And now, not so deep thoughts

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

What the hell? Am I the only one who hadn't been informed of the great lumber consipracy.

If one were to grab something labled 2X3, what might one reasonably expect the dimmensions to be? 2X3 no? Well, no! Try 1.5X2.5. What about the fabled 2X4? Why, of course that measures 2X4 you say? Nay, I say. 1.5X3.5!

What the hell?

shrinkage? Maybe it was a cold day.

In our cabin we have 2x4's that are actually 2 inches by 4 inches. Also watch out for lengths. I went to get a 2x4 that should have been 8 foot long, instead of 96 inches it was 92 inches. More shrinkage?

more info here.

Nominal Size - is the size of a piece of lumber before it is dressed and seasoned. It is used to designate a particular size piece of lumber, such as 2x4, 2x6, etc.

Actual Size - refers to minimum acceptable size after it has been dressed and seasoned. A nominal 2*4 can have a minimum actual size of 1.5" x 3.5". When referring to a specific piece of lumber, the nominal size is used.