What are the different sizes of boards?
Dimensional lumber and studs are 2-inches to 4-inches thick and 2-inches to 4-inches wide. Structural joists and planks are 2-inches to 4-inches thick and 6-inches wide. Beams and stringers are at least 5-inches wide and 2-inches thick. Posts and timbers are usually 5-inch x 5-inch boards.
What increments does dimensional lumber come in?
Common dimensional lumber lengths Boards are typically sold in the United States and Canada in lengths beginning at 6 feet and increasing in two-foot increments (8 ft., 10 ft., 12 ft.… up to 24 ft.).
What size is a 2×12?
Nominal vs. Actual Measurements of Dimension Lumber
| Nominal Size | Actual Size |
|---|---|
| 2 x 6 | 1 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches (38 x 140 mm) |
| 2 x 8 | 1 1/2 x 7 1/4 inches (38 x 184 mm) |
| 2 x 10 | 1 1/2 x 9 1/4 inches (38 x 235 mm) |
| 2 x 12 | 1 1/2 x 11 1/4 inches (38 x 286 mm) |
What is the difference between dimensional lumber and boards?
Dimensional lumber made from softwood is typically used for construction, while hardwood boards are more commonly used for making cabinets or furniture. Lumber’s nominal dimensions are larger than the actual standard dimensions of finished lumber.
What are nominal lumber sizes?
The nominal dimension is the name of the lumber: 2×4 or two-by-four, for example. The actual dimension is the size: 1 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches, for example. Older homes may have lumber with nominal and actual dimensions that match: 2x4s that are actually 2 inches by 4 inches.
What is dimensional lumber?
Dimensional lumber is wood fiber that is cut to a specific size (thickness/width/length) based on pre-defined, standardized sizes. Common examples of dimensional lumber sizes include two-by-fours (2x4s) and four-by-fours (4x4s).
What is the longest 2×8 you can buy?
Based on different manufacturers’ specifications, the maximum span a 2×8 LVL is from 12′ to 15′. Spans are also affected by the species of wood used in the manufacture of the laminated joists, with western woods edging out eastern woods in unsupported span distance.
What is the widest 2x lumber?
Nominal vs. Actual
| 2x Lumber | |
|---|---|
| Nominal Size | Actual Size |
| 2×4 | 1-1/2 x 3-1/2 |
| 2×6 | 1-1/2 x 5-1/2 |
| 2×8 | 1-1/2 x 7-1/4 |
What is the longest 2×12 you can buy?
We manufacture SYP lumber in dimensions of 2×4 through 2×12 and lengths up to 26 feet. Our long length lumber is available in #1, #2, and #3 grades. For building projects that require long spans such as custom home construction, our extra-long and wide lumber is the preferred choice.
How do you read lumber dimensions?
The first number (2) refers to the thickness of the board in inches. The second number (4) refers to the width of the board in inches. The third number (8) refers to the length of the board in feet.
How do you identify dimensional lumber?
The actual size of dimensional lumber is determined by using a tape measure or straight edge to measure the dimensions of the wood. A 2×4, for example, is an example of a nominal size. You can think of it as a nickname used to categorize the lumber. The actual size of a 2×4 is 1 ½ inches by 3 ½ inches.
Is 4×8 dimensional lumber?
Dimensional lumber is cut to a specific length, width, and depth….North American Standard 4-by Lumber.
| NOMINAL SIZE (INCHES) | ACTUAL SIZE (INCHES) | ACTUAL SIZE (MM) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 x 6 | 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 | 89 x 140 |
| 4 x 8 | 3 1/2 x 7 1/4 | 89 x 184 |
| 4 x 10 | 3 1/2 x 9 1/4 | 89 x 235 |
| 4 x 12 | 3 1/2 x 11 1/4 | 89 x 286 |
What is the widest wood you can buy?
Woodworkers Source Help Desk So, the tried-and-true way to get super-wide solid wood is to glue it up from narrower boards, then trim it down to the required size. The majority of hardwood lumber in 4/4 thickness is less than 12″ wide. It’s not impossible to get 12″ or wider lumber, it’s just not the norm.
How far can a 2×12 span without support?
A 2×12 (2-by-12) floor joists can span up to 23 feet 3 inches, 2×10 (2-by-10) up to 19 feet 1 inches, 2×8 (2-by-8) up to 15 feet & 2×6 (2-by-6) up to 11 feet 4 inches at 16″ spaced by using southern yellow pine graded as #1 when live load of 30 lbs/ft^2 & dead load of 10 lbs/ ft^2.