Used a 2x4 as a straightedge for a long wall and it warped on me halfway through

I was laying a 40 foot garden wall in Phoenix last week and grabbed a wet 2x4 off the ground to check my line. By noon the sun had curled it so bad I was off by a quarter inch over ten feet. Anybody got a cheap trick for keeping lumber straight when it's 105 out?

2 comments

2 Comments

singh.jessica13d ago

Just grab a piece of steel stud or a length of unistrut from the scrap pile instead of wood. I've noticed this same problem with almost everything made from wood lately - lumber yards are selling green wood that's barely dried out, so it twists and cups the second it hits real heat. My uncle used to keep a stack of old aluminum garage door tracks in his truck for this exact reason, and they never warp no matter what. Even a straight piece of rebar or a long level will beat a 2x4 on a hot day, which is kinda crazy when you think about it.

rayc8913d ago

Have you tried using old bed frame rails too? They work just as good and are usually free if you ask around.