Lumber size availability?

[crabjoe]

Can anyone provide a link to what the different size lumbers are available? I'm looking for Pressure treated 4"x4"x24' and I can't seem to find it anywhere.

Basically, I want to know if I'm looking for something that doesn't exist.

Thanks!!

[HayZee518]

I don't think you'll find a 24 foot 4X4 anyplace! Reason is at that length and being pressure treated, it's gonna twist and warp like crazy! Most common I've seen is 12, 10 and 8 foot.

[pushkins]

I agree with hayZee, now 6x6's they come in 24'

There is very little structurally that will allow a 4x4 @24'

If you need 24' of 4x4 I assume it's for a horizontal placement then why don't you look at an LVL. It would be stronger and I'm thinking you could get it down to 6 x 1 1/2

[crabjoe]

I finally found a place that can get them, but don't have a price yet. A local builder supply store said they can get any length from their supplier. They said the supplier is a local lumber yard.

What I'm planning on using them for are the skids for my shed. The 4x4s will go down 1st, on the gravel, then the floor will be built on top of them.

I know I can get away with shorter posts, but I'd don't like the idea of having to join them together. If the cost is prohibitive, I'll guess I'll be joining two 12 footers to get the 24 feet I need.

BTW, do they make an exterior approved LVL, that I might be able to use?

Thanks!!

[mrcaptainbob]

Why not join 2x4's side-by-each that are that long?

[HayZee518]

even for shed skids I'd be a little leary using 24 foot 2X4's - now maybe a true "rough cut" 4X6 is a little more feasible. The poster says he has access to a sawmill.

[pushkins]

Yep they sure do make pressure treated LVL's, but for what your describing an LVL would be an inappropriate thing to use.
I agree with HayZee a 4x6" would be a much better size to use for a 24' shed.
Or
Like the captain suggested you could use 2x4 ACQ for example ---------2- 2x4x12' on each outside sandwiching 3 - 2x4 x 8' in the center all nailed or screwed together (that would be 7 pieces of lumber in total and it would in effect make a 4x6)

[crabjoe]

Well, the 24 footers are out of the question because I'm not going to pay what they're asking for.

I was now thinking of using joining 2 12 foot 4x4s to get 24 feet. Would there be any advantage in sandwiching 2x4s then lengthening them to 24 ft vs using the 12 foot 4x4s to get 24 feet?

BTW, here's an image of my skid placement.

[pushkins]

There are a couple of advantages of the sandwiched 2x4's.

1. By sandwiching you can achieve a structural 24' length, sandwiching is a kind of laminating by having the joints offset to each other the loads are transfered much more effectively to the next piece.

2. by sandwiching the 2x4' you will in effect end up with a 4x6.

If you do sandwich then naturally the 2x4's must be installed side up.

How do you intend to join the 2 4x4's end to end, unless you use steel plates on either side and bolt them together, even then this method won't stop the 4x4's sagging at the joint over time.

[Hube]

That sketch is "Overkill" with a capital "O"