Dimensional lumber measurements

Dimensional lumber is cut to dimensional lumber measurements specific length, width, and depth. However, there is a difference between the nominal size what the lumber is referred to and the actual size.

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. However, there was one change mandated by the courts.

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

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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.

Dimensional lumber measurements

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.

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Subscribe to the Archtoolbox Newsletter Receive a curated email with industry news focusing on practice, leadership, technology, and career growth. The actual measurements are the final dried and surfaced size. Builders, design engineers, architects, lumber buyers, and sellers of lumber are all familiar with the differences between the nominal and actual sizes of lumber. Dimensional lumber is cut to a specific length, width, and depth. Hardwood board widths vary. Softwood lumber is generally used for framing walls and floors. Softwood Dimension Lumber Sizes Dimension lumber is lumber cut and finished S4S, surfaced four sides and is available in standardized sizes. Popular Posts. Nominal sizes harken back to the original rough green lumber sizes. Nominal sizes harken back to the original rough green lumber sizes, the actual sizes are the size of the board after the rough green lumber has been dried and surfaced smooth on all four sides. Close Search. The reason for the differences is because lumber sizes are traditionally given in their nominal size.

Dimensional lumber is cut to a specific length, width, and depth.

The courts eventually found that the use of nominal lumber sizes was long-standing. 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. It is the construction lumber commonly used for framing buildings and is often referred to as framing or Dimensional lumber. This form is no longer accepting new submissions. However, there was one change that the courts mandated. Help make Archtoolbox better for everyone. Locations Locations. Forward Pricing. To the novice do it yourselfer softwood lumber sizes can be hard to understand. 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. Softwood Lumber Sizes To the novice do it yourselfer softwood lumber sizes can be hard to understand. Softwood lumber is generally used for framing walls and floors.