The exact width of a 2x8 piece of lumber is 7-1/4 inches.
When discussing lumber dimensions, it's important to understand that the common name, like "2x8," refers to its nominal size before drying and finishing. The actual size of the lumber after milling is smaller.
According to the provided reference on Common Lumber Dimensions from Sanford & Hawley, the relationship between nominal and actual sizes is as follows:
Common Lumber Dimensions
| Nominal Size | Actual Size |
|---|---|
| 2x6 | 1-1/2" x 5-1/2" |
| 2x8 | 1-1/2" x 7-1/4" |
| 2x10 | 1-1/2" x 9-1/4" |
| 2x12 | 1-1/2" x 11-1/4" |
As shown in the table, the actual dimensions of a 2x8 are 1-1/2 inches in thickness and 7-1/4 inches in width. Therefore, when planning projects, you should always use the actual dimensions for accurate measurements.
