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Lumber Dimensions
Nominal vs Actual Lumber Dimensions
Lumber sizes are typically sold in nominal measurements. The nominal dimensions refer to the rough-sawn size before it is kiln-dried and planed at the sawmill. The 'actual' dimensions refer to the final size that arrives at the lumberyard. If your project calls for precise measurements, be sure to check the chart below before purchasing.Dimensional Lumber
Nominal Size |
Actual Size |
1×2 1×3 1×4 1×6 1×8 1×10 1×12 2×2 2×3 2×4 2×6 2×8 2×10 2×12 4×4 4×6 6×6 |
3/4" × 1-1/2" 3/4" × 2-1/2" 3/4" × 3-1/2" 3/4" × 5-1/2" 3/4" × 7-1/4" 3/4" × 9-1/4" 3/4" × 11-1/4" 1-1/2" × 1-1/2" 1-1/2" × 2-1/2" 1-1/2" × 3-1/2" 1-1/2" × 5-1/2" 1-1/2" × 7-1/4" 1-1/2" × 9-1/4" 1-1/2" × 11-1/4" 3-1/2" × 3-1/2" 3-1/2" × 5-1/2" 5-1/2" × 5-1/2" |
Decking Planks
Nominal Size |
Actual Size |
5/4 x 6 6/4 x 6 |
1" × 5-1/2" 1-5/16" × 5-1/2" |
TIPS:
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View span charts based upon design values for visually graded dimensional lumber.
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