FAO Americans (or Jenks?) [aka the Adam's-Big-Deck Thread]

[picklemonkey]

why are Imperial lumber sizes not what they say? example, a 2x4 isn't 2"x4". etc.

[asdf_admin]

Re: FAO Americans (or Jenks?)

because that is how the wood is cut.

[MusicJatt]

Re: FAO Americans (or Jenks?)

i believe two is usually 1.5

[Jenks]

Re: FAO Americans (or Jenks?)

a 2" x 4" is 1.5" x 3.5".

In the US, lumber is measured before planing. Back in the day, lumber wasn't sent to the mill and planed. If you cut a 2x4 ...it was a 2x4. Since today we actually like lumber that's closer to perfect and straight, we plane it. For whatever reason, i assume for the old timers, we just call it what it originally was. It's just kinda one of those "this is the way it's always been done" things. Blame your grandpa.

[picklemonkey]

Re: FAO Americans (or Jenks?)

thanks

I'm thinking about building 12 stairs onto my back deck into my back yard, and have been sketching some stuff up in a 3d modeler program. realized that 2x4s were 1.5x3.5s and suddenly realized I had to start over

[Global Eyes]

Re: FAO Americans (or Jenks?)

Carry's right through all lumber measurements. It's originally cut as a 2X4 off the log, then dried and ripped down for straightness. So your paying for that process, so it's in your face to let you know, pretty much.

[jeffrey collins]

Re: FAO Americans (or Jenks?)

i don't believe that at all. I know it's nothing but greed, and that is the reason our lumber is smaller than said.

[jarble187]

Re: FAO Americans (or Jenks?)

thanks

I'm thinking about building 12 stairs onto my back deck into my back yard, and have been sketching some stuff up in a 3d modeler program. realized that 2x4s were 1.5x3.5s and suddenly realized I had to start over

You should hire an architect...geez.

Jenks is on the right track-
Yep, deminsional lumber (finished) vs. nominal lumber (rough).

It has nothing to do with greed. Taken from Wiki (come on Pickle)-

The nominal size of a board varies from the actual size of the board. This is due to planing and shrinkage as the board is dried. This results in the final lumber being slightly smaller than the nominal size. Also, if the wood is surfaced when it is green, the initial dimensions are slightly larger (e.g. 1/16″ bigger for up to 4″ nominal lumber, ⅛″ for 5″ and 6″ nominal lumber, ?″ bigger for larger sizes). As the wood dries, it shrinks and reaches the specified actual dimensions.

The timber industry states that finishing and drying the lumber results in the nominal size differing from the actual size, however, you will find that many houses built more than roughly 50 years ago usually have timber where the actual size and nominal size are the same. This has allowed new construction to become less expensive without having to modify municipal, state, and national building codes.

Good luck with that modeling program you do it yourselfer- Let me know if you need any help.

[Jenks]

Re: FAO Americans (or Jenks?)

You should hire an architect...geez.

you don't need an architect to build a deck. lol.

[Miguel]

Re: FAO Americans (or Jenks?)

is the same with marble tiles .. they're not 24x24 .. they're usually half an inch shorter

[jarble187]

Re: FAO Americans (or Jenks?)

you don't need an architect to build a deck. lol.

I am an architect, just giving him some grief

An no, you dont need to hire an architect to build a deck, but it might be a good idea if you plan on DIY and you dont even know the difference between nominal and dimensional lumber. Background and experience is a good thing to have when it comes to construction.

[picklemonkey]

Re: FAO Americans (or Jenks?)

good thing I know the difference

[jarble187]

Re: FAO Americans (or Jenks?)

^^^^^consider yourself educated!

[picklemonkey]

Re: FAO Americans (or Jenks?)

now I just need to learn to use a hammer and i'll be ready to start building

[KinKyJ]

Re: FAO Americans (or Jenks?)

^^^ http://www.ehow.com/how_12133_hammer-safely.html