So, if you’re planning a building project with “2 x 4”, make sure you measure everything out using the 1 1/2″ x 3/4″ measurement to get things right.
“Actual dimensions” goes hand-in-hand with “nominal dimensions”, which is used to describe a piece of wood as it is first cut at the mill (rough cut) before getting planed and sanded down to its actual dimension. Don't get the two mixed up or you'll really be confused.This is the term used to reference the exact dimensions of standard lumber and their measurements in inches. If you can stop someone in the store to help explain the inconsistency, they'll start throwing around a few words like "nominal sizes" and "actual sizes" and "softwood lumber" and "hardwood lumber." Hopefully they will take the time to explain exactly what these words mean, which will go a long way towards making you feel more comfortable about buying wood.įor starters, you'll need to know that softwood (like pine, spruce, and fir) is measured and sold one way, and hardwood (like oak, maple, and cherry) is measured and sold in a totally different way. Measure the actual width and thickness of a pine board (like a 2x4) and then look at the sign above the rack. On your next trip to Home Depot or Lowes, take along a tape measure and head over to the dimensional lumber aisles. That means a 2x10 is actually 1 1/2 inch in thickness by 9 1/4 inches. If your project calls for precise measurements, be sure to check your lumber before purchasing. The larger 2x boards (2x8, 2x10, etc.) lose 3/4 inch in width.
That means a 2 x 4 board is actually 1-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches. The actual measurements are the final size. The nominal measurements are a board's size before it has been planed smooth (surfaced) on all 4 sides. actual lumber dimensions: Why a 2' × 4' is not always a 2' × 4' Lumber sizes are usually given in 'nominal' measurements. 2x Board SizesĢx4 and 2圆 boards lose 1/2 inch in thickness and 1/2 inch in width before leaving the mill. Common Lumber Dimensions Common Lumber Dimensions Nominal vs. That means a 1x10 is actually 3/4 inch in thickness by 9 1/4 inches. Because hardware stores measure 1×6 lumber when it was in its original shape, implying that when it was freshly sawed, had uneven surfaces and was thicker until it was planned to make the surfaces smoother. Smaller than the size that is advertised. The larger 1x boards (1x8, 1x10, etc.) lose 3/4 inch in width. The actual size of 1×6 lumber is around 3/4 x 5 1/2. That means a 1 x 4 board is actually 3/4 inches by 3 1/2 inches. 1x4 and 1圆 boards lose 1/4 inch in thickness and 1/2 inch in width before leaving the mill.