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 dimensional lumber measurements framing walls and floors.

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. The actual measurements are the final sizes after drying and surfacing.

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.

Now you understand why the nominal size is different from the actual size.

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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.

Dimensional lumber measurements

Heading to a home improvement store, like The Home Depot or Lowes, to purchase lumber is already intimidating for many. Say what?! You will walk away with a comprehensive understanding of the different measurements of lumber and how to buy the right measurements with confidence after reading this article. Having a good grasp of the differences in lumber dimensions will ensure your project runs smoothly and efficiently.

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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. Dimensional lumber is cut to a specific length, width, and depth. The nominal size is the standard terminology and is applicable when for buying, selling, and specifying softwood lumber. Dimension lumber is lumber cut and finished S4S, surfaced four sides and is available in standardized sizes. Connect With Your Sales Person. Builders, engineers, architects, buyers, and sellers are familiar with the differences between nominal and actual lumber sizes. A wide range of depths are available, far too many to list here, so please contact your local manufacturer for more information on their offerings - in general depths start at 6" and go up to 30" and beyond. Recent Posts. 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. This pamphlet also lists nominal and standard sizes for all Southern Pine products. Suite W Melville, NY info sherwoodlumber. It is the construction lumber commonly used for framing buildings and is often referred to as framing or Dimensional lumber. The first dimensions are its nominal ones, the second measurements are its actual or minimum dressed sizes. A few years ago consumer groups brought several lawsuits against some of the big box stores.

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.

They also brought a few hardware and building supply chains for false advertising by selling lumber that they maintained, was undersized. This form is no longer accepting new submissions. Name First Last. This is a well-established industry practice. The size labels now have a new requirement. In most places, you should see both the nominal and actual dimensions on the label or other sign at the point of sales. Box Pensacola, Fl. Blog Writer February 8, Suite W Melville, NY However, in some cases, like the big-box hardware stores, the boards come in dimensional widths similar to softwood widths. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The nominal size is the standard terminology and is applicable when for buying, selling, and specifying softwood lumber. Our list of the top reference books for architects. These are the ones we have on our shelf. Why are the nominal dimensions of lumber larger than the actual dimensions?