A huge part of being a skilled woodworker is a deep understanding of lumber dimensions, allowing you to cut the right length, width, and thickness. However, determining the difference between nominal and actual sizes isn’t the easiest skill to master.
If you’re struggling to get these metrics, don’t stress. I’ve been there, and I’ve got a straightforward explanation to help you out.
What is Dimensional Lumber?
Newbie woodworkers may get confused with what dimensional lumber means, but it’s simply referring to a wood material cut into a standard size range. It means that these materials have pre-determined length, width, and depth when sold in the market.
This term is used when referring to softwood boards and pieces like pines. This type of lumber is commonly used for framing walls, constructing floors, roofs, and other structural components. You’ll also hear it more often when trading materials for framing and carpentry.
If you’re familiar with the wood market, you’ll know that these common wood products come in 4×4 and 2×4 dimensions. However, you can’t expect a 2×4 dimensional lumber to have 2 by 4 actual dimensions. I know, it’s a little confusing at first. Stick with me, though, as I break down these sizing metrics for you.
Nominal vs. Actual Sizes
You may not know, but the nominal dimensions the lumber has been labeled with aren’t exactly its actual size. It’s typically larger than the real size range because it’s the plywood dimensions taken before the material went under drying, surfacing, and sanding.
Now, why is a 2×4 not 2×4 in actual sizing? It’s because the actual measurement of 2×4 turns 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches or 38 x 89 mm after processing the material.
If you’re buying green southern pine lumber, the drying process will likely shrink its 2×4 actual measurement into an even smaller dimension.
The same goes for other softwood boards in different sizes, as the actual size of 1×6 is 3/4 x 5 1/2 inches or 19 x 140 mm. Fortunately, modern technologies allow minimal shrinkage and material removal to maintain the original dimensions of a board with 2×4 or 1×6 actual size.
| Nominal Size Range | Actual Size Range |
| 1×2 inches | 3/4 x 1 1/2 inches |
| 1×3 inches | 3/4 x 2 1/2 inches |
| 1×4 inches | 3/4 x 3 1/2 inches |
| 1×5 inches | 3/4 x 4 1/2 inches |
| 1×6 inches | 3/4 x 5 1/2 inches |
| 1×8 inches | 3/4 x 7 1/4 inches |
| 1×10 inches | 3/4 x 9 1/4 inches |
| 1×12 inches | 3/4 x 11 1/4 inches |
| 2×2 inches | 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches |
| 2×3 inches | 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches |
| 2×4 inches | 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches |
| 2×6 inches | 1 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches |
| 2×8 inches | 1 1/2 x 7 1/4 inches |
| 2×10 inches | 1 1/2 x 9 1/4 inches |
| 2×12 inches | 1 1/2 x 11 1/4 inches |
| 4×4 inches | 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches |
| 4×6 inches | 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches |
| 6×6 inches | 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches |
Hardwood Lumber Measurements
Instead of measuring 2×4 actual dimensions in terms of width and length, measuring hardwood boards are often associated with their nominal thickness. These wood types include stock from oak, mahogany [1], and maple trees that are not sold in standard sizes.
When buying hardwood boards near you, it doesn’t include the problem of determining the actual dimensions of a 2×4 material because its sizing indicates if the stock is surfaced on one or two sides.
These materials are not commonly sold in 4×4 or 2×4 dimensions because they’re marketed by the board foot.
In simpler terms, one board foot is equivalent to 144 cubic inches of the wood board. It means that the wood’s thickness is 1 inch with a width of 12 inches.
However, just because you don’t need to find a 2×4 doesn’t mean choosing hardwood lumber is bliss. These materials are sold in quarters, where one unit refers to ¼ inch depth.
Read Next: Feet and Inches Symbols in Woodworking
| Nominal Thickness | S1S (Surfaced on one side) | S2S (Surfaced on two sides) |
| ½ inches | 3/8 inch or 9.5 mm | 5/16 inch or 7.9 mm |
| ⅝ inches | 1/2 inch or 13 mm | 7/16 inch or 11 mm |
| ¾ inches | 5/8 inch or 16 mm | 9/16 inch or 14 mm |
| 1 or 4/4 inches | 7/8 inch or 22 mm | 13/16 inch or 21 mm |
| 1 ¼ or 5/4 inches | 1 1/8 inches or 29 mm | 1 1/6 inches or 27 mm |
| 1 ½ or 6/4 inches | 1 3/8 inches or 35 mm | 1 5/16 inches or 33 mm |
| 2 or 8/4 inches | 1 13/16 inches or 46 mm | 1 3/4 inches or 44 mm |
| 3 or 12/4 inches | 2 13/16 inches or 71 mm | 2 3/4 inches or 70 mm |
| 4 16/4 inches | 3 13/16 inches or 97 mm | 3 3/4 inches or 95mm |
How About Plywood?
When you shop for plywood materials, the most common size range you’ll encounter is around 4 feet by 8 feet. The nominal thickness for these wooden boards also varies between two options: ½ inch and ¾ inch.
However, remember that the actual sizes for these materials are reduced after processing. You’ll also find the plywood labeled with different quality grades from A to D on each side to determine their surface smoothness.
FAQ
Is 2x6 stronger than 2x4?
Yes, 2×6 is stronger than 2×4. The actual size of 2×4 is only one and a half inches thick and 3 1/2 inches wide, while 2×6 boards have 1 1/2 inch thickness and 5 1/2 inches width.
Is it cheaper to build with 2x4 or 2x6?
It is cheaper to build with 2×4 lumber because 2×6 has an actual dimension two inches wider than it. Besides, 2×4 materials have a 4-inch depth difference from 2×6.
See Also: Number of 2×4 Lumbers in A Bundle
Conclusion
Once you get the hang of lumber dimensions, picking out the right material for your next project becomes a lot simpler than you might think.
After all, these woodworking basics will be your foundation in building a better craft in the future.
And hey, take it from someone who’s been around the block: understanding this stuff can save you some cash by helping you avoid buying the wrong material.
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
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