Lumber Size
Nominal Size - is the size of a piece of lumber before it is dressed
and seasoned. It is used to designate a particular size piece of lumber,
such as 2x4, 2x6, etc.
Actual Size - refers to minimum acceptable size after it has been
dressed and seasoned. A nominal 2*4 can have a minimum actual size of
1.5" x 3.5". When referring to a specific piece of lumber, the nominal
size is used.
Size Chart
Framing Lumber
Nominal Size
| Actual Size
| |
2 x 2
| 1 1/2 x 1 1/2
| |
2 x 3
| 1 1/2 x 2 1/2
| |
2 x 4
| 1 1/2 x 3 1/2
| |
2 x 6
| 1 1/2 x 5 1/2
| |
2 x 8
| 1 1/2 x 7 1/4
| |
2 x 10
| 1 1/2 x 9 1/4
| |
2 x 12
| 1 1/2 x 11 1/4
| |
4 x 4
| 3 1/2 x 3 1/2
| |
4 x 6
| 3 1/2 x 5 1/2
| |
4 x 10
| 3 1/2 x 9 1/4
| |
6 x 6
| 5 1/2 x 5 1/2
| |
Boards
Nominal Size
| Actual Size
| |
1 x 2
| 3/4 x 1 1/2
| |
1 x 3
| 3/4 x 2 1/2
| |
1 x 4
| 3/4 x 3 1/2
| |
1 x 5
| 3/4 x 4 1/2
| |
1 x 6
| 3/4 x 5 1/2
| |
1 x 8
| 3/4 x 7 1/4
| |
1 x 10
| 3/4 x 9 1/4
| |
1 x 12
| 3/4 x 11 1/4
| |