2x6 lumber dimensions. They purposely milled lumber smaller than its nominal dimensions in order to standardize those dimensions and this practice continues today. Dimension lumber can be purchased as dry or. A 2x6s real or true dimension is 15 x 55 within the industry it is referred to as its actual size. However there is a difference between the nominal size what the lumber is referred to and the actual size.
Mechanical tolerance variations of lumber. 2x4s are not actually 2 inches by 4 inches. Why a 2 4 is not always a 2 4 lumber sizes are usually given in nominal measurements. The following data is standard reference and size data for commercially available lumber within the usa.
The actual measurements are the final size. Aww nominal vs actual. The real dimensions of 2x6 lunber are 1 12 x 5 12 inches. Here are the common sizes of lumber and their actual sizes.
All data is in imperial units inches. Common lumber dimensions nominal vs. Dimensional lumber is cut to a specific length width and depth. The nominal measurements are a boards size before it has been planed smooth surfaced on all 4 sides.
The tables below provide both the nominal and actual sizes so many common north american lumber sizes. Originally a 2 x 4 was cut as a rough green board that was exactly 2 x 4 inches in size but by the time the boards were dried and planed the boards became smaller approaching the now standard 2 x 4 dimensions of 1 12 x. The nominal size is used. Then they are either seasoned or kiln dried.
The reasons why the nominal dimension of this lumber what the lumber is called is larger than the actual dimensions involves historical practices in the lumber industry. Commercial lumber sizes chart table. The 2x6s are first sawn to 2 inches by six inches. In north america the 2x6 size is actually referring to the lumbers nominal dimension.
Nominal size vs actual size boards. When the board is first rough sawn from the log it is a true 2x4 but the drying process and planing of the board reduce it to the finished 15x35 size. This brings the dimensions down to 1 12 x 5 12 inches. The next step is to plane all four sides to smooth out saw marks.
Specifically it is lumber cut for industrial or wood packaging use. Lumber dimensions chart for 1x2 2x4. Lumber is cut by ripsaw or resaw to create dimensions that are not usually processed by a primary sawmill.