Is 2×2 lumber actually 2×2?

Once the drying is complete, the boards are then planed to a standard size….Actual Dimensions and Nominal Dimensions.

Nominal Measurement Actual (inches) Actual (mm)
2 x 2 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 38 x 38
2 x 4 1-1/2 x 3-1/2 38 x 89
2 x 6 1-1/2 x 5-1/2 38 x 140
2 x 8 1-1/2 x 7-1/4 38 x 184

What is the nominal vs actual size of lumber?

Lumber sizes are usually given in “nominal” measurements. The nominal measurements are a board’s size before it has been planed smooth (surfaced) on all 4 sides. The actual measurements are the final size. If your project calls for precise measurements, be sure to check your lumber before purchasing.

Is nominal size actual size?

Nominal size is the size you see printed on the side of your air filter. It stems from the actual size, which is rounded up to the nearest whole inch.

What is the actual size of a piece of lumber with a nominal size of 2×4?

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″. The same is true of pine. A 1×6, for example, actually measures 3/4″ x 5 1/2″.

Why is dimensional lumber not actual size?

Maybe you’ve noticed that lumber sizes are often misleading. 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).

What size is a 2×2?

A 2×2 inches square photograph is the same as a 51 x 51 millimeters photograph (photo’s width is 51 mm and height is 51 mm). This can also be written as 5,1 x 5,1 centimeters (photo’s width 5,1 cm and height 5,1 cm). These are all the same size.

What is the actual size of a 2×2?

38 x 38 mm
Nominal vs. Actual Measurements of Dimension Lumber

Nominal Size Actual Size
2 x 2 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches (38 x 38 mm)
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)

Why are lumber nominal and actual sizes different?

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 do you mean by actual size?

noun. Full scale (used to denote the representation or reproduction of an object without reduction or enlargement).

What are the actual sizes of dimensional lumber?

Technically, you can define dimension lumber as sawed softwood lumber from 2 to 5 inches (5 to 12.7 centimeters) thick and from 4 to 12 inches (10.2 to 30.5 centimeters) wide. The length of dimension lumber can range from 6 to 24 feet.