wood_size

include component="page" page="toolbar_TCJ" editable="1" include component="page" page="toolbar_tcj2O" editable="1" Actual Size of Wood vs Nominal Size of Wood

When purchasing lumber keep in mind that the **actual** size of the wood is different from the **nominal** size. The **//nominal//** //size// of lumber is the unfinished, unplanned size. Wood is first cut into the **nominal** size. Lumber yard mill shops further refine the wood by planning it and sanding it. The processes they use takes off a quarter inch to a half inch. Basically, a piece of lumber that measures 2" by 4" measures 11⁄2 by 31⁄2 inches when finished. This is **actual** size of a **nominal** 2"x4" piece of lumber. Refer to the chart below to find the **actual** sizes of popular dimensions available at most home center stores.

1x4 3⁄4 x 31⁄2 1x6 3⁄4 x 51⁄2 1x8 3⁄4 x 71⁄2 1x10 3⁄4 x 91⁄2 1x12 3⁄4 x 111⁄2 2x2 11⁄2 x 11⁄2 2x4 11⁄2 x 31⁄2 2x6 11⁄2 x 51⁄2 2x8 11⁄2 x 71⁄2 2x10 11⁄2 x 91⁄2
 * Nominal Actual**