In the world of woodworking, understanding the intricacies of lumber sizing is paramount to the success of any project. Among the various dimensions available, the 4/4 lumber holds a special place as one of the most frequently employed options.
In this exploration, let me walk you through the realm of 4/4 lumber, uncovering its dimensions, properties, and why it stands as a cornerstone in woodworking.
What Does 4/4 in Lumber Sizes Mean?
In terms of lumber sizes, 4/4 is short for “four quarters of an inch.” If you’re sharp with numbers, 4/4 is about 1 inch. To better understand the sizing, refer to the following:
One way to determine the actual thickness of a piece of lumber is by referring to the stage it’s in, referred to as RGH or S2S. While both terms refer to the rough or surfaced part of the lumber, all types start out rough.
What Do These Fraction Sizes Mean?
These fraction sizes tell you how thick the lumber is. It’s more than just a name and an exact lumber measurement. Some factors incorporate into it. You’ll see sizes like 2×2 and 4×4, but it’s not 2 inches by 2 inches and 4 inches by 4 inches.
In woodworking, it has a different approach. There comes nominal lumber and dimensional lumber.
How Thick is 4/4 Lumber?
The 4/4 lumber has a thickness of about 1 inch. Take note that the “quarter system” is commonly used when referring to thickness in the hardwood lumber industry.
How Wide is 4/4 Lumber?
Hardwood lumbers are typically sold in random widths, regardless of their thickness. There are local lumberyards that sell 4/4 lumbers in dimensional widths like softwoods.
More About the 4/4: The Most Common Lumber Size
Comparing Rough Sawn and Surfaced Lumber
One of the biggest differences between rough sawn and surfaced lumber is the weight. Also, it’s commonly believed that rough lumber is cheaper than its surface counterpart.
While the price difference is significant, the weight difference between surfaced and rough sawn is also important when it comes to transporting containers and loads.
A flatbed truck can haul 45,000 lbs of lumber. If the load is surfaced or rough, the cost of moving it doesn’t change. However, the size of the lumber that the truck can fit changes.
You can fit about 11,000 board feet of rough sawn. But, with surfaced lumber, you can fit 14,000 board feet onto the truck.
In general, it’s more advantageous to opt for the marginal fee with the wholesale distributor instead of the usual flat fee for surfacing. This way, you can maximize the space and fit more lumber on your container or truck, making the most of your shipment.
Rough Sawn
What I Like
- It typically costs less.
- It yields more thickness most of the time than the standard surfaced thickness.
What I Don't Like
- Heavier; it costs more per board to ship.
- It's difficult to inspect color, grain, and figure.
Surfaced Lumber
What I Like
- It has the same thickness.
- It is easier to use, especially for less-equipped woodworkers.
- Lighter. It costs less per board to ship.
What I Don't Like
- It has less margin for dealing.
- Its surfacing adds costs.
- You have less control over the final thickness.
Correct Thickness of Different 4/4 Lumber
Green or Air-Dried
It’s essential to recognize that green lumber tends to shrink in thickness by approximately 3 percent during air-drying. To maintain your desired final dimensions, consider this rule of thumb: when milling a 4/4 thick piece, start with a thickness roughly 1/32 inch greater.
This approach ensures your woodworking projects maintain their quality and precision while making the most of your green lumber’s natural behavior.
Kiln-Dried Rough
The NHLA [1] has a rule that applies to kiln-dried rough lumber, which allows the thinnest part of the lumber to be 1/16 inch thinner. This rule applies to various grades of lumber, such as 4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 7/4, and 8/4.
Kiln-Dried Planed
When preparing kiln-dried lumber, it is surface-mounted or planed on two sides before it is subjected to grading. An allowance is given for this process. The thickness of the surface is typically as thin as 13/16 inches.
Which is More Preferable: 4/4 or 5/4 Lumber?
The standard way is to use 4/4 lumber. But, sometimes, some shorts of 5/4 lumber is used to get the desired grain type in a certain area. It will really depend on your woodworking needs. If you opt for the standard lumber size, then 4/4 is preferable.
Also Read: Actual Size of 2×8 Boards
Conclusion
Woodworking may be confusing, especially if you’re new to this field. But, having some basic info about the SXS lumber designations, what 4/4 lumber and other sizes means is valuable knowledge you can apply as you go through the woodworking industry. There’s so much more to learn, and you should begin now!
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
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.
