A piece of surfaced (sanded smooth) 2×4 lumber actually measures
11⁄2 inches thick
and 31⁄2 inches wide. In rough-cut condition, a 2×4 is slightly less than 2 inches thick and approximately 4 inches wide. When wood is milled from a rough to a smooth surface, it loses about 1⁄4-inch from each of its four sides.
What is the actual size of a 2×4?
The true measurement of a 2×4 is actually
about 1.5×3. 5
. When the board is first rough sawn from the log, it is a true 2×4, but the drying process and planning of the board reduce it to the finished 1.5×3. 5 size.
When did 2x4s stop being 2×4?
This pressured further compromise because thinner 2x4s were a way to compete in price with wood alternatives. Size standards, maximum moisture content, and nomenclature were agreed upon only as recently as
1964
. The nominal 2×4 thus became the actual 11⁄2 x 31⁄2, imperceptibly, a fraction of an inch at a time.
What is the true thickness of a 2×6?
| Nominal Size Actual Size | 2 x 3 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches (38 x 64 mm) | 2 x 4 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches (38 x 89 mm) | 2 x 6 1 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches (38 x 140 mm) | 2 x 8 1 1/2 x 7 1/4 inches (38 x 184 mm) |
|---|
Why is a 2×4 actually 1.5×3 5?
The 2×4 refers to the rough-cut green wood:
it shrinks during drying
, then the dried wood is planed smooth, so the finished lumber is supposed to end up at 1.5′′x3. 5′′. While it doesn’t really shrink that much, the mills get more usable finished 2×4’s from a given tree if they cut them slightly smaller to begin with.
How much does a 2×4 cost?
| Board Stud* 8′ | 2×4 $1.90 $2.16 | 2×6 $3.70 $3.84 |
|---|
What is half the width of a 2×4?
2×4 and 2×6 boards lose 1/2 inch in thickness and 1/2 inch in width before leaving the mill. That means a 2 x 4 board is actually 1-1/2 inches by
3-1/2 inches
. The larger 2x boards (2×8, 2×10, etc.) lose 3/4 inch in width.
Are two 2×4 stronger than one 4×4?
When used vertically,
4x4s are stronger than two 2x4s
. However, if you need a horizontal surface, two 2x4s will be stronger than one 4×4. A 4×4 should not be used horizontally for anything structural. Always be sure that you’re using the proper size and strength of lumber.
Is there a true 2×4?
DIMENSIONAL LUMBER:
In the past, when a timber was called a 2×4 [or “two-by-four”], it actually measured 2 inches by 4 inches. … Because of this extra milling, a 2×4 no longer measures a full 2 inches by four inches. Instead,
a 2×4 is really only 1 1/2′′ by 3 1/2′′
.
How much does an 8 foot 2×4 cost?
| Board Stud* 8′ | 2×3 $2.87 | 2×4 $5.17 $5.17 | 2×6 $8.82 $8.82 |
|---|
Why is a 2×6 not 2×6?
The “nominal” cross-section dimensions of a piece of lumber, such as 2 X 4 or 1 X 6, are always somewhat larger than the actual, or dressed, dimensions. The reason is that
dressed lumber has been surfaced or planed smooth on four sides (called S4S)
. The nominal measurement is made before the lumber is surfaced.
How long is a 2×4 stud?
Two-by-six and two-by-four are the most common dimensions of wall studs. Standard walls of 8 feet have wall studs that are 92 inches. The studs are
104 1/2 inches
in homes with 9-foot walls.
What is a 2×4 in metric?
In a nutshell, a 2×4 is
40x90mm
, and 16′′ on center is 400mm, and 24′′ on center is 600mm.
Are 2×4 getting smaller?
Without the rough edges, what went in as a 2-by-4 planks of rough-sawn wood is now a tongue-tripping 1.5-by
-3.5
, having lost approximately 1⁄4-inch on all sides to the planer and drying processes.
Are 4×4 actually 3.5×3 5?
no, it is
just a bit over 3.5′′x3. 5′′
for clearance. 2×4 and 4×4 boards are no longer the actual number, but as you state–they are 1/2′′ LESS. the base fits nicely to a standard 4×4.
What is the longest length of 2×4?
When using studs, other dimensions of 2-by-4 and 2-by-6 lumber is used. Standard lengths for these range from 8 feet up to
16 feet
. These lengths are used for wall plating, window and door framing and bracing.
