Dimensional lumber measurements

To the novice do it yourselfer softwood lumber sizes can be hard to understand.

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.

Dimensional lumber measurements

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. The courts eventually found that lumber sizes are appropriately described in nomina l inches in the US, or in millimeters in other countries. Builders, design engineers, architects, lumber buyers, and sellers of lumber are all familiar with the differences between the nominal and actual sizes of lumber. The lawsuits were settled, and it was found that the use of nominal sizes to describe lumber sizes was a long-standing and accepted standard industry practice. However, there was one change mandated by the courts. The size labels now have a new requirement. 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.

This standard lists the nominal and minimum dressed sizes for all categories of structural and nonstructural lumber, dimensional lumber measurements. Surfaced refers to a finishing process that smooths the lumber to remove all saw dimensional lumber measurements. Subscribe to the Archtoolbox Newsletter Receive a curated email with industry news focusing on practice, leadership, technology, and career growth.

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Confusing, right?! I totally agree but there is a good explanation to this madness. The nominal dimensions are the size of the board before it is ran through the planer, squared to size and kiln dried. That is why the actual size is always smaller than the nominal lumber size we have known to call them. You will notice they have two sizes for your boards. The actual lumber size will be stated towards the bottom of the price sticker. That is the size of the board after it has been trimmed, dried and squared off. The actual lumber dimensions refer to only the width and depth of the board but not the length. A good rule to keep in mind is:. When wood is cut down, trimmed to size, squared off and dried out you will always have shrinkage.

Dimensional lumber measurements

Nothing can compare to dimensional lumber. Dimensional lumber is a type of wood product that is commonly used in construction because of its strength and ability to support heavy loads. When working with lumber dimensions, you use nominal and actual dimensions. Usually, when buying lumber, whether it is hardwood lumber or softwood lumber, you need to look at the thickness as well as the width and length of the board. In this article, we explain the difference between nominal and actual dimensions. Dimensional lumber is a wood fiber that is cut to a specific thickness, width, and length based on predefined and standardized sizes. Some examples of lumber dimensions include 2 x 4s and 4 x 4s. You should also understand the different measurements for hardwood and softwood.

Synonyms of eventually

Dimension lumber is lumber cut and finished S4S, surfaced four sides and is available in standardized sizes. Best Architecture Books Our list of the top reference books for architects. The size labels now have a new requirement. According to the American Wood Council, the National Institute of Standards and Technology permits stores to label lumber with nominal dimensions. Hardwood lumber is sized based on how many sides are surfaced. They also brought a few hardware and building supply chains for false advertising by selling lumber that they maintained, was undersized. 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. Blog Writer February 8, Nominal sizes harken back to the original rough green lumber sizes. Surfaced refers to a finishing process that smooths the lumber to remove all saw marks. Popular Posts. The length of dimension lumber can range from 6 to 24 feet. Article Updated: March 18,

To the novice do it yourselfer softwood lumber sizes can be hard to understand.

They also brought a few hardware and building supply chains for false advertising by selling lumber that they maintained, was undersized. 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. Popular Posts. Of course, lengths are customized for each job. Technically, you can define dimension lumber as sawed softwood lumber from 2 to 5 inches 5 to The size labels now have a new requirement. Connect With Your Sales Person. However, in some cases, like the big-box hardware stores, the boards come in dimensional widths similar to softwood widths. Blog Writer February 13, Softwood Lumber Sizes To the novice do it yourselfer softwood lumber sizes can be hard to understand. Standard widths are specified in the above publication, but can be customized as needed. The reason for the differences is because lumber sizes are traditionally given in their nominal size. Hardwood board widths vary. Article Contents.