Now, the reading you record when you measure the board with a tape is the actual size or dimension of the board. So, although you know that the 2×8 is not the accurate dimension, you will still call it two by eight as it is the “name” or “nickname” of the board. However, it is not the true size and exists in name only.
It is a whole number that is easy to remember. Nominal lumber size is the marketed size. For nominal sizes, 8 inches and more, subtract ¾ inches to determine the actual size.For nominal sizes, more than 2 inches and less than 8 inches, reduce ½ inch to get the actual size.For nominal sizes less than 1 inch, reduce ¼ inch to arrive at the actual size.When you know the nominal size of lumber, you can use this rule to determine its actual size. The dimension decrease follows a simple rule of thumb. So the processing will reduce the size, and the actual size of the lumber becomes 1 ½ × 3 ½. So a 2×4 is not 2 inches deep and 4 inches wide. Due to sawing and additional processing like milling, the actual size of the lumber is less than the nominal size. These are the dimensions you get when you measure the lumber you bought from the market with a measuring tape. Dimensional lumber’s actual dimensions are the dimensions of the finished product after the lumber has undergone processing. They are the commercial dimensions, not the actual dimensions of the piece of lumber. Dimensional lumber’s nominal dimensions are the dimensions used for selling the lumber. Lumber Dimensions – Nominal Size and Actual SizeĪll dimensional lumber has nominal and actual dimensions. For example, a 2×8 with an actual measurement of 1 ½ × 7 ¼ will be the same all over the country. This means that everyone-a DIYer or a builder-uses the same size even after the decrease in dimensions. Then, it is standardized throughout the country. It is used in buildings because of its consistent sizing, allowing builders to use them interchangeably throughout the house.ĭimensional lumber is planned, sawed, and smoothed to make it ready for use. So a 10-foot 2-by-8 is generally close to 10 feet in length.ĭimensional lumber is the structural element used in the building of almost all types of residential homes.
The dimension does not refer to the length of the lumber as the shrinkage is less pronounced longitudinally. For example, a two-by-eight or 2×8 refers to lumber that is 2 inches deep and 8 inches wide. The basic lumber dimensions refer to the depth and width of the material. So a 2× 8 board is 1 ½ × 7 ¼, a 2× 4 is 1 ½ × 3 ½, and so on. So, as established before, the board is a bit smaller than the stated size. These were the board’s original dimensions before it went through milling and drying. This is lumber that has undergone milling and drying to obtain standard dimensions. Businesses market the lumber using its nominal dimensions instead of its actual size.
When you buy softwood lumber, the lumber yard store will most probably give you dimensional lumber. Construction and framing projects mostly employ dimensional lumber. The actual size of the finished product is slightly smaller than the nominal size. 2×8 Actual Dimensions: Lumber’s Actual Dimension and SizeĪ lumber’s actual dimension and size refer to its final dimensions after it goes through sawing and processing.
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