What is the difference between dimensional lumber and framing lumber?

Structural lumber can be broken down into seven categories: Light framing lumber is 2-inches to 4-inches thick and 4-inches wide. Structural light framing is 2-inches to 4-inches thick and 2-inches to 4-inches wide. Dimensional lumber and studs are 2-inches to 4-inches thick and 2-inches to 4-inches wide.

What is meant by dimensional lumber?





Dimensional lumber is wood fiber that is cut to a specific size (thickness/width/length) based on pre-defined, standardized sizes. Common examples of dimensional lumber sizes include two-by-fours (2x4s) and four-by-fours (4x4s).

What’s the difference between pressure treated wood and regular wood?

Pressure-treated lumber is no stronger than regular wood, but it is also not any weaker. The difference between regular and pressure-treated lumber is that the treated wood has greater resistance to the elements and to pests. It, therefore, maintains its integrity not from being stronger, but from being rot resistant.

What’s the difference between furring strip and common board?

What is this? Furring strips are usually even less expensive than common boards. However, they are mainly used for construction, so they aren’t meant to be seen. This often results in the pieces of lumber often looking rough with imperfections, warps, or knots.

What’s the difference between nominal and dimensional lumber?

Nominal and actual dimensions differ. The nominal dimension is the name of the lumber: 2×4 or two-by-four, for example. The actual dimension is the size: 1 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches, for example. Older homes may have lumber with nominal and actual dimensions that match: 2x4s that are actually 2 inches by 4 inches.

What are the 4 common species for dimension lumber?





Dimension lumber is aggregated into the following four grade categories: Structural light framing, Structural joists and planks, Light framing, and Stud.

Why are the actual dimensions of lumber different from the nominal dimensions explained?

The “nominal” cross-section dimensions of a piece of lumber, such as 2 X 4 or 1 X 6, are always somewhat larger than the actual, or dressed, dimensions. The reason is that dressed lumber has been surfaced or planed smooth on four sides (called S4S). The nominal measurement is made before the lumber is surfaced.

Why is dimensional lumber smaller?

During WWII, the war effort demanded large shipments of dimensional lumber that was green and cut into specific sizes. That means that a 2×4 piece of lumber was cut at the sawmill from a green log, and measured 2” by 4” at the time of cutting. However, as wood dries out and cures, it shrinks.

How do you read lumber dimensions?

The first number (2) refers to the thickness of the board in inches. The second number (4) refers to the width of the board in inches. The third number (8) refers to the length of the board in feet.

Is poplar better than pine?



Despite being a soft tropical hardwood, poplar is still a stronger wood compared to pine. It has a Janka hardness value of 540 pound-force (lbf), while white pine wood has a 420 lbf Janka value—translating to relative strength. However, pine wood exists in various types. Some are stronger than poplar wood.

What are 1×2 lumber used for?

As with dimension lumber, the stated sizes of these boards are larger than the actual sizes, for instance a 1×2 is actually 3/4 inches thick and 1½ inches wide. Common uses for these boards include: builtins like bookcases as well as door and window casings, baseboards, exterior siding, cabinet doors, and furniture.

How do I choose lumber for framing?

To Choose the Best Lumber for Framing, Consider Treated or Manufactured Wood. Redwood or cedar hold up to the elements, but a less expensive option might be to go with pressure-treated wood that is resistant to water, insects, and rot. This is easier to maintain, too, and can extend the longevity of your structure.

What is the difference between nominal and actual dimensions?



The nominal measurements are a board’s size before it has been planed smooth (surfaced) on all 4 sides. The actual measurements are the final size.

What is the nominal dimension?

nominal dimension (nominal size)
The sizes used to describe the approximate characteristics of the product rather than the exact dimensions.

What is meant by nominal size?

Nominal size is the size you see printed on the side of your air filter. It stems from the actual size, which is rounded up to the nearest whole inch.

What is the difference between real and nominal?

Definition: The nominal value of a good is its value in terms of money. The real value is its value in terms of some other good, service, or bundle of goods.

Does nominal mean small?



Key Takeaways
Nominal is a financial term that has several different contexts. It can mean small or far below the real value or cost such as a nominal fee. Nominal also refers to an unadjusted rate in value such as interest rates or GDP.

What is the difference between nominal and inside diameter?

When it comes to measurement of pipe, it is measure by the inside diameter, often called the nominal diameter. Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) is a North American set of standard sizes for pipe. The term nominal refers to pipe in non-specific terms and identifies the inside diameter with a non-dimensional number.

What is the difference between nominal bore and nominal pipe size?

The terms Nominal Bore (NB) and Nominal Diameter (DN) are also frequently used interchangeably with Nominal Pipe Size (NPS). Nominal Bore (NB) is European Designation equivalent to NPS. For NPS 5 and larger, the Nominal Diameter (DN) is equal to the NPS multiplied by 25.

Whats the difference between pipe and tube?

A PIPE is a round tubular to distribute fluids and gases, designated by a nominal pipe size (NPS or DN) that represents a rough indication of the pipe conveyance capacity; a TUBE is a round, rectangular, squared or oval hollow section measured by outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness (WT), expressed in inches or