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.

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. Green southern pine lumber shrinks in width and thickness as it dries. A few years ago consumer groups brought several lawsuits against some of the big box stores.

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 reason for the differences is because lumber sizes are traditionally given in their nominal size. This form is no longer accepting new submissions.

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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 for framing walls and floors. Softwood lumber comes in a number of standard lengths as listed in the table below.

Dimensional lumber measurements

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.

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In North America, hardwood lumber is usually specified using the quarter system, where a board is identified by its thickness in quarters of an inch. Why are the nominal dimensions of lumber larger than the actual dimensions? Privacy Policy. This standard lists the nominal and minimum dressed sizes for all categories of structural and nonstructural lumber. The size labels now have a new requirement. Dimensional lumber is cut to a specific length, width, and depth. The length of dimension lumber can range from 6 to 24 feet. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The reason for the differences is because lumber sizes are traditionally given in their nominal size. However, there was one change that the courts mandated. Receive a curated email with industry news focusing on practice, leadership, technology, and career growth.

Confusing, right?! I totally agree but there is a good explanation to this madness.

Connect With Your Sales Person. Blog Writer February 13, The actual sizes are sizes after drying and surfacing the rough green lumber on all four sides. Framing of buildings commonly uses the construction lumber and that is where the name framing or Dimensional lumber comes from. Builders, engineers, architects, buyers, and sellers are familiar with the differences between nominal and actual lumber sizes. The actual measurements are the final sizes after drying and surfacing. Article Contents. It is the construction lumber commonly used for framing buildings and is often referred to as framing or Dimensional lumber. However, there was one change that the courts mandated. Technically, dimension lumber is defined as sawed softwood lumber from 2 to 5 inches 5 to Best Architecture Books Our list of the top reference books for architects. Softwood lumber comes in a number of standard lengths as listed in the table below. This standard lists the nominal and minimum dressed sizes for all categories of structural and nonstructural lumber. Share Tweet Share Pin. In most cases, hardwood boards come in random widths to be ripped to size by the woodworker.