Are 2×8 actually 8 inches wide?
A 2×8 board is 1 1/2 x 7 1/4 inches (38 x 184 mm) dimensions in actuality.
What is the actual true size of a 2×12?
Nominal vs. Actual Measurements of Dimension Lumber
| Nominal Size | Actual Size |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| 2 x 10 | 1 1/2 x 9 1/4 inches (38 x 235 mm) |
| 2 x 12 | 1 1/2 x 11 1/4 inches (38 x 286 mm) |
What are the actual sizes of dimensional lumber?
Common Dimensional Lumber Sizes
| Dimensional Lumber: Nominal Size vs. Actual Size | |
|---|---|
| Two-by-four or 2 x 4 | 1 1/2 inches x 3 1/2 inches |
| 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 |
Why dressed lumber are less than the sawn dimension?
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.
What’s the actual size of a 2×8?
Lumber Dimensions
| Nominal | Actual | Actual – Metric |
|---|---|---|
| 2″ x 4″ | 1-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ | 38 x 89 mm |
| 2″ x 6″ | 1-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ | 38 x 140 mm |
| 2″ x 8″ | 1-1/2″ x 7-1/4″ | 38 x 184 mm |
| 2″ x 10″ | 1-1/2″ x 9-1/4″ | 38 x 235 mm |
Why is lumber 1/2 inch smaller?
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.
Why are 2×4 not square?
Though 2x4s and other construction lumber are not always visible, the rounded edges keep the look clean and free of structural instability. In addition to easy handling and being less likely to become damaged, rounded edges have some practical purposes.