Dimensional lumber measurements

To the novice do it yourselfer softwood lumber sizes can be hard to understand. The first dimensions are its nominal ones, dimensional lumber measurements, the second measurements are its actual or minimum dressed sizes. The reason for the differences is because lumber sizes are traditionally given in their nominal size. This is a well-established industry practice.

To the novice do it yourselfer softwood lumber sizes can be hard to understand. The first dimensions are its nominal ones, the second measurements are its actual or minimum dressed sizes. The reason for the differences is because lumber sizes are traditionally given in their nominal size. This is a well-established industry practice. Why are the nominal dimensions of lumber larger than the actual dimensions? The actual measurements are the final dried and surfaced size. A few years ago consumer groups brought several lawsuits against some of the big box stores and a few hardware and building supply chains for false advertising by selling lumber that they maintained, was undersized.

Dimensional lumber measurements

Dimensional lumber is cut to a specific length, width, and depth. However, there is a difference between the nominal size what the lumber is referred to and the actual size. The tables below provide both the nominal and actual lumber dimensions for many common North American lumber sizes. Softwood lumber is generally used for framing walls and floors. Softwood lumber comes in a number of standard lengths as listed in the table below. According to NIST Publication P20 , actual lengths must be at least equal to the nominal length, but can be up to 3" longer than the nominal length. Hardwood lumber is sized based on how many sides are surfaced. Surfaced refers to a finishing process that smooths the lumber to remove all saw marks. In North America, hardwood lumber is usually specified using the quarter system, where a board is identified by its thickness in quarters of an inch. Hardwood board widths vary.

According to the American Wood Council, the National Institute of Standards and Technology permits stores to label lumber with nominal dimensions.

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In fact, most building materials are sold by nominal, rather than actual, sizes for a variety of reasons. Wood and lumber are no different, and for most dimensional lumber, you will find that the material is sold and listed by its nominal size, rather than its actual size. Most softwood lumber sold at the lumber yard or home improvement store is dimensional lumber, such as pine or Douglas fir. Dimensional lumber is lumber that has been dried and milled to standard dimensions and is most commonly used for framing and construction. Dimensional lumber is sold using what is referred to as the nominal dimensions of a board. The actual sizes of a board are smaller than that. The board is advertised and sold using nominal dimensions, which are a bit larger than the actual dimensions. The table below shows the actual size versus the nominal size of various dimensional lumber products.

Dimensional lumber measurements

When it comes to construction materials, there is a whole market of options to choose from. However, none can truly compare to the versatility and durability provided by dimensional lumber. Dimensional lumber is a type of wood product that is commonly used in construction due to its strength and ability to support even the heaviest of loads. Dimensional lumber is a wood fiber that is cut to a specific thickness, width, and length based on predefined, standardized sizes. Common examples of dimensional lumber sizes include 2x4s and 4x4s. Hardwood dimensional lumber is derived from hardwood trees, such as southern yellow pine, spruce-pine fir, Douglas fir, and hem fir, which are exceptionally durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions.

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This is common knowledge for the experienced lumber user and is the result of the fact that wider lumber is reduced more in width than the narrow lumber during drying. The reason for the differences is because lumber sizes are traditionally given in their nominal size. The first dimensions are its nominal ones, the second measurements are its actual or minimum dressed sizes. Why are the nominal dimensions of lumber larger than the actual dimensions? The tables below provide both the nominal and actual lumber dimensions for many common North American lumber sizes. It also features the design values, span tables, and grade descriptions. Blog Writer February 13, They also brought a few hardware and building supply chains for false advertising by selling lumber that they maintained, was undersized. This pamphlet also lists nominal and standard sizes for all Southern Pine products. These are the ones we have on our shelf. If you found an error or out of date information in this article even if it is just a minor typo , please let us know. Article Updated: March 18, In most cases, hardwood boards come in random widths to be ripped to size by the woodworker. A few years ago consumer groups brought several lawsuits against some of the big box stores.

Confusing, right?!

Blog Writer February 8, This pamphlet also lists nominal and standard sizes for all Southern Pine products. This is common knowledge for the experienced lumber user and is the result of the fact that wider lumber shrinks more in width than the narrow lumber during drying. The size labels now have a new requirement. Our list of the top reference books for architects. In most places, you should see both the nominal and actual dimensions on the label or other sign at the point of sales. So now in most places, you should see both the nominal size and the actual dimensions on the label, or other sign, at the point of sales. Green southern pine lumber shrinks in width and thickness as it dries. It is advisable to check with your contractor or lumber supplier before finalizing design details so you aren't surprised by what you receive. Hardwood lumber is sized based on how many sides are surfaced. These differences in width are the same for boards. The actual sizes are sizes after drying and surfacing the rough green lumber on all four sides.