Nominal and actual project sizes
When you’re completing woodworking projects, it’s important to know the difference between nominal and actual sizes. Not knowing can lead to mistakes and confusion. Using a tape measure can tell you the true dimensional size of your board. But unless you’re a master of woodworking, it’s not easy to remember exactly what you’re measuring.
A lumberyard or home improvement store can be a great resource for sizing information. They often give the dimensions of boards in nominal sizes. However, if you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you’ll likely want to use a tape measure to check the real size of the board you’re buying.
Nominal sizes aren’t always the same as the actual measurements you’ll find on the ground or on a store shelf. To get an idea of the differences, consider this chart.
The nominal 2×4 is really only one half inch wide by three and a half inches long. But, the actual 2×4 is much closer. Considering that most builders don’t notice variances in thickness, it’s not a big deal.
There are other variations, too. For example, the lumberyards that sell dimensional lumber may say that the 2x4x8 is one and eight feet long. In reality, you’ll likely find the actual width of the board to be about 3 1/2 inches, and the depth of the wood to be about 1 1/2 inches.
There are other similar types of wood besides the typical 2×4. You’ll also find plywood and sheet goods. These types of lumber are not measured in actual dimensions, but they do have a nominal size.
A quick and easy way to see the difference between the two is to pick up a free PDF of a lumber size chart. This will help you compare the various measurements, and figure out which ones to buy. With a little practice, you’ll be able to confidently select the most appropriate size for your project.
Knowing the difference between the nominal and actual woodworking 2×2 project sizes will help you save money, time, and headaches in the long run.
Framing lumber
If you are going to start a woodworking project with 2x2s, you may be wondering what kind of wood to use. Different kinds of lumber are cheaper and harder than others. Knowing the differences can save you time and money.
The main types of wood used for building and home improvement projects are hardwoods and softwoods. Hardwoods include oak and maple, while softwoods are spruce and fir. Softwoods can be more expensive than hardwoods. However, they are usually denser and have a strong wood grain.
The most common dimensional lumber is 2x4s. These boards are typically 12 feet long. They are ideal for many home improvement projects. Be careful not to purchase boards that are damaged on the top. You can find these boards at most lumber stores.
While these boards are easy to work with, you should be aware that they are not a perfect size. A typical 2×4 board is actually 1.5 inches wide and 3.5 inches thick. This can be confusing for experienced woodworkers. Luckily, you can find true dimensions at lumber yards.
The building industry set standards for lumber sizes and grades. For example, the #2 Construction Grade Lumber is ideal for framing, roof trusses, floor joists, and other structural projects. It also meets the highest grading standards for fire safety and appearance.
The easiest way to determine your lumber needs is to multiply the length by the width and the thickness in inches. Then divide the result by 144. Taking the same approach for large amounts of lumber will allow you to quickly calculate the price per board foot.
If you need to buy a larger piece of wood, you should try engineered wood products. These are sturdier and more consistent in the long run. They can be milled to a desired thickness.
There are other types of dimensional lumber available, including plywood and sheet goods. But these are more commonly found in construction and house improvement. In addition, some big box home improvement stores sell more expensive, select pine boards. Lastly, there are many different types of outside wood options, such as cedar and redwood.
