Traditional building for owner builders and our "gut feelings"

[flyingvan]

Good call---20' sounds like a long span for a 2x12.  I've noticed that 2x12's milled 20 years ago are heavier and tighter grained than what's available now, and I wonder if rapid growth forestry has made dimensional lumber lower quality than when the span tables were developed.  I used I-joists, and they are great, but I have to admit it wasn't the same as seeing dimensional lumber all lined up perfect.  They are superior in every way but lack soul in my opinion..  I just hope they stand the test of time and don't turn to wood chips after 40 years

[Don_P]

We were saying the same things 20 years ago, and 20 years before that. But yes, southern pine has begun what will certainly be a derating in it's allowable design values. I suspect it's the tip of the iceberg.

My main complaints with TJI's is their performance around fire or water.

[MountainDon]

My main complaints with TJI's is their performance around fire or water.

Which was, I believe, one of the factors that drove a lot of the proponents of residential fire suppression sprinkler systems.