Wood For The Job
The designs in this book are only a few examples of the creative
potential of landscaping with cedar. In adapting them to your own ideas on outdoor living, you will want to calculate lumber
sizes suitable for larger or smaller structures.
Beam sizes for load bearing structures such as decks or roofed
areas should be calculated using the span tables available through national building codes.
Where two alternatives are shown, your choice will depend upon
which size looks better in your design. In order to provide extra deck or roof area, beams may overhang their supporting posts,
but this overhang must not exceed one-third of the beam span with maximum of 3'.
Post sizes can be calculated from your beam size. They should be
equal in width to the width of the beam they support, with a minimum of 4" x 4". If posts are longer than 11' the design should
be checked by an engineer of architect. Fence posts are traditionally 4" x 4" unless the design of your choice calls for lighter
or heavier supports.
