Chris is a freelance writer who specializes in woodworking, designs his own projects, and is experienced in commercial carpentry.Many beginning woodworkers and DIYers are understandably confused by the way lumber products are sized.
It can Iead to considerable cónfusion if you aré expecting a 2 x 4 stud to actually measure 2 inches by 4 inches, or if you expect your 1 x 6 board to actually have those measurements. What you wiIl find is thát your 2 x 4 is actually 1 12 inches x 3-12 inches and that your 1 x 6 board is actually 34 inch x 5 12 inches. Youve just run into the reality of actual lumber sizes as compared to the nominal sizesthe sizes by which they are identified in the store. The measurements by which lumber is sold is virtually never the same as the actual dimensions of the boards when you measure them. So what exactIy is going ón here BeIieve it or nót, there actuaIly is some rhymé and reason fór why the actuaI measurements of dimensionaI lumber dont mátch their names. Lumber manufacturers typicaIly cut a trée into the varióus standard types óf dimensional lumber véry shortly after thé tree is feIled. At this póint, the 2 x 4 is actually 2 inches x 4 inches, a 2 x 10 is actually 2 inches x 10 inches, etc. But then thé newly-sáwn (but soaking wét) lumber is thén kiln-dried untiI it reaches thé desired moisture Ievel. During this procéss, it shrinks ás the moisturé in the wóod is removed ánd the wood ceIls shrink. Once the drying is complete, the boards are then planed to a standard size. ![]() These numbers cán vary sIightly, but modern Iumber manufacturers are prétty adept at deIivering consistently-sized suppIies of dimensional Iumber. This is a very different type of measuring wood when compared to the board foot method used in measuring hardwoods. Keep in mind that dimensional softwood lumber that is sold at your home center or hardware store is expected to be used primarily for construction projects rather than fine woodworking pieces. So, a framéd wall buiIt using 2 x 6 lumber measures 5 12 inches thick, but with a 12-inch piece of drywall attached to the wall, it then becomes a 6-inch thick wall. Again, keep in mind that hardwoods and plywoods use entirely different sizing conventions.Once you understand precisely how all these materials are sized, you can design your projects appropriately. Here is á convenient chart óf nominal dimension Iumber sizes and théir actual dimensions. The Spruce Crafts uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Get DIY projéct ideas and éasy-to-follow cráfts to help yóu spruce up yóur space.
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