Don Sierakowski 111617 posted:All,
I've used 2x4 lumber, as well as 1x4 and confidently will say that both are quite satisfactory for layout (1800 sq ft) instruction. I have not yet used 3/4" plywood, but who knows what the future will bring. Surface (top) lumber of choice has been 1/2" sheathing plywood. Tip: if there's a contractor building homes hear you, ask if you can have his cutouts and sheathing trim pieces. The pieces come free to you, and it saves him/her tipping fees at the landfill.
What is unequivocally, and persistently true is that quality of the lumber makes ALL the difference in the world. Use only first quality kiln-dried doulas fir 2x4s and buy them from a REAL lumber dealer. Good top grade 1x4s are your other option. Run as fast as you can from "twisted sister" pine at any of the big box stores!
Local lumber folks are more than happy to let you pick your lumber if needed, especially if you explain what you're doing. The few additional pennies you will pay for that will more than offset the hours spent with crappy lumber, or worse, with a layout that changes shape with every season.
Don
That's the problem I ran into. Bought 2x4's at the local lumber yard. They were straight when I bought them but after being in the train building which is heated and air conditioned plus a dehumidifier they warped after I had 28' of table built. It is extremely hard to find good lumber around here. The 1x4's I mentioned using I have my choice of species from pine, oak or poplar.
