Most softwood lumber sold at the lumber yard is dimensional lumber. You might be wondering “what’s the deal?” Why is lumber advertised using dimensions that are inaccurate?īelieve it or not, this is not an error at the factory or a big corporation trying to take advantage of you, and there is actually a reason for this. Hopefully you haven’t been burned by assuming that a 2 x 4 is actually 2 inches by 4 inches but if you have, know that you’re not alone. You may have seen framing lumber and softwood boards sold at your local lumber yard or hardware store advertised using dimensions that don’t match the actual size of the board.
Actual dimensions of a 1x6 how to#
The lumber size chart below will help you know what to buy and how to properly plan your project.Save on Pinterest Save Share on Facebook Share Share on Twitter Tweet Learning the actual lumber sizes that correlate to nominal lumber dimensions is the key to successful woodworking projects. Keep in mind that the actual size of a piece of lumber is anywhere from ¼ inch to ¾ inch less than the nominal size. The actual size of a 2×4 is a ½ inch smaller than its nominal dimensions. It’s also the most common lumber for building as it’s ready to use and universally consistent in sizing.įor example, a 2×4 actual dimensions measure 1-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches. Actual Lumber SizesĪctual lumber sizes are pieces of lumber that are cut to standard sizes and refers to depth and width, but not length.Īctual lumber is sawn, planed, and smoothed, and it’s generally made ready for many applications. In reality, a 2×4 actual size measures 1-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches. The nominal measurements are the board’s size before it has been planed smooth on all four sides.Īfter it has been planed, smoothed and kiln dried, the board will come in at a slightly smaller size which is measured as the actual lumber size.įor example, common measurements, like 2×4, are simply a name that refers to lumber dimensions, but the cross-section dimensions of a piece of lumber are almost always slightly larger than the actual dimensions. Nominal lumber refers to the name of the dimension. Now, here’s an explanation of the difference between nominal and actual lumber sizes. What is the difference between nominal vs actual lumber sizes? You can even bring a copy of your woodworking plans and measurements, and they will guide you in the right direction.
Actual dimensions of a 1x6 full#
If all of this is still a little muddy, don’t worry! Generally, any associate at a lumberyard or home improvement store will have a full understanding of the individual nuances between measurements and the different types of lumber. There are so many different specifics to mention, but let’s stick to the basics for now. Softwood Lumber Dimensions: Softwood lumber is measured in a number of different standard sizes. Hardwoods are rarely sold in standard dimensions, like softwoods, but are sold in board foot or in quarters.
Hardwood Lumber Dimensions: Hardwood lumber is sized based on how many sides are surfaced, or smoothed (to remove saw marks). To make things more complicated, hardwood sizing standards are different from softwood standards. If you’re confused if your lumber is a hardwood or softwood, be sure to check out this article for clarification. There is also some shrinkage that occurs as the wood dries out, both naturally and from the kiln. refer to the wood size before it has been planed smooth (or surfaced) and squared up on all four sides. The nominal names that we’re familiar with (1×2, 2×4, 1×12, etc). Why are actual lumber dimensions different?
What makes it even MORE confusing is the fact that the for 2×4 actual size is not 2 inches by 4 inches and a 1×2 is not 1 inch by 2 inches.
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