What Are The Actual Dimensions Of A 2 By 4

At this point the 2 x 4 is actually 2 inches x 4 inches a 2 x 10 is actually 2 inches x 10 inches etc.

It is thus possible to find 2 4s that are four eight and twelve feet in length. That means a 2 x 4 board is actually 1 1 2 inches by 3 1 2 inches. One of the most popular cuts of lumber for home building is the two by four which actually measures 1 5 inches high by 3 5 inches wide. That means a 1x10 is actually 3 4 inch in thickness by 9 1 4 inches.

In most cases hardwood boards come in random widths to be ripped to size by the woodworker. For instance hardwood trim that ends up being just over 1 thick surfaced on 2 sides is called a five quarter 5 4 board. For wall framing precut stud lengths are available and are commonly used. A four by six post measures 3 1 2 inches by 5 1 2 inches.

When the board is first rough sawn from the log it is a true 2x4 but the drying process and planing of the board reduce it to the finished 1 5x3 5 size. Originally a 2 x 4 was cut as a rough green board that was exactly 2 x 4 inches in size but by the time the boards were dried and planed the boards became smaller approaching the now standard 2 x 4 dimensions of 1 1 2 x 3 1 2 inches in size. 2x4s are not actually 2 inches by 4 inches. Then the edges are surfaced planed reducing the actual size to 1 1 2 in.

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Here are the common sizes of lumber and their actual sizes. Next they re dried in a kiln then surfaced to an actual 1 1 2 in. If you are using rough sawn or true dimension timbers however 4 inches means 4 inches. Lumber manufacturers typically cut a tree into the various standard types of dimensional lumber very shortly after the tree is felled.

The larger 1x boards 1x8 1x10 etc lose 3 4 inch in width. Hardwood board widths vary. If boards will be kiln dried after milling they start their lives sized 1 62 in. A nominal 2x4 board starts out 1 56 in.