Hello. I'm new to this forum although I've been reading for some time.
I am constructing a large deck with a roof over a section of it. The architect specified 4x10 cedar for the roof joists and I'm having trouble locating a reasonably priced source in New Jersey.
I need twenty 12' 4"x10"s.
Can anyone point me toward a supplier(s) in my area?
Also, pointers on what to look for as far as quality would be appreciated. I've invested a lot in materials and time and want this thing to outlast me.
Thanks.
12 foot 4X10 cedar may be a bit hard to find anywhere. Suggest query member cedarman. Another option would be to substitute cypress,plenty of big long beams available here
I would definitely look at alternative options for that. Are the plans for Western red cedar given the size? That size in eastern red cedar is bound to have issues somewhere in the beam, which means sawing a lot more to fill the order, thus increasing the cost per unit.
The plans just say "cedar".
Since the township already approved them, any change in materials would mean getting a letter from the architect - and he'd run it by his staff engineer.
Perhaps a call to him for clarification. You may be searching for a unicorn.
I did find a source for 4x8 WRC but it seems awfully pricey. It may be the going rate but I'm hoping to do much better, if possible.
Rob, I would look for cedar from lumber and building supply firms in the coastal areas where Western Red Cedar and Yellow Cedar are in common demand. However, neither is a true cedar rather they are cypress family. Eastern Red Cedar is a juniper, in fact North American cedars are not in the cedar family which is a Middles Eastern tree. The architect or engineer should specify the lumber by species and grade, anything less is non-professional. Getting the spec sorted should be a first step.