| Softwood lumber sizes (pine, spruce, fir ... | Softwood lumber sizes (pine, spruce, fir ... | Softwood lumber sizes (pine, spruce, fir ... | Hardwood lumber sizes (oak, maple, walnu ... | Hardwood lumber sizes (oak, maple, walnu ... |
| Nominal dimensions | Actual sizes in inches | Measurements in milliliters | Nominal sizes | Surfaced 1 side (in/mm) |
| 1 x 2 | 3/4 x 1 1/2 | 19 x 38 | 1/2 | 3/8 (9.5) |
| 1 x 3 | 3/4 x 2 1/2 | 19 x 64 | 5/8 | 1/2 (12.7) |
| 1 x 4 | 3/4 x 3 1/2 | 19 x 89 | 3/4 | 5/8 (15.9) |
| Dimensional Lumber: Nominal Size vs. Actual Size | |
|---|---|
| Two-by-four or 2 x 4 | 1 1/2 inches x 3 1/2 inches |
| Two-by-six or 2 x 6 | 1 1/2 inches x 5 1/2 inches |
| Two-by-eight or 2 x 8 | 1 1/2 inches x 7 1/4 inches |
| Two-by-ten or 2 x 10 | 1 1/2 inches x 9 1/4 inches |
What are the real dimensions of 2x6 lumber?
In North America, the 2×6 size is really pertaining to the lumber’s “nominal” dimension. A 2×6’s real or true dimension is 1.5″ x 5.5″ – within the industry, it’s mentioned as its “actual” size. The nominal size is employed when discussing lumber nearly 100% of the time!
What is the actual size of 2x4 lumber?
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.
What is the actual size of dimensional lumber?
Dimensional Lumber. Nominal Size. Actual Size. 1×2. 3/4" × 1-1/2". 1×3. 3/4" × 2-1/2". ...
What are the measurements of lumber?
- Texture is the feel and condition of the wood’s surface. Wood’s texture is a key part of its stability and its ability to be finished or stained.
- The color of wood determines the look and style of your project. ...
- Density is a wood’s weight and strength. ...
- Grain is a tree’s unique growth pattern. ...
What are the standard sizes of lumber?
Dimensional LumberNominal SizeActual Size2×121-1/2" × 11-1/4"4×43-1/2" × 3-1/2"4×63-1/2" × 5-1/2"6×65-1/2" × 5-1/2"13 more rows
Why is a 2x4 not 2x4?
The simple reason why 2×4 is not 2 inches by 4 inches is that lumber mills trim off rough or warped surfaces of a 2×4 to give it a more polished and finished look. By planning the lumber on all four sides, the original 2×4 is now reduced to 1 ½ inches by 3 1/2 inches.
What is the actual size of a 2x12?
Nominal vs. Actual Measurements of Dimension LumberNominal SizeActual Size2 x 61 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches (38 x 140 mm)2 x 81 1/2 x 7 1/4 inches (38 x 184 mm)2 x 101 1/2 x 9 1/4 inches (38 x 235 mm)2 x 121 1/2 x 11 1/4 inches (38 x 286 mm)14 more rows•Mar 27, 2020
How do you list lumber dimensions?
Board Foot Sizing A board foot is equal to a piece of wood 12 inches long x 12 inches wide and 1 inch thick, or 144 cubic inches. To figure the board foot measurement of a piece of wood, multiply the length x width x thickness in inches, then divide by 144.
Why do they call it a 2 by 4?
DIMENSIONAL LUMBER: In the past, when a timber was called a 2x4 [or "two-by-four"], it actually measured 2 inches by 4 inches. 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.
Why are lumber sizes wrong?
Maybe you've noticed that lumber sizes are often misleading. 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).
When did 2x4 stop being 2x4?
Size standards, maximum moisture content, and nomenclature were agreed upon only as recently as 1964. The nominal 2x4 thus became the actual 1½ x 3½, imperceptibly, a fraction of an inch at a time.
What is the widest 2x lumber?
Nominal vs. Actual2x LumberNominal SizeActual Size2x41-1/2 x 3-1/22x61-1/2 x 5-1/22x81-1/2 x 7-1/42 more rows
What is the longest 2x10 you can buy?
2×10 floor joists can span up to 20'. However, this is for 12” o.c. spacing for live loads that are 30 psf.
What are the dimensions of 4 4 lumber?
A board foot is 12″ X 12″ X 1″. A “quarter” system is commonly used in the hardwood lumber industry when referring to thickness. 4/4 refers to a 1 inch thick board, 6/4 is 1-1/2 inch, 8/4 is 2 inches, and so on.
What is actual lumber size?
Actual lumber sizes are pieces of lumber that are cut to standard sizes and refers to depth and width, but not length.
What is dimension lumber?
Dimensional lumber: Lumber that is cut and sold at a specific width and depth. These are the 2x4s, 1x2s and the like that are sold at lumberyards and big box home improvement stores.
What is nominal lumber?
Nominal lumber refers to the name of the dimension. The nominal measurements are the board’s size before it has been planed smooth on all four sides. After 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. For example, common measurements, like 2×4, are simply ...
Why do you need a size chart when buying lumber?
Next time you go to store to buy lumber, you’ll be ready to buy the right size for your project because you know not that nominal vs actual lumber dimensions are different! Using the size chart can help you make sure you’re buying the right amount of wood for your next project!
What is the actual size of a 2x4?
In reality, a 2×4 actual size measures 1-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches.
Is hardwood lumber sold in quarters?
Hardwoods are rarely sold in standard dimensions, like softwoods, but are sold in board foot or in quarters. Softwood Lumber Dimensions: Softwood lumber is measured in a number of different standard sizes. There are so many different specifics to mention, but let’s stick to the basics for now. If all of this is still a little muddy, don’t worry! ...
What is the nominal size of lumber?
Lumber measurements in width and thickness normally 0.25 inches (6 millimeters) – 0.75 in (19 mm) smaller than nominal sizes. At the same time, length of lumber normally does not have nominal dimensions and only actual size determine.
How long is lumber?
Typical length of lumber. Most lumber for residential construction comes from 8 feet (244 centimeters) to 16 ft. (488 cm) long with 24” (71 mm) increment. But typically 8’, 10’ and 12’ are common length. Some lumber might be sold in odd sizes such as 7 or 9 feet, but it is rare and might be available just from certain lumber retailers.
What size is 2x6 lumber?
Some 2x4s and 2x6s sold as precut 92 5/8” long option what is a standard length of wall studs. Lumber types. Depending on wood species there are softwood lumber and hardwood lumber.
What is hardwood lumber?
Depending on wood species there are softwood lumber and hardwood lumber. For framing houses as well as many outdoor structures such as porches or decks softwood timber typically used. Hardwood boards widely used for building decorative wooded elements by carpenters while finishing interior of custom homes, or as a higher quality and durability decking option.
How much does a 2x4 stud weigh?
Wood species will determine the weight at a first place. Pine 2x4 stud with actual dimensions 1.5” x 3.5” x 96” will weigh about 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) of about 1.3 lb per each foot. The weight will proportionally increase or decrease depending on actual lumber measurements. Hardwood lumber is typically heavier.
Is length of lumber a factor in price?
Width, length and thickness of lumber are not only factors of price determination. Depending on a quality, treatment process and wood species the cost of lumber might vary even if the actual dimensions will be identical.
What happens to lumber after drying?
After being dried, the pieces of lumber are planed, smoothed, and have their corners rounded.
How big is a 2 by 4?
In the case of a two-by-four, that’s 1.5″ x 3.5″).
Why air dry green lumber?
The next step in the production process is to either air-dry or kiln-dry the green lumber, in order to reduce the moisture content of the wood.
What are the standard dimensions of hardwood lumber?
There is, however, some level of standardization in that boards are cut to standard lengths of 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 feet.
How long is lumber?
Softwood construction lumber is generally machined to lengths that are multiples of 2 feet. The stated length equals the actual length, unlike width and thickness which are typically given in “nominal” dimensions that are somewhat larger than actual dimensions. Width ranges from 2 to 16 inches nominally. Lumber may be categorized according to thickness as follows:
What are the MC levels for lumber?
Three moisture-content (MC) levels can be specified for softwood structural lumber: 1) S-Grn or Grn – lumber green or above 19 percent MC, 2) S-Dry or KD 19 – lumber was surfaced at 19 percent MC or less, and 3) MC-15 or KD 15 – lumber was surfaced at 19 percent MC or less. Most structural softwood lumber in the US is KD 19. The thickness of softwood dimension lumber that is sold with the designation of green or dry (or in between) is the thickness at the time of surfacing and does not change depending on the MC. That is, S-GRN, KD 19, KD 15, etc. all have the same thickness at the time of surfacing. Here is the standard: “When ROUGH (not planed or surfaced) green lumber is specified, the minimum ROUGH green thickness of finish and common boards, dimension and timbers of sizes 1 or more inches nominal thickness shall be not less than 1/8 inch thicker than the corresponding minimum dressed green thickness, except that 20 percent of a shipment may be not less than 3/32 inch thicker than the corresponding minimum dressed green thickness. ” The table above is for green dressed sizes, so this extra thickness cannot be used as it is for rough lumber. Dressed lumber, green or dry, must be the correct thickness at any MC. [Details courtesy of Gene Wengert].
How thick is a lumber board?
nominal thickness ranging from 2 inches up to, but not including, 5 inches. Timbers. 5 or more inches in nominal thickness in the least dimension. Dimension lumber and boards may be surfaced green or dry, depending on the manufacturer. Timbers are generally surfaced while still green.
How much moisture does green lumber have?
When a piece of green lumber is surfaced to the “standard” green size, it will shrink to approximately the standard dry size as it dries down to about 15 percent moisture content. (The American Softwood Lumber Standard defines dry as a moisture content of 19 percent or less with an average of 15 percent.)
How thick is 4/4 lumber?
S. in the following thicknesses: A “quarter” system is commonly used in the hardwood lumber industry when referring to thickness. 4/4 refers to a 1 inch thick board, 6/4 is 1-1/2 inch, 8/4 is 2 inches, and so on.
What is 4/4 in wood?
A “quarter” system is commonly used in the hardwood lumber industry when referring to thickness. 4/4 refers to a 1 inch thick board , 6/4 is 1-1/2 inch, 8/4 is 2 inches, and so on. This convention is not normally used for softwood lumber although softwood decking is often marketed as 5/4 thick. The S1F and S2F thicknesses are for dried lumber.
What are the characteristics of individual pieces of lumber?
Individual pieces of lumber exhibit a wide range in quality and appearance with respect to knots, slope of grain, shakes and other natural characteristics. Therefore, they vary considerably in strength, utility and value.
When was the first lumber standard set?
The move to set national standards for lumber in the United States began with publication of the American Lumber Standard in 1924 , which set specifications for lumber dimensions, grade, and moisture content; it also developed inspection and accreditation programs. These standards have changed over the years to meet the changing needs of manufacturers and distributors, with the goal of keeping lumber competitive with other construction products. Current standards are set by the American Lumber Standard Committee, appointed by the Secretary of Commerce.
What is stress rated lumber?
Machine stress-rated and machine-evaluated lumber is readily available for end-uses where high strength is critical, such as truss rafters, laminating stock, I-beams and web joints. Machine grading measures a characteristic such as stiffness or density that correlates with the structural properties of interest, such as bending strength. The result is a more precise understanding of the strength of each piece of lumber than is possible with visually graded lumber, which allows designers to use full-design strength and avoid overbuilding.
What is the Canadian lumber grading board?
The National Lumber Grades Authority (NLGA) is responsible for writing, interpreting and maintaining Canadian lumber grading rules and standards. The Canadian Lumber Standards Accreditation Board (CLSAB) monitors the quality of Canada's lumber grading and identification system.
What is the difference between dry lumber and green lumber?
Dry lumber that has been seasoned or dried to a moisture content 19% or less and green lumber has a moisture content of greater than 19%. Rough lumber cannot be less than than 1/8" (3.2mm) thicker or wider than the nominal finished thickness or width, except that 20% of a shipment cannot be less than 2/32" (2.4mm) thicker or wider.
What are the classes of sawn softwood?
In Europe, strength grading of sawn softwood is done according to EN-14081-1/2/3/4 and sorted into 9 classes; In increasing strength these are: C14, C16, C18, C22, C24, C27, C30, C35 and ??40
How thick is a 2x10?
That means a 2x10 is actually 1 1/2 inch in thickness by 9 1/4 inches. See for Yourself. On your next trip to Home Depot or Lowes, take along a tape measure and head over to the dimensional lumber aisles.
How much does a 2x4 board lose?
2x4 and 2x6 boards lose 1/2 inch in thickness and 1/2 inch in width before leaving the mill. That means a 2 x 4 board is actually 1-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches. The larger 2x boards (2x8, 2x10, etc.) lose 3/4 inch in width. That means a 2x10 is actually 1 1/2 inch in thickness by 9 1/4 inches.
Is oak a hardwood or softwood?
For 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. Don't get the two mixed up or you'll really be confused.
What is dimensional lumber?
Dimensional lumber is wood fiber that is cut to a specific size (thickness/width/length) based on pre-defined, standardized sizes. Common examples of dimensional lumber sizes include two-by-fours (2x4s) and four-by-fours (4x4s).
What is the difference between nominal and actual dimensions of lumber?
Dimensional lumber sizing can be somewhat confusing, as there is a difference between the nominal and actual dimensions of the lumber. The nominal dimensions exist in name only. The actual size of dimensional lumber is determined by using a tape measure or straight edge to measure the dimensions of the wood. A 2x4, for example, is an example of a nominal size. You can think of it as a nickname used to categorize the lumber. The actual size of a 2x4 is 1 ½ inches by 3 ½ inches.
How big is a 2x4?
You can think of it as a nickname used to categorize the lumber. The actual size of a 2x4 is 1 ½ inches by 3 ½ inches. While measuring dimensional lumber or using a reference table is the best way to determine the actual dimensions of your lumber, there is a simple rule you can use to figure it out for yourself.
Dimensional Lumber Basics
Dimensional Lumber and Modern Building
Nominal Size vs. Actual Size Dimensional Lumber
Common Dimensional Lumber Sizes
Dimensional Lumber Lengths
- In relation to the term dimensional lumber, dimensions only refer to the width and depth. Thus, a dimensional 2x4 board can be 12 feet long, for example, but that length is not figured into the dimensions. The length is treated separately. Lengths typically are shown as the last number. A typical dimensional lumber designation might read as such: "...
When Nominal and Actual Dimensions Match