Estimating Practice Exam

For rough carpentry, how many pounds of nails are allowed for every 1000 square feet of sheathing?

1. 5 lbs

2. 7 lbs

3. 10 lbs

4. 12 lbs

The correct answer is: 7 lbs

In rough carpentry, when determining the amount of nails to use for sheathing, it is generally accepted that around 7 pounds of nails are required for every 1000 square feet. This standard helps ensure adequate fastening of the sheathing material, whether it be plywood, OSB, or other products, to the frame of the structure. Having the right amount of nails is crucial for structural integrity and durability, allowing the sheathing to withstand various forces such as wind loads and impact. Using too few nails can compromise the stability and strength of the sheathing, while exceeding this amount could be unnecessary and lead to increased costs without additional benefits in structural performance. Therefore, the recommended amount of 7 pounds strikes a balance between performance and efficiency in material usage.