber is graded and rated regardless of how it may appear to a novice observer...it is not graded by "looks"...see the grade stamps...

 

[ju2tin]

There is no such thing as "lumber that just barely meets the absolute minimum standard of what's structurally acceptable"...lumber is graded and rated regardless of how it may appear to a novice observer...it is not graded by "looks"...see the grade stamps...

I shouldn't have referred to the lumber grade specifically, but to the overall product in general. Surely two pieces of lumber can be the same grade, but one can have a chunk missing at the end where it will be fastened to another piece, while the other does not.

And surely a piece of lumber with a chunk missing at a joint might not result in quite so strong a truss as a piece with a solid, complete end (even if both trusses do meet the minimum requirements of the engineer's plan).

My point stands that (in my experience) the pole barn companies don't do anything to educate new customers about lumber quality and standards. They sell an image of perfection. And if they're going to do that, they shouldn't be surprised when customers expect it.

 

[s219]

I have been buying and handling lumber for about 35-40 years now, since the time I started as a helper in my dad's homebuilding/construction business. One thing I have learned is that there can be a HUGE variation in what lumber makes a grade as #2. Sometimes you get stuff that looks great, and sometimes you get stuff that is on the ragged edge of being acceptable for #2. Technically all of it should be suitable for a design/load that assumes #2. Some places have #2 prime which is the nicer looking end of the #2 scale, but it's still considered #2 for structural purposes.

Nowadays I spend more time picking through lumber to find stuff that is straight and will stay straight. That seems to be the bigger challenge. I worry less about wane and knots unless it is an obvious flaw.

We used to get lumber by the cube, and it was always entertaining to cut the straps and see what would happen.....

 

[mike69440]

Bottom line, it may be too much hassle to send the trusses back, but in writing they should agree to a fixed $ sum to add screwed plywood plates on the questionable trusses.

If they don't agree Just post photo's on Social medial, and say nothing, other than this was what was delivered, the Pics will speak for themselves.

 

[Cord]

While the OVERALL grade of the material used in those trusses may be construction grade, the butt ends of some of those pieces were NOT.

Yea, it doesn't work like that. A piece of lumber is graded for it's entire length. There is no grading for the ends of a cut that is different from the center. They have to assume that a plate will land on a defect.

 

[Cord]

I'm gonna add something here to address the point of view that the customer (me) should accept the wood if it's deemed to meet the required functional standards, regardless of what it looks like, and that customers shouldn't expect prime rib if they're eating at McDonald's.

That's a fair point in general. However, the pole barn company I'm using (like many others) has a very nice website showing lots of beautiful photos of how the barns are built, the quality of the wood, etc. There are interior photos of beautiful trusses. Yes, this is all advertising, and it does its job: to give me expectations of a perfect, beautiful structure so I will choose this company, like I did.

I challenge anyone to find a pole barn company website or brochure where they say, "Our buildings use lumber that just barely meets the absolute minimum standard of what's structurally acceptable, even if it looks terrible." Bonus points if they include photos of such lumber in one of their buildings.

I doubt you'll find any. My point is, the pole barn companies lead new, inexperienced customers to expect prime rib, and then act surprised when the customer is unhappy with McDonald's.

I will not disagree with you on this. The difference is that you are looking at this from consumer point of view because of the cosmetics and we're looking at it from a structural point of view. I've flagged enough trusses over the years that I've learned to be selective when I see a potential problem. It's embarrassing when you run a problem up the flag pole only to have the truss engineer write a letter and cc your boss saying they're structurally acceptable.

Ultimately, I'm glad they decided the customer is right and got you some new trusses.

 

[/pine]

Regional lumber can be graded by specific types...Generally in the S.E...most trusses etc. are made with Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) and may be graded differently...
SYP can also bear a density rating as well as a common grade.

Almost all production trusses are designed using a software program...they most all have cut lists that indicate the lengths and grades of lumber required make up a truss...
As others have stated...different members will require different grades etc...the cut lists indicate the what length lumber is required for particular members and cut accordingly...they do not allow for trimming wanes and pitch pockets etc...

 

[LD1]

Bottom line, it may be too much hassle to send the trusses back, but in writing they should agree to a fixed $ sum to add screwed plywood plates on the questionable trusses.

If they don't agree Just post photo's on Social medial, and say nothing, other than this was what was delivered, the Pics will speak for themselves.

Read the rest of the thread. The issue has been resolved

 

[Streetcar]

Lesser quality lumber saves time? Really?
Just grab all the twisted junk with split ends, from the bottom of the Home Depot 2x4 pile......and save time?
I don't think I can subscribe to that plan!

If the appearance does not matter, grabbing twenty straight boards is quicker than grabbing twenty perfect boards

 

[TomSeller]

TomSeller
I pick lumber based on what it will used for and how visible finished product will be. I Use the lesser quantity lumber to save time

I have a pile of junk wood you might be interested in. I charge the same price as the lumber store and you might need two or three times the wood to get enough good pieces to use but if it saves you time, more power to you. Send freight and handling costs.