[avspinball]

I'm planning on replacing the 2x2s on my patio cover. The patio is 16' x 42' and I estimate I will need about 1500 linear feet of 2x2s. The joists are spaced 24" oc and there is an over hang on the ends.
My problem is this was originally built with 2x2x12 but I can't anyone that has 12' only 8' which means more waste. Currently the 2x2s butt against each other on top of a joist. So they tend to curl up and warp. I do get snow, wind and rain.

I would prefer to switch to aluminum but my wife is adamant the rain will make noise on the hollow aluminum outside our bedroom.

So is the questions are;
Is there a way to end join (between joists) the 2x2s or just cut them
shorter and end over a joist? Nails/screws on the very edges of the 2x2s.

Wood choices are, priced highest to lowest. green heart redwood, kd ceder, "sever weather" treated from Lowes, or fir from Home Depot. Priced highest to lowest. I plan on painting it to match the house, elastomeric.

Thanks
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/e3p7g0nug8rptq6/AABrbeEiuGAacFArByFdNGUya?dl=0

 

[de-nagorg]

Is there a Menard's within driving distance?

They swear that they have access to longer lengths of lumber than the "other guys".

Might be worth a call to them, and then a drive over to their yard, after placing an order.

And if you are painting it anyway, have you thought of steel square tubing?


ED

 

[avspinball]

No Menard's on the west coast. Steel would be 3x price over redwood but would weigh much more. I don't believe there are footings for the 4x posts or I can't see them. Installed before we bought the house 20 years ago.

 

[Photobug]

Check with a real lumber yard. Home Depot or Lowes will only carry what sells regularly. A real lumber yard will have more available and or can order whatever you want.

 

[avspinball]

Yeah I did, the first two choices were from different yards. Still waiting on a couple.

 

[de-nagorg]

No Menard's on the west coast. Steel would be 3x price over redwood but would weigh much more. I don't believe there are footings for the 4x posts or I can't see them. Installed before we bought the house 20 years ago.

Aluminum tube is lighter.

The price may still be a factor, but this way you do it once, and never again in your lifetime.

There must be a mill nearby, that will sell direct to you.

There is always ways around these problems.


ED

 

[House Designer]

2x2 lumber is pretty useless. It is usually warped and splits easily when nailed. Why don't you use 2x3 or 2x4 lumber instead, laid flat?

 

[avspinball]

I've had the same 2x2 for almost 20 years, see the photos. Yes it splits and cracks but has held up pretty good. I need to account for snow in the winter and think a wider board will rot faster even painted.

Any thoughts on rain noise from aluminum?

 

[House Designer]

Sorry, I missed your pictures the first time. There is a look you're going for. I modify my recommendation to 2x4s standing upright. Or rip 2X6s in half for a 1.5 x 2.75 and stand that upright.
I don't have a recommendation on the square aluminum, but it sounds like a lot of work to drill and screw the aluminum for screws into every joist.

 

[de-nagorg]

I've had the same 2x2 for almost 20 years, see the photos. Yes it splits and cracks but has held up pretty good. I need to account for snow in the winter and think a wider board will rot faster even painted.

Any thoughts on rain noise from aluminum?

Rain on a full aluminum (tin) roof can be deafening, I don't recommend it.

I did recommend 2X2 aluminum tubing, as an alternative, might be costly, but it will not warp, split, or rot, in your lifetime.

And painted, you can't tell the difference.

ED

 

[avspinball]

When I say aluminium I meant tubing. I understand about noise on a flat sheet but will the tubing make the same noise? I'm referring to 1.5 x 1.5 square tube with end caps.

 

[avspinball]

Sorry, I missed your pictures the first time. There is a look you're going for. I modify my recommendation to 2x4s standing upright. Or rip 2X6s in half for a 1.5 x 2.75 and stand that upright.
I don't have a recommendation on the square aluminum, but it sounds like a lot of work to drill and screw the aluminum for screws into every joist.

I'm retired and have nothing but time. Sure I won't be able to use my fancy schmancy nail gun. But I only have to do it once.:vs_laugh:

 

[de-nagorg]

When I say aluminium I meant tubing. I understand about noise on a flat sheet but will the tubing make the same noise? I'm referring to 1.5 x 1.5 square tube with end caps.

No; it won't be noisy, you are covering it with wood and shingles?

Edit, I looked at the pictures, no shingling, (my bad), It might be a little bit noisy, but not so much that you will be annoyed.


ED