What is the purpose of large surface area washers used on wooden structures?

The purpose of large surface area washers used on wooden structures is to provide additional bearing area for hardware, which helps to prevent damage to the wood. When screws or bolts are used to secure components together, they can create concentrated pressure on the wood surface. This localized pressure can lead to indentations, cracking, or other forms of damage to the wood over time, especially under load.

By using larger washers, the load is distributed over a greater area, reducing the stress on any single point of the wood. This distribution helps to maintain the integrity of the wooden structure, ensuring that it remains strong and stable. In applications where wood is susceptible to splitting or crushing due to fasteners, these washers are particularly beneficial.

While reducing weight, speeding up assembly, and adding aesthetic appeal are important considerations in construction, they are not the primary function of large surface area washers in this context. The main focus is on protecting the wood and maintaining the structural integrity of the assembly.