
Dimension of 2x4 lumber. Every piece meets the highest standards for strength and appearance. Nominal and actual dimensions differ except in some older homes. Nominal dimension is the name of the lumber. Idaho forest groups wood is grown in the idaho forest groups wood is grown in the intermountain west where deep fertile soil abundant rainfall and a shorter growing season gives ifgs mills some of the highest quality timber in the world.
1 12 inches by 3 12 inches for example. Actual dimension is the size. Because a nominal 2x4 board is really 1 12 inches by 3 12 inches. Common sizes include 24 pictured also two by four and other variants such as four by two in australia new zealand and the uk though the term has fallen out of fashion in the uk.
A nominal 2x4 board starts out 156 in. This chart shows the nominal in name only and corresponding actual real dimensions of common wood sizes like 24 dimensions and 14 lumber. Dimensional lumber is cut to a specific length width and depth. In fact 2x4s are never 2x4s these days.
Then the edges are surfaced planed reducing the actual size to 1 12 in. 2x4s are not actually 2 inches by 4 inches. However there is a difference between the nominal size what the lumber is referred to and the actual size. Sheet goods are not considered to be dimensional lumber.
Measure the actual width and thickness of a pine board like a 2x4 and then look at the sign above the rack. 1x2x8 furring 2x4x8 lumber 12 in. Dimensional lumber is lumber that is cut to standardized width and depth specified in inches. Something doesnt quite match up.
Carpenters extensively use dimensional lumber in framing wooden buildings. On your next trip to home depot or lowes take along a tape measure and head over to the dimensional lumber aisles. Which means for example three 2x4 boards laid side by side will not measure a foot across. Dimensional lumber mendocino forest products dimensional lumber 210 lumber 10 x 6 lumber how doers get more done need help.
Dont be confused by nominal board dimensions when you buy lumber or read plans. Find dimensional lumber at lowes today. When the board is first rough sawn from the log it is a true 2x4 but the drying process and planing of the board reduce it to the finished 15x35 size.