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Nominal vs. Actual Measurements of Dimension Lumber Nominal Size Actual Size 2 x 3 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches (38 x 64 mm) 2 x 4 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches (38 x 89 mm) 2 x 6 1 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches (38 x 140 mm) 2 x 8 1 1/2 x 7 1/4 inches (38 x 184 mm).
What is the thickness and width of a 2×6?
Common Dimensional Lumber Sizes Dimensional Lumber: Nominal Size vs. Actual Size 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 One-by-two or 1 x 2 3/4-inch x 1 1/2 inches.
Are 2×6 actually 6 inches?
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.Actual Dimensions and Nominal Dimensions. Nominal Measurement Actual (inches) Actual (mm) 2 x 6 1-1/2 x 5-1/2 38 x 140 2 x 8 1-1/2 x 7-1/4 38 x 184 2 x 10 1-1/2 x 9-1/4 38 x 235 2 x 12 1-1/2 x 11-1/4 38 x 286.
How thick is a 2×4?
A piece of surfaced (sanded smooth) 2×4 lumber actually measures 1½ inches thick and 3½ inches wide. In rough-cut condition, a 2×4 is slightly less than 2 inches thick and approximately 4 inches wide. When wood is milled from a rough to a smooth surface, it loses about ¼-inch from each of its four sides.
What does 2×6 wood mean?
In North America, the 2×6 size is actually referring to the lumber’s “nominal” dimension. A 2×6’s real or true dimension is 1.5″ x 5.5″ – within the industry it is referred to as its “actual” size. The nominal size is used when discussing lumber nearly 100% of the time! Same for 1×4, 2×4 and 4×4 etc.
Why do 2×4’s have rounded edges?
2×4 have rounded edges as it’s very beneficial to the wood itself and those working with it. They reduce the number of injuries like unwanted splinters during the handling and manufacturing process and also ensure that the lumber stays looking its best all throughout until the customer sees it.
What is the actual thickness of a 5 4 decking board?
Comparing 5/4 Decking With 2×6 Deck Boards, Pros and Cons 2×6 Deck Boards 5/4 Decking Thickness 1 ½” (38mm) 1″ (25mm) Joist Spanning 24″ (600mm) 16″ (400mm) Weight 2.36 lbs (1.07kg) lnft* 1.59 lbs (0.72 kg) lnft* Profile cut Square Cut Rounded Radius Edge.
Why are lumber measurements wrong?
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). The nominal measurement is made before the lumber is surfaced.
Why do they call deck boards 5 4?
Quarters refer to the thickness of rough-sawn lumber measured in ¼-inch increments. Instead of reading it as a fraction, it should be read as a number of quarters: 5/4 is five quarters, 4/4 is four quarters, etc.
Why are boards a half inch short?
Through the drying process, the boards naturally shrink, as moisture leaves the beams. Without the rough edges, what went in as a 2-by-4 planks of rough-sawn wood is now a tongue-tripping 1.5-by-3.5, having lost approximately ¼-inch on all sides to the planer and drying processes.
What does nominal mean in lumber?
Lumber sizes are usually given in “nominal” measurements. The nominal measurements are a board’s size before it has been planed smooth (surfaced) on all 4 sides. The actual measurements are the final size. If your project calls for precise measurements, be sure to check your lumber before purchasing.
How thick is 2 2×4 together?
That means a 2 x 4 board is actually 1-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches. The larger 2x boards (2×8, 2×10, etc.) lose 3/4 inch in width. That means a 2×10 is actually 1 1/2 inch in thickness by 9 1/4 inches.
What does a 2 by 4 mean?
A length of lumber that is 2 inches thick and 4 inches wide, or that is trimmed to slightly smaller dimensions. Measuring two inches by four inches.
What are the advantages of quarter sawing?
These benefits include increased structural integrity: Smoother surface due to less distinct grain. Decreased expansion and contraction on the plank’s width. Twisting, cupping, and warping resistance.
Why is a 2×4 not really 2×4?
DIMENSIONAL LUMBER: In the past, when a timber was called a 2×4 [or “two-by-four”], it actually measured 2 inches by 4 inches. Because of this extra milling, a 2×4 no longer measures a full 2 inches by four inches. Instead, a 2×4 is really only 1 1/2″ by 3 1/2″.
How wide is a 1 by 6?
Nominal vs. Actual Measurements of Dimension Lumber Nominal Size Actual Size 1 x 6 3/4 x 5 1/2 inches (19 x 140 mm) 1 x 8 3/4 x 7 1/4 inches (19 x 184 mm) 1 x 10 3/4 x 9 1/4 inches (19 x 235 mm) 1 x 12 3/4 x 11 1/4 inches (19 x 286 mm).
Why does CLS have rounded corners?
CLS calls for kiln dried, regularised sizes, planed (though not very smooth) on four sides with radiused edges. The radiused edges are to ease handling – causing fewer injuries from sharp corners and splinters. The radiused edge apparently helps slow down the spread of fire in some situations too.
How do you square a 2×4 without a table saw?
You have 2 options without a table saw: Put your board, on edge, on a sled for the last step and run that through the planer. The major problem is that you’re limited on width of the board to however high your planer can raise. Use a straight edge jig with your circular saw.
