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The lumber is usually identified by the measurements of the green lumber before it was cut and dried, such as 2×4, 2×6, or 2×10. Find the actual size of different types of lumber and learn why the actual size of dimensional lumber is smaller than the nominal size.
The typical nominal dimensions for wood, such as 2 x 4, refer to the thickness and the width of the wood. If a third number is added onto the nominal dimensions, such as 2 x 4 x 96, it indicates the length of the wood.
What is 2x8 actual size? A 2×8 lumber has an actual length of 1 ½ × 7 ¼ or 38 × 184 mm. Read for more details.
The larger 2x boards (2x8, 2x10, etc.) lose 3/4 inch in width. That means a 2x10 is actually 1 1/2 inch in thickness by 9 1/4 inches. See for Yourself. On your next trip to Home Depot or Lowes, take along a tape measure and head over to the dimensional lumber aisles.
Dimensional lumber has two size categories for width and thickness: nominal size and actual size. Dimensional lumber is wood lumber cut to pre-defined, standard sizes. A two-by-four (2x4) is an example of dimensional lumber.
Actual Dimensions: 1.5-in x 7.25-in x 10-ft. Wood Species: Southern yellow pine. Dressing: S4S. Find 2-in x 8-in dimensional lumber at Lowe's today. Shop dimensional lumber and a variety of building supplies products online at Lowes.com.
Dimensional lumber is cut to a specific length, width, and depth. However, there is a difference between the nominal size (what the lumber is referred to) and the actual size. The tables below provide both the nominal and actual lumber dimensions for many common North American lumber sizes.
This chart shows the nominal (in name only) and corresponding actual (real) dimensions of common wood sizes like 2×4 dimensions and 1×4 lumber.
Do you want to know why a 2x4 is not actually 2" by 4"? This post will explain the difference between actual and nominal lumber dimensions.
2×8 lumber actual size. A 2×8 piece of lumber is actually 1 ½ x 7 ½ inches (38 x 203 mm) smaller than advertised at hardware stores. It is because hardware stores sell lumber that is already planned. Measurements of lumber are taken when it is freshly cut.