Sensors then tell the dimension of the desired lumber, and if there is any defect. Head rig sawing large logs– The log is placed in the mill. After this, the lumber is cut into seven or eight pieces, then these are cut in half. The tree’s outer bark (regardless of its pine or redwood, for example) can be removed and burned as fuel for the mill’s furnace. a rubber-tired loader picks up the logs to the mill. Water is sprayed on them to prevent drying.ĭebarking and bucking– From the pile. The trunks are transported to the lumber mill and are stacked into piles (commonly called log decks). Regardless if it’s pine or cedar, here are the steps in making lumber:įelling– After the trees are cut, the tree trunk is further cut to sizes fit for transport. How Lumber is MadeĪpart from planing, the difference in the nominal and actual dimensions is a product of the wood’s manufacturing process – from felling to banding. This is when the 2 inches by 4 inches wood and the other sizes came about. Then in 1921, the industry (manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers) decided on the size standards. This prompted the holding of the American Lumber Congress in 1919.ĭuring this time, a committee found it necessary for the lumber industry to have standards on the lumber sizes, grades, moldings, forms, and nomenclature. The change began after World War 1 and the demand for lumber surged, buoyed by home construction (that’s why we see 2x4s in old homes). Yet, this standardization varied per region. This was when lumber associations set the size standards for lumber. The practice was convenient for builders and also encouraged manufacturers and traders to cut the wood into uniform sizes and plane them. Carpenters can even request wood that is ‘surfaced on four sides,’ but they have to pay extra. What we call ‘surfaced one side’ or S1S and ‘surfaced two sides’ emerged. To deal with carpenters, some lumber mills began to cut and plane dimensional wood in uniform sizes. The different cuts caused carpenters to complain. It became obvious the lumber had dimensions that varied from one another and were cut in different sizes. That’s why construction projects sourced wood from out of town. Since there was no forest service to regulate the cutting of trees, forests diminished and became farther from towns and cities. This changed at the end of the 19th century. And in case the actual lumber doesn’t fit, the builder remedy the discrepancy. Every lumber manufacturer adheres wood dimensions to the needs of the community. Then, the construction industry sourced lumber from the nearest manufacturer.Īt this point, there is not a bit of need for the lumber industry to set a standard on lumber sizing. To understand lumber sizes today, we must go back to the olden days. Rough sawn lumber is best used as internal frames. It’s always priced lower because after being felled from trees, the board has not been treated or smoothed. Rough lumber (or rough sawn lumber), has its advantages. This can be useful for flooring verandas or internal balconies. Planed Both Sides – only both of the wider surfaces are planed. Planed Single Edge – only one side of the board has been smoothed ideal for flooring or external cladding. This is used when all sides will be visible and you need them to be smooth. Planed All Round – four sides of the board are passed through the planer. Plus, you save on the time and effort of doing the planing yourself. Moreover, planed surfaces make for stronger, neater joints. Planed boards’ flat surface is ideal as a work area – for shelves and kitchen work surfaces. That’s why lumber sizes become smaller than their nominal dimensions. This is true for the dimensions of other boards, whether or not they come from pine or cedar. Lumber mills also round rough edges to reduce injury. Listed vs Actual DimensionsĢ×4 is the generic term because it’s easy to remember, even though the actual dimensions of the board are 1½ inches by 3½ inches. These give wood a smooth finish and have it conform to the standard size. In planing, we flatten, reduce the thickness of, and impart a smooth surface to a rough piece of lumber or timber. The 2 × 4 being sold is actually 1 1/2” by 3 1/2.” There is a difference in actual and nominal dimensions because pine and other timber shrink after it is milled and planed. Quite simply, the resulting true dimension is a result of milling and planing. It is neither the lumber manufacturers nor the hardware store that came up with lumber that has an actual size smaller than its nominal size. Did lumber manufacturers get the boards’ measurements wrong? Or have they intentionally sold a smaller board? “Why is a 2×4 not a 2×4?” you wonder as the actual lumber falls short of your estimates for do-it-yourself or DIY projects. Home » Tips & Guides » 2×4 Actual Size: Why Is a 2×4 Not 2×4?
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