Home Improvement Rules Of Thumb

Home Improvement Rules Of Thumb

There are several competing ideas about how the term “rule of thumb” came into being.

One has it that there was a time that a man was allowed to beat his wife, as long as he used a stick no larger than his thumb. Another, that it was the distance on a map that a ship would be safe from the shore, others having to do with a variety human measurements. However the term originated, it has come to mean a general rule that is specific enough to serve as guidance in most situations. That is what we are presenting here.

Angle cuts

When you cut the top of a post for a fence that will not be capped, always cut it at an angle. This will allow water to run off, avoiding potential problems with rot.

Crowns

When fastening lumber, there will almost always be a crown, or an upward bend, this should always be on top, or pointed upward. Gravity will always try to force everything downward, and placing the crown up will counter this tendency.

Radial curl

When looking at a board for a deck or other outdoor structure that will be exposed to the weather, look at the end of the board. There will be a section of the radius of the log that it was cut from. There will be a slight curl toward what was once the outside of the log. This will become more pronounced with exposure to weather, causing a cupping effect which, if placed on top, will allow the board to hold water, and cause premature degradation.

This is a growing list

We will be adding more as we have opportunity. We also want to invite you to comment, and let us know of any rules of thumb you might want to suggest.

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