The difference between “nominal” and “actual” dimensions for items like 2x4 dimensions The post Nominal vs. Actual Lumber Dimensions appeared first on Family Handyman.

But an unscientific survey of 18 Menards shoppers found that about a third were unaware that "four-by-four" doesn’t represent actual dimensions of that piece of lumber.

True enough, said Yevgeniy ... survey of 18 Menards shoppers found that about a third were unaware that “4x4” doesn’t represent actual dimensions of that piece of lumber.

Home Depot argues that if you want a dressed piece of lumber that is actually 4″ x 4″, that lumber’s nominal dimension would actually be 4.5″ x 4.5″ but “No such size or product exists.” ...

For example, the dimensions of softwood lumber are impacted by moisture content changes, density, species, and grain orientation. Measurements made at easy-to-reach ends of boards can be misleading.

The mass plywood panel being used in construction at OSU's Advanced Wood Products Laboratory. Typical panel dimensions were 3 inch thick by 12 feet wide by 42 feet long. (Lauren Rennan/Courtesy ...