Any of you know where I can get some F8 rated Oregon (or similar) in the SE Qld region. Been googling supplies and it seems most only stock F7. Putting an extra room on my house and want to keep it looking the same as the existing structure.
Whether if it F7 or F8 will make so little difference- especially if it is appearance that is the issue.
Clarence
What we used to get here in the West years ago that was called Oregon seems to be no longer available here, it was a slight pinky colour with very defined grain, now they offer Douglas fir instead but it doesn't look the same at all.
It's required for structural so the F8 rating is important. Not too worried about the grain. But if I go to hardwood, it will be a different size and to keep the same profile in hardwood would result in more $$$. Hence I will continue my search for the F8 rated softwood.
Maybe I'll have to annoy these Victorian guys for a quote, but had hoped to find a local supplier. www.simplyoregon.com.au/
hazelwood and hill in vic ... also supply good nth american /Canadian Oregon . ............maybe from memory gets unto f11 ?
Structurally the difference between F7 and F8 is so small, in most cases it will make no difference. For large span members like bearers and rafters you might have a maximum reduced span of 5-10%, that's all. Douglas fir is the other name for oregon (species name Pseudotsuga menziesii).
Clarence
Yeah Clarence, I was thinking of checking to see if I can get away with F7 with the spans I'll be doing. Maybe the original house plans were over engineered. Worth looking into as the F7 is sold locally. Cheers
It is pretty easy to work out off the Australian Standard AS1684.
I checked a few member specs on AS1684 and there was no more than a 10% difference between F7 and F8 as far as span capacity was concerned.
If it is an issue you can always so up a size (eg go to 140x45 instead of 90x45) to make it work if it is borderline.
Clarence.
