Dimensional Lumber: Nominal Size vs. Actual Size
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Two-by-four or 2 x 4
Two-by-six or 2 x 6
Two-by-eight or 2 x 8
Two-by-ten or 2 x 10
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A 1×6, for example, actually measures 3/4″ x 5 1/2″. In this case, the planing is necessary for a smoother surface, so that the board could be used for interior applications. The length of the boards is generally exactly what you order, though we usually only stock pieces of even lengths.
Thereof, Why are 2×4 not actually 2×4?
DIMENSIONAL LUMBER: In the past, when a timber was called a 2×4 [or “two-by-four”], it actually measured 2 inches by 4 inches. … Because of this extra milling, a 2×4 no longer measures a full 2 inches by four inches. Instead, a 2×4 is really only 1 1/2″ by 3 1/2″.
Also to know is, What does the true size of lumber mean? As the name suggests, an actual measurement is the actual dimensions of the lumber. So, if you purchase a 4 in. x 4 in. (actual), you are getting a piece of lumber that is genuinely 4 in x 4 in.
Subsequently, question is, Why is lumber not true to size? The “nominal” cross-section dimensions of a piece of lumber, such as 2 X 4 or 1 X 6, are always somewhat larger than the actual, or dressed, dimensions. The reason is that dressed lumber has been surfaced or planed smooth on four sides (called S4S). The nominal measurement is made before the lumber is surfaced.
Also, When did 2x4s stop being 2×4?
This pressured further compromise because thinner 2x4s were a way to compete in price with wood alternatives. Size standards, maximum moisture content, and nomenclature were agreed upon only as recently as 1964. The nominal 2×4 thus became the actual 1½ x 3½, imperceptibly, a fraction of an inch at a time.
What are the actual dimensions of a 2×12?
Nominal Actual Actual – Metric
——– —————- —————
2″ x 6″ 1-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ 38 x 140 mm
2″ x 8″ 1-1/2″ x 7-1/4″ 38 x 184 mm
2″ x 10″ 1-1/2″ x 9-1/4″ 38 x 235 mm
2″ x 12″ 1-1/2″ x 11-1/4″ 38 x 286 mm
Why is lumber not actual size?
The “nominal” cross-section dimensions of a piece of lumber, such as 2 X 4 or 1 X 6, are always somewhat larger than the actual, or dressed, dimensions. The reason is that dressed lumber has been surfaced or planed smooth on four sides (called S4S). The nominal measurement is made before the lumber is surfaced.
Why are 2x4s smaller?
Now, most timber is milled and planed to give it a little more of a finished look, and a little more of a consistent size and profile. Because of this extra milling, a 2×4 no longer measures a full 2 inches by four inches. Instead, a 2×4 is really only 1 1/2″ by 3 1/2″. The same is true of pine.
What is the actual size of a 2×10 board?
2x Lumber
——— ————–
2×6 1-1/2 x 5-1/2
2×8 1-1/2 x 7-1/4
2×10 1-1/2 x 9-1/4
2×12 1-1/2 x 11-1/4
What is the actual size of lumber?
Dimensional Lumber: Nominal Size vs. Actual Size
————————————————
Two-by-four or 2 x 4
Two-by-six or 2 x 6
Two-by-eight or 2 x 8
Two-by-ten or 2 x 10
What is the actual size of a 2 by 4?
Because of this extra milling, a 2×4 no longer measures a full 2 inches by four inches. Instead, a 2×4 is really only 1 1/2″ by 3 1/2″.
What is the actual size of a 1×12 board?
1x Lumber
——— ————
1×6 3/4 x 5-1/2
1×8 3/4 x 7-1/4
1×10 3/4 x 9-1/4
1×12 3/4 x 11-1/4
When did lumber sizes change?
Early concepts called for rough lumber to be of full nominal size, often in the dry condition. After World War I, the increasing demand for construction lumber led to the first national size standard in 1924. This was revised in 1926, 1928, 1939, and 1953, while still another revision is proposed for adoption in 1964.
What lengths do 2x4s come in?
In Canada and the United States, the standard lengths of lumber are 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 feet (1.8, 2.4, 3.0, 3.7, 4.3, 4.9, 5.5, 6.1, 6.7 and 7.3 m).
Why is lumber 1/2 inch smaller?
Lumber manufacturers typically cut a tree into the various standard types of dimensional lumber very shortly after the tree is felled. At this point, the 2 x 4 is actually 2 inches x 4 inches, a 2 x 10 is actually 2 inches x 10 inches, etc. … Hence, what started out as a 2 x 4 now measures 1 1/2 inches x 3 1/2 inches.
What is the actual size of a 2×4 board?
Because of this extra milling, a 2×4 no longer measures a full 2 inches by four inches. Instead, a 2×4 is really only 1 1/2″ by 3 1/2″. The same is true of pine. A 1×6, for example, actually measures 3/4″ x 5 1/2″.
Why are 2×4 a half inch smaller?
Now, most timber is milled and planed to give it a little more of a finished look, and a little more of a consistent size and profile. Because of this extra milling, a 2×4 no longer measures a full 2 inches by four inches. Instead, a 2×4 is really only 1 1/2″ by 3 1/2″.
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