Lumber sizes

An infographic showing the nominal versus actual dimensions of common lumber sizes.

Our lumber sizing guide provides everything you need to know about lumber dimensions & sizes - learn the difference between nominal vs. actual sizes.

When you buy lumber, understanding lumber sizes can be very confusing. I discovered this when taking my first carpentry class and tried to take notes.

Being an entirely metric man myself, and young and inexperienced, I find conversions between imperial and metric and other similar units quit complica

Keep these tips in mind when buying rough lumber to get the best deals on the best wood.

Understanding the difference between nominal vs. rough-cut lumber will help you make the right decision the next time you are purchasing lumber for a project. Fasteners Plus is here to help you navigate through some of the common questions regarding differences in cuts of lumber and the practical hangers and post bases that accommodate the lumber. Read our blog to learn more and shop accommodating joist hangers and post bases.

When you entertain at home, you can save money on gas, beverages and much more. Most importantly you stay safe and off the road to avoid drinking and driving.

Look up the actual dimensions for nominal lumber sizes with our easy-to-read chart.

The name of lumber at the hardware store has not been the actual dimensions of the lumber since World War II and this post will break it all down for you!

Enjoy it's beauty and resilience - it has a stunning warm, caramel hue that enhances the grain and goes all the way through the wood. Finish your project with a simple clear oil to transform the color to a deep charcoal black. What's Roasted Lumber? It's a chemical-free process that cooks the wood under pressure. And the results are incredible! Your boards transform with 100% dark color all the way through, and a newfound resistance to water and weather that it did't have before. Bottom…

As you get started with woodworking, it is important to note that the "nominal" sizes for the lumber are actually different than their actual sizes. You often hear a stud referred to as a 2x4, which means it was 2 inches by 4 inches at one time. The reason they refer to lumber by their nominal size is because that is the size the wood was when it was cut at the lumber mill. That does not take into account the shrinkage that happens to the wood when it is dried and the material that is…

An infographic showing the nominal versus actual dimensions of common lumber sizes.

The single-most important factor in the appearance of any woodworking project is the selection of the material. This isn’t what species to use or what color of finish; it is the choice of which board…

Lumber sizes

Lumber Sizes & Measurements Framing lumber is identified by the height and width of the board. The measurements used, however, may make you think you are getting cheated! A 2x4 board is actually only 1 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches. Ususally, there is 1/2 inch difference in measurements over 2 inches and 1/4 inch in measurements less than 2 inches. When the " (inch) symbol is used it indicates that you are referring to the actual size. This symbol is omitted when referring to the nominal…

Premium Hardwood Products - U-Pick Hardwood Lumber

Sizing standards for softwood and hardwood lumber (such as 2x10s) and plywood can be confusing since nominal and actual dimensions don't match.

Don't be confused by “nominal” board dimensions when you buy lumber or read plans. We show you the quick translation to “actual” numbers.