For some woodworkers, rounded edges, also known as a radius edge, may seem like an inconvenience, seeing how a sharp edge may be required anyway for the task they’re looking to accomplish. There are many reasons for your 2×4 to have rounded edges, which are mainly also its benefits.
2×4 have rounded edges as it’s very beneficial to the wood itself and those working with it. They reduce the number of injuries like unwanted splinters during the handling and manufacturing process and also ensure that the lumber stays looking its best all throughout until the customer sees it.
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From creating a safer working environment to keeping the lumber looking its best, these are just a few of the reasons why manufacturers avoid sharper edges. In this article, let’s explore each of these reasons in-depth and how they actually make your experience dealing with this kind of lumber easier and safer. If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, keep on reading.
The Purpose of Rounded Edges
Maybe you’ve never wondered why a 2×4 has rounded edges. Rounded edges are the silent warrior, protecting woodworkers everywhere from unseen dangers. If you’ve spent time working with wood, you are likely familiar with the hazards of squared edges.
Here’s a list:
- Fewer splinters
- Easy handling
- Less likely to become damaged
- Easier to install drywall
- Fire resistance
- Woodchip sales
Let’s explore each reason further.
Rounded Edges Prevent Splinters
A sliver of wood embedded in your flesh is surprisingly painful. Not only painful, but the sliver hangs around for a while, being difficult to remove. Also, slivers can cause infection.
For these reasons, perfectly square edges can be a problem. They produce splinters much easier than rounded edges. This may be surprising, given that specialty wood planks don’t have rounded edges, but there are several reasons for this.
First, specialty wood is machined with more care. This allows for a very square but very clean edge – which reduces the possibility of splinters. Second, woods that are milled for furniture need to have more precise measurements. The perfectly squared edges allow for accurate dimensions.
Finally, you are usually handling more construction lumber at one time, making it more likely you’ll get a splinter. You might only need three boards when building a bench for your kitchen table, versus needing thirty 2x4s for a new wall.
Rounded Edges Make Boards Easier to Handle
Smoother, rounded edges are more suited for bulk handling. When selecting multiple 2x4s from the lumber yard, the slightly rounded edges make it easier to pull individual pieces from the stack.
Boards with rounded edges are also easier to slide into the back of a truck. When you are purchasing large amounts of lumber for a project, these rounded edges make stacking and movement more comfortable.
Squared edges are more apt to catch and don’t slide with as much ease. This leads us to our next benefit for rounded edges.
See this article for more reasons why boards have rounded or eased edges.
Rounded Edges are Less Easily Damaged
The sharp edges can “cut” into other boards when tossed and moved. Any break in the edges of a board will potentially cause further damage and loss of structural support. Think of it like a hole in your jeans. Once a small hole is made, it just gets bigger.
Though 2x4s and other construction lumber are not always visible, the rounded edges keep the look clean and free of structural instability.
In addition to easy handling and being less likely to become damaged, rounded edges have some practical purposes. We go over several of them in the next two sections.
Rounded Edges Make Drywall Installation Easier
When framing a wall, there will often be some studs that become misaligned or twisted. Though not an easy thing to see with the bare eye, these little variations can cause issues when hanging drywall.
If the edges of your 2x4s were sharp and perfectly square, it would be more difficult to mold the drywall around these minute variations. Also, drywall is more likely to become damaged if bumped against a jagged splintered edge.
Rounded Edges are More Fire Resistant
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The rounded edge on 2x4s is certainly not a primary defense against a house fire; however, it may slow the spread of a flame.
If you’ve ever started a campfire, you’ve noticed that it is easier for a split piece of wood to catch fire than it is for a whole log. A similar comparison can be made between rounded and squared edges.
A perfectly square edge has a sharp corner that will catch a flame faster than a rounded edge. When the lumber has rounded edges, this simulates the log, making it tougher for the flame to catch the wood’s fibers.
Of course, a rounded edge 2×4 will still catch fire quite easily, so you must maintain all fire safety requirements.
Rounded Edges Produce Woodchips and Sawdust for Other Materials
Sawdust today is much different than it was years ago. In the past, sawdust was just a byproduct of milling lumber. It was a waste. However, today, it’s a valuable material.
You can make a lot with sawdust. The larger shavings can make mulch, while you can compact smaller shavings into particleboard. People find many other uses for sawdust as well.
See this article on ten uses for sawdust.
Sawdust is likely not the primary reason for the rounded edges on 2x4s. However, companies do make money from excess sawdust. Thus, if you happen to dislike the rounded edges, unfortunately, they won’t be going away anytime soon.
They Are Helpful When Painting
Rounded edges are also beneficial to those who are looking to begin painting their lumber. These smooth edges work really well for those looking to touch up their wood with a splash of color, and the rounded edges are highly beneficial to your paint flow.
The flow of your paint will look much more natural and professionally done than painting against sharper corners and edges. While this obviously isn’t the main reason that your 2×4 has rounded edges, it’s definitely another benefit for artisans looking to work with their lumber in different ways.
It’s clear to see that rounded edges have so many benefits for woodworkers everywhere for several different reasons. Not only are these smooth ends cleaner and easier to work with, but they also reduce injury while also being fire preventive.
All the benefits we’ve discussed in this article are just some of the reasons your 2×4 has rounded edges. If you were to ask multiple different people why a 2×4 has rounded edges, you might hear multiple different responses. When it all comes down to it, rounded edges serve many purposes that ultimately keep you safer and free of injury.
To avoid splinters and create a smoother and cleaner finish while completing your next project, choose a 2×4 with rounded edges to get the job done.
The Original Reason for Rounded Edges on 2x4s
We’ve given you many benefits to rounded edges on your 2x4s. However, the original reason boards became rounded is a mystery. It could have been for all these reasons or none of these. With that said, we know that there are enough reasons for these rounded edges that they won’t change anytime soon.
However, not everyone is crazy about rounded edges. Let’s go over when you might not want rounded edges and what you can do to get rid of them.
Problems with Rounded Edges on 2x4s
Though rounded edges offer many benefits, there are some issues. Most of these problems come into play when deviating from the intended use of lumber. If you’re trying to use a construction 2×4 for table legs, the round edges will give you issues.
Here’s a list of some problems with the edges:
- They leave a gap
- They don’t create great corners
- Not a great look
Let’s cover these in more detail.
Rounded Edges on 2x4s Leave Gaps
If using a 2×4 as the braces for a shelf or table, you’ll notice a slight gap where the seam board joins the wood. This is due to the slightly rounded edge not fully contacting the piece of wood it’s supporting.
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With this gap or groove, you will have less area space for wood glue and potentially less support.
Rounded Edges do not Have Great Corners
If you’re trying to use a board with a rounded edge to join corners, you won’t get the optimal structure since the round edge doesn’t create a perfect corner. Other boards with not easily join around the edge.
A board with perfectly square edges is going to provide better corner support.
Rounded 2×4 Edges Don’t Look Good on Furniture
Looks are all in the eyes of the viewer. However, most people know a 2×4 when they see it. And 2x4s are known as a construction material – not as premium furniture wood.
You are, of course, free to do whatever you’d like when building your projects. Just know that if you’re going for a high-end look, rounded edges probably aren’t your best option.
How to Get Rid of Rounded Edge on 2x4s
There are several things you can do to obtain boards without rounded edges. Just know up front, since this isn’t the standard for most 2x4s, you’re probably going to spend some time or money getting what you need.
Here are a few ways to get rid of the rounded edge:
- Buy premium hardwood
- Cut them down yourself
- Router them into something more decorative
Here are some more details.
Also, you can check out this article on how to square the corner of your boards.
Buy Premium
The hardwood section has wood milled to its actual dimensions. This section also has lumber without rounded edges.
Depending on your area, you may be able to find 2x4s without rounded edges in the hardwood and specialty sections. However, you’re more likely to find 1x4s, 1x6s, and 1x8s. If you can use these dimensions, then you’re in business. However, you’re going to pay more money.
Cut Edges Yourself
If you have a Table Saw, a jointer, or a planer, then you can run your boards through these to get that clean corner you want. However, this will take time and patience. And it also means that your board will be even smaller than it was before.
But if you’ve got the time and don’t want to spend the extra money on premium wood, this is a viable option.
Use a Router
A router can place some beautiful designs on edge. This is especially true if you plan to use the board for something decorative, like a bookshelf or a table.
If you don’t give up, you will find a way to make the lumber work. Perseverance is all part of the process when it comes to being a woodworker. Sometimes you don’t have everything you need. But you use what you have, including your knowledge and intuition, to get the job done.
Conclusion
In this article, we went over why your 2×4 has rounded edges, which are mostly benefits these clean and smooth edges have to offer.
For starters, sharp edges are known to cause cuts and splinters and aren’t very user-friendly, making rounded edges ideal. Rounded edges are also ideal for fire prevention, as sharp edges are known to ignite when dry.
Not only are these kinds of edges ideal for those who are looking to avoid any injury or danger, but rounded edges are more aesthetically pleasing. They will help you create a smoother and softer finish to whatever project you’re working on.
All of the benefits we explored in this article are just some of the reasons that your 2×4 has rounded edges. Now that you have all this information, you can begin your next big project with these ideal edges in mind.
Sources
- Highland Woodworking: Rounded Edges On Lumber
- Highland Woodworking: Woodworking Tips
- Wood Magazine: Round-Over Bits Basic
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