Pressure Treated lumber problems

Mijotter · 03-08-2013, 02:47 AM

Sorry another post. So I got my first load of 2x3's in. But the PT 2x3's are only 2 1/8" wide. I'm wondering if that's normal? Will this be too thin for a good solid wall base plate?

I was thinking of a couple options if it is too thin:

1. Use regular 2x3 and apply a water proof sealer to the wood and use sill foam underneath.

2. Use 2x4 PT and cut length wise the proper length or if 2x4 PT is thinner like the 2x3's are, maybe use that.

I'm using 2x3's to save on space.

joecaption · 03-08-2013, 03:00 AM

Ok we give up, what are you trying to build?
If this for a basement wall, you going to be causing some issues when it comes to wiring insulation and any plumbing runs by trying to get by with 2 X 3" instead of 4's.

I hope you only plan on pressure treated for your bottom plates and not the studs.

Mijotter · 03-08-2013, 03:03 AM

lol. Theater room. The room is smaller so every inch counts. Thoughts on post #1?

Mijotter · 03-08-2013, 03:07 AM

The framed walls will be far enough away for room for wiring. And yes only using PT for bottom plate. I'm not THAT noobish lol.

Mijotter · 03-08-2013, 03:38 AM

Any thoughts on my issues in my Original Post. Is that a normal width for PT 2x3?

**oh'mike** · 03-08-2013, 06:45 AM

2 1/2" is normal---you got some junkers there----consider ripping your own out of 2x4s

COLDIRON · 03-08-2013, 07:07 AM

If your using them for plates they can't be that many feet long.

If their less than 21/2" take them back and tell them you want other ones.

**kwikfishron** · 03-08-2013, 08:12 AM

Don't know how much you need but if you have to rip them use 2x6. You'll get 2 out of 1, less waste than using a 2x4.

hand drive · 03-08-2013, 08:17 AM

do what kwikfishron mentions or try and just set down a full 2x4 a top the floor. if it fits,easy- just frame to the front edge of the 2x with the wall studs and let the difference stick behind the wall in the void...

Pittsville · 03-08-2013, 09:00 AM

If you decide to rip down treated lumber, keep in mind that the treatment may not have penetrated very deep into the wood. Your cut will leave an exposed/untreated edge. You may want to apply a brush on preservative prior to installation.

Also keep in mind that by cutting treated lumber, you'll be depositing the treatment on your saw blade. Prolonged cutting of treated lumber can greatly reduce the lifespan of your blades/tools.

Fairview · 03-08-2013, 09:25 AM

"Pressure Treated lumber problems"

The title says it all. Anyone with pressure treated lumber of today has problems. Look until you find a synthetic material that will meet your criteria.

NEXT

Nailbags · 03-08-2013, 10:54 AM

I have some questions? 1 normal building codes are this 2x4 16" OC or you can use 2x6 24" OC heck you can even under the IBC use 2x4 24" OC. Now my question is the PT being used as a sill plate? or bottom plate on the sub floor? because PT Lumber is not to be used in the living space of a home. that is code and it says it on the lumber tag.

Mijotter · 03-08-2013, 11:38 AM

2x4 for the bottom plate just simply won't work. I'm trying to save the most amount of space as I can. I got the PT lumber from Menards which, unfortunately, is the only local store that carries PT 2x3's and they were all the same size when I went and looked. Simply coating a regular 2x3 with a water proof deck sealer or epoxy won't work? They will be on sill foam insulation as well and I have a very dry waterproofed basement.

Jason34 · 03-08-2013, 04:48 PM

You mean to tell me an inch is going to make that much of a difference? When I finished my basement I used 2x4's PT for bottom plate and regular 2x4's for top plate and 2x3 for the studs. I know that if you used 2x3's for everything and backed the wall tight up against the foundation walls, that you wouldnt be able to use rolled insulation (if you wanted) and you might also have problems with electrical boxes

Mijotter · 03-08-2013, 06:19 PM

I mean to tell you 2 inches will make a big difference yes. 1 inch for each wall plus half an inch space between xps and stud. I know what i'm doing here but thanks. Just need to know if I really do need PT for the bottom plate or not. Again, my basement is very dry, water proofed, properly insulated, and using a capillary break so the wood won't directly be touching the concrete floor. Was thinking about coating them with a water proof sealant as well. Would this be advisable?