Building the frame:
The basic frame was composed of 2x4's I purchased from Lowe's. The majority of my building materials came from Lowe's. This is not an endorsement, but when a building material store is literally 5 minutes from my house, it's my go-to. For framing, I would recommend at least five 2x4's at 8 foot lengths. You can always return uncut lengths you do not need. I would use this logic of over-purchasing for just about any aspect of this project regarding items that are returnable. It gets really annoying making multiple trips in the same day over just 'one' item you were short on.
You may be tempted to save a few bucks on some 'el cheapo' boards but I would highly suggest using a more premium product. Not the premium flawless hardwood they sell in the back- a higher grade softwood will do. It will have less defects then the bargain cuts, and that will save you much frustration. Besides the ends having a clean and straight cut and not a lot of gnarly knots, the most important thing to look for in a good 2x4 is its straightness. In a big pile at the big-box store they all look relatively straight- not usually the case. I suggest the "golfer's putting line" method. Yes, I just made that up. Pick up a board and lay one end on the floor with the narrow (2") section facing up and bring the other end up to your eye. Look straight down the board. I guarantee the first one you pick up will have a bow to it. This is no good, trust me. Find the very straightest ones you can find- ones that you cannot visible see a bow. Now, I am not advocating that you grab a level from the tool department and get all technical. Just find five good ones and you are set. If you cannot find five after looking through a dozen, you need to look for a more premium cut.
TIP: A 2x4 is not really two by four inches. This is the approximate measurements of the board before it is sawed down to the end product. Never assume dimensions. Measure twice and cut once as they say.
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