The charts we provide in this article show typical lumber dimensions for softwood, hardwood, and plywood (which can be made of softwood, hardwood, or a combination of both). They also list nominal sizes alongside actual dimensions, giving you everything you need to do all your calculations before you head to the store.
Nominal vs Actual Lumber. Nominal lumber refers to the size of lumber after it has been rough-sawn, meaning the initial cuts made to divide a log into boards. The surface of these boards are rough and full of splinters and saw marks can usually be seen. Actual lumber refers to the true size of the lumber after it has been seasoned (dried to reduce shrinkage) and planed smooth (or surfaced) to ...
Nominal lumber sizes are the names used to refer to dimensional lumber measurements. The nominal dimensions refer to the board’s dimensions before it undergoes planing and kiln drying. Examples of nominal sizes include 2×4, 1×2, and 1×3. 3) Actual Lumber Sizes. Another term you need to be mindful of is the actual lumber size.
Dimensional lumber is sold using what is referred to as the nominal dimensions of a board. These are the dimensions of the green board before it’s been dried and milled. The actual sizes of a board are smaller than that. The Actual Size of a 2×4. For example, a 2×4 board is actually 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″. The board is advertised and sold ...
4 Inch Lumber Dimension Chart Softwood Timber Dimensions. Softwood lumber with a thickness over 5″ is referred to as timber. According to NIST Publication PS20, nominal 7″ to 15″ thick timbers should have 3/4″ removed for a finished dimension. ... Hardwood Lumber Dimensions. Hardwood lumber is sized based on surfaced sides and is ...
Hardwood Lumber Chart. Nominal size in lumber refers to the idea that a piece of lumber is first cut to a size and then as it is prepared for use, it is still called by that original size. Planing will reduce the actual dimension as will reducing the moisture content (drying). This is why a 2×4 does not really measure a full two inches by a ...
Project Plans Pocket Hole Chart Screw & Bit Chart Lumber Chart Board Calculator. Home; Lumber Sizes; Lumber Sizes / Dimensions Nominal vs. Actual. 1x Lumber : Nominal Size: Actual Size: 1x4: 3/4 x 3-1/2: 1x6: ... they'll start throwing around a few words like "nominal sizes" and "actual sizes" and "softwood lumber" and "hardwood lumber ...
Nominal Size Lumber: nominal size lumber is usually 2×4 or 2×6 and has an actual measurement of 3/4 inch by 4 1/2 inches (the height does not include the thickness). Actual Size Lumber: actual size lumber has an actual measurement of 1-1/2 inch by 6 inches. What does 1×4 wood mean? 1X Board Lumber Sizes:
This Dimensional Lumber Chart shows the actual sizes of commonly used lumber, contrasting them with their nominal sizes. ... Hardwood Lumber Sizes. Thickness: Sold in quarters of an inch (e.g., 4/4 = 1″ rough, 5/4 = 1.25″ rough). Surfaced (S2S) 4/4 hardwood is typically 13/16″ thick.
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. ... Green lumber dimensions for thickness and width are closer to the nominal dimensions than the dry lumber dimensions. When a piece of green lumber is surfaced ...
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. 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. For framing houses as well ...
Hardwood Lumber Dimensions: Hardwood lumber is sized based on how many sides are surfaced, or smoothed (to remove saw marks). 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.
Understanding the lumber size chart is essential for builders, contractors, and homeowners to select the right wood dimensions for framing, flooring, decking, and structural applications. While nominal sizes like 2×4, 2×6, and 4×4 are commonly used in construction, their actual sizes are slightly smaller due to the milling process .
Nominal vs. Actual Sizes. One common source of confusion in the realm of hardwood lumber is the distinction between nominal and actual sizes. Nominal sizes refer to the labeled dimensions, such as a piece of lumber labeled as "2x4". However, the actual size of this board tends to be less due to finishing processes – for instance, the actual size usually measures about 1.5 inches by 3.5 ...
North American hardwood lumber is commonly sold by unit of board-foot (144 cubic inches). This equates to a piece of wood 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches long (all sizes nominal/rough). In regions outside of North America, lumber sizes are represented differently.
Dimensional Lumber Sizes Dimensional lumber is the industry standard for construction and woodworking projects. However, actual lumber dimensions differ from their nominal sizes due to the milling process. Understanding these sizes helps contractors, builders, and homeowners choose the right materials for their projects. Standard Lengths: 3- to 22-ft boards. Nominal Size Real Size ‒ Inch […]
Shop Dimensional Hardwood Lumber. Because of the diversity of uses, hardwoods are typically sold in a much larger variety of thicknesses than standard 1x and 2x softwoods are sold by. This has led to a quartering system for determining lumber thickness, which allows you to buy hardwoods in 1/4-inch thickness increments from 3/4-inch on up.