I'm in the process of building a loft above my garage to turn it into an office space. After getting everything approved, I've been advised by my contractors and architect to use Southern Yellow Pine for my project. However, I'm having trouble finding 14'+ lengths of Southern Yellow Pine, as it's mostly out of stock. I do see a good amount of #2 Premium Grade SPF Dimensional Lumber available, but I'm not sure if that's a suitable substitute for joists. I need a bunch of 2x6s and 24 feet of 2x8s. Is #2 Premium Grade SPF a decent choice for this application?
2 Answers
#2 SPF is fine as long as that's what's specified in your approved plans. Check your drawings; they usually state something like "#2 SPF or better." If the drawings don’t clarify that, you might need to get the framing approved by your structural engineer during inspection. Don't overlook this part!
I've used #2 Premium Grade SPF for framing before, and it's typically considered acceptable for joists. Just make sure it matches what your plans call for, and you should be all set!