Wood planks, often referred to as dimensional lumber, come in various standard sizes. These sizes are commonly described by nominal dimensions, which are different from their actual finished sizes. The actual dimensions are smaller than the nominal size due to the milling and drying process.
The sizes available can vary, but standard examples highlight this difference between nominal and actual measurements, as shown in the reference from Advantage Lumber.
Understanding Wood Plank Sizes
The primary concept to understand is that the rough-sawn size is the nominal size, and the final planed size after drying is the actual size. The reference illustrates this difference with specific examples.
Here are some examples of common nominal wood plank sizes and their corresponding actual imperial and metric dimensions:
| Nominal Size | Actual Size (Imperial) | Actual Size (Metric) |
|---|---|---|
| 2x12 | 1.50″ x 11.25″ | 38mm x 286mm |
| 3x4 | 2.50″ x 3.50″ | 64mm x 90mm |
| 3x6 | 2.50″ x 5.50″ | 64mm x 140mm |
| 3x8 | 2.50″ x 7.25″ | 64mm x 184mm |
As you can see from the table, a plank referred to nominally as "2x12" actually measures 1.5 inches by 11.25 inches. Similarly, a "3x4" plank is actually 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches. This pattern applies to other standard dimensional lumber sizes as well. Therefore, when selecting wood planks for a project, it is crucial to be aware of the actual dimensions rather than just the nominal ones.
