Loading AI tools
Timber in the shape of long rectangular prisms From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A plank is timber that is flat, elongated, and rectangular with parallel faces that are higher and longer than wide.[1] Used primarily in carpentry, planks are critical in the construction of ships, houses, bridges, and many other structures.[2] Planks also serve as supports to form shelves and tables.
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (March 2015) |
Usually made from sawed timber, planks are usually more than 1+1⁄2 in (38 mm) thick, and are generally wider than 2+1⁄2 in (64 mm). In the United States, planks can be any length and are generally a minimum of 2×8 (1+1⁄2 in × 7+1⁄4 in or 38 mm × 184 mm), but planks that are 2×10 (1+1⁄2 in × 9+1⁄4 in or 38 mm × 235 mm) and 2×12 (1+1⁄2 in × 11+1⁄4 in or 38 mm × 286 mm) are more commonly stocked by lumber retailers. Planks are often used as a work surface on elevated scaffolding, and need to be wide enough to provide strength without breaking when walked on. The wood is categorized as a board if its width is less than 2+1⁄2 in (64 mm), and its thickness is less than 1+1⁄2 in (38 mm).
A plank used in a building as a horizontal supporting member that runs between foundations, walls, or beams to support a ceiling or floor is called a joist.
The plank was the basis of maritime transport: wood floats on water, and abundant forests meant wooden logs could be easily obtained and processed, making planks the primary material in ship building. However, since the 20th century, wood has largely been supplanted in ship construction by iron and steel, to decrease cost and improve durability.[3]
.jpg)
A plank that covers a third rail as a protection for those who fall off a platform
![[icon]](#/media/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (March 2021) |
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Every time you click a link to Wikipedia, Wiktionary or Wikiquote in your browser's search results, it will show the modern Wikiwand interface.
Wikiwand extension is a five stars, simple, with minimum permission required to keep your browsing private, safe and transparent.
