Dimensional Lumber Size

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Nominal Size – is the size of a piece of lumber before it is dressed and seasoned. It is used to designate a particular size piece of lumber, such as 2×4, 2×6, etc.

Actual Size – refers to minimum acceptable size after it has been dressed and seasoned. A nominal 2*4 can have a minimum actual size of 1.5″ x 3.5″. When referring to a specific piece of lumber, the nominal size is used.

IMPORTANT: Our cut & material lists always call out the nominal size. The actual plans however take into account the finished (actual) size.

Size Chart
Framing Lumber

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Nominal Size Actual Size
2 x 2 – 1 ½ x 1½
2 x 3 – 1 ½ x 2 ½
2 x 4 – 1 ½ x 3 ½
2 x 6 – 1 ½ x 5 ½
2 x 8 – 1 ½ x 7 ¼
2 x 10 – 1 ½ x 9 ¼
2 x 12 – 1 ½ x 11 ¼
4 x 4 – 3 ½ x 3 ½
4 x 6 – 3 ½ x 5 ½
4 x 10 – 3 ½ x 9 ¼
6 x 6 – 5 ½ x 5 ½

Boards

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Nominal Size Actual Size
1 x 2 – ¾ x 1 ½
1 x 3 – ¾ x 2 ½
1 x 4 – ¾ x 3 ½
1 x 5 – ¾ x 4 ½
1 x 6 – ¾ x 5 ½
1 x 8 – ¾ x 7 ¼
1 x 10 – ¾ x 9 ¼
1 x 12 – ¾ x 11 ¼

here’s a chart on standard lumber dimensions.
[attachment=0:2w51js02]lumber_finish_ size_chart.gif[/attachment:2w51js02]

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