Step one: Look up your material’s ultimate strength (yell at the internet for a minute). Step two: Calculate your expected load (weigh that giant pumpkin you’re hoisting). Step three: Divide strength by load.
Then, multiply that result by your “paranoia multiplier” (how much you trust your materials, your skills, and the weather). That’s your true factor of safety.
Remember: It’s not a number you find on a wall. It’s a number you choose based on risk. Be generous. Be smart. And if you’re ever in doubt—make it five. Your future self, sitting under that perfectly safe structure, will thank you.
Now go build something that won’t fall on your foot. You got this.
