The ubiquitous lumber product known as the 2×4 does not, in fact, measure two inches thick by four inches wide. The naming of this building material is
the result of compromise between forestry technology, species’ properties, forest composition, transportation efficiency, construction speed, and price competition
.
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.
Why do they call it a 2 by 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′′.
Why is dimensional lumber not actual size?
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.
What is a 2 by 4 actually?
| Nominal Size Actual Size | 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) | 2 x 10 1 1/2 x 9 1/4 inches (38 x 235 mm) |
|---|
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 |
|---|
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.
Are 2x4s really 2×4?
The ubiquitous lumber product known as the
2×4 does not, in fact, measure two inches thick by four inches wide
. The naming of this building material is the result of compromise between forestry technology, species’ properties, forest composition, transportation efficiency, construction speed, and price competition.
Why is lumber so expensive?
Wood products prices typically fluctuate more than most goods, because homebuilding can move up or down much faster than sawmill capacity can. … Lumber and plywood prices are
so high now because of the short-run dynamics of demand and supply
.
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.
Why is a 4×4 not 4 inches?
Through the drying process, the boards naturally
shrink
, as moisture leaves the beams. … 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.
Is a 4×4 really 4 inches?
While it is true that the actual size of a 4 x 4 board is
3 1⁄2 x 3 1⁄2
, that is not a deceptive practice in my opinion. It is well known that lumber is sold based on nominal sizes, and the actual size of the boards is smaller than the nominal size.
What size is 2 by 1 timber?
Machined from Sawfalling Scandinavian Whitewood Boards to approx size:
44mm x 18mm
; Generally cut from FSC or PEFC Certified Softwood Pine. 2×1 Planed Softwood is ideal to use as edging, battening, framing and for timber stud-work.
What does 2x4x8 mean?
A
board foot
is actually a measure of volume of a board. By definition a board foot is one square foot one inch thick. To calculate board footage use the following formulas: Board Footage = thickness in inches x width in inches x length in feet divided by 12.
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.
What is nominal thickness?
Nominal thickness is
“in name only” used solely for identification
. The nominal size may not match any dimension of the product, but within the domain of that product. The nominal size may correspond to a large number of highly standardized dimensions and tolerances.
