Last updated: 11 November 2026
This page sets out how Builderology chooses its sources, checks its numbers and handles corrections. For the detail on the calculators and the wood data, see how we build and check our calculators and data.
Who writes the site
Builderology is written and maintained by Michelle. You can read more on the About page.
What we publish
- Construction and woodworking calculators
- A wood species database and wood charts
- Thread and fastener charts
- Building code and safety guides
- Woodworking guides and articles
Sources
We use published references rather than rules of thumb wherever one exists, and every calculator and data page lists its sources at the bottom. The main ones are:
- the USDA Forest Products Laboratory Wood Handbook (2010 and 2021 editions) for wood properties;
- the International Residential Code (2021), plus OSHA and ADA rules for the code guides. Requirements are paraphrased with section numbers and not reproduced;
- ASME and ISO thread and drill standards for the thread charts and thread calculators;
- industry associations (NCMA, BIA, American Wood Council) and manufacturer data sheets for coverage rates and quantities.
Formulas and testing
Each calculator shows the formula or method it uses, so you can check the arithmetic yourself. The calculation code has 151 automated tests, many of them checking the result against a figure published by the source. The build that creates the calculator pages runs the tests first and stops if any of them fails.
Dates
Calculator pages show a “Last reviewed” date. When we check or correct a page we update that date.
Estimates, not approvals
The calculators and guides are for planning and estimating. They are not engineering advice and are not a code approval. Before you build anything structural or safety-related, check it with your local building department or a qualified professional. Our Disclaimer explains this in full.
Corrections
When we find a mistake we fix it on the same page, keep the same address and update the “Last reviewed” date. Examples are listed in the corrections section of our methodology page. If you think a number is wrong, please tell us through the Contact page and say which page and which value.
Affiliate links and advertising
Some articles contain Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Pages with those links carry a disclosure at the top. Affiliate links never change the result of a calculator or a value in a chart. The site may show ads served by Google AdSense, and advertisers do not choose or review what we publish. See the Disclaimer and the Privacy Policy.