There are many ways you can utilize this piece of wood. Now that you know the dimensions of a 2×4, you can proceed to make use of it in different ways. You will also find this at any store near you and you can use it for both your indoor and outdoor projects. This is because it is resistant to decay. This is a more affordable option and is extremely durable. However, their availability may be restricted so do check if they are available before you decide to invest in a project. This makes them the best material for outdoor areas such as decks, railings, and much more. They have a deep red color and they are resistant to harsh weather conditions and insects. These are perhaps the most expensive 2x4s. So, it is important to understand all the different types within a category before choosing the best 2×4 stud for your project. It is strong and durable, and its appearance is remarkable. One of the most widely popular softwoods used as a 2×4 stud is the Douglas fir. Here are the different varieties of wood that a 2×4 can be made of:Įven under this, there are many varieties you can choose from.įor example, a Southern pine will be more expensive and harder than your other pine varieties. Most people choose these because they love the outdoor look and appeal it adds to the area. Variety Of 2×4 StudsĪ 2×4 stud can be made of any type of wood. It all depends on the material and how it has been manufactured in the lumbering process.
#ACTUAL 2 INCHES HOW TO#
This can be done through a jointer however, you should involve a professional in this and leave it up to them as they know best how to do it.Įven if you ask yourself what is the actual size of a 2×4 stud, there is no right answer. If you want to purchase a 2×4 stud in hardwood then you will have to buy a piece of board and then bring it down to its actual size yourself. This means that a 5/4 board will be 1.25 inches thick. It is important to remember these measurements before you on buying a 2×4 stud of hardwood.Īpart from that, hardwood can also be sold in quarters.Īccording to this measurement, every quarter is ¼ inches thick. In simpler terms, this means it will be 12 inches wide and only 1 inch thick. This is because hardwood is sold by the board foot (this is a unit of volume).Īccording to this unit 1 board foot = 144 cubic inches of wood. So, a 2×4 stud here will not be the same as a 2×4 stud you get in softwood. This is because the measurement standards used in this type of production are different and they depend on S1S (where the stock is surfaced on one side) and S2S (where the stock is surfaced on two sides). However, their sizing can be even more confusing.
These lumber pieces are used to make furniture for residential and commercial properties. This is why you will see a change in the dimensions of the lumber. So, you will never see a 2×4 stud that dimensions are actually a 2″x4″ and this is because of the way it is manufactured.ĭuring this process, they are shrunk across the grain instead of with the grain. This is why the thickness and width are now 1.5 and 3.5 respectively. However, the studs used to go through other processes such as drying and so they would get smaller in size. Now, the nominal measurement of the dimension lumber will be bigger than the actual measurements.Īt first, a 2×4 stud used to be exactly as the measurement stated. The difference between nominal and actual dimensions all comes down to the practices that are being used in the lumber industry for centuries.ĭimension Lumber is the name given to softwood e.g. This is why you must understand the nominal and actual dimensions of lumber to know what you are purchasing. This is because everyone makes it in different dimensions and so no two sizes may always be the same. When shopping for lumber pieces, it can be confusing to find the right size. However, when the cut is rough the measurements will be 4 inches wide and 2 inches thick. The dimensions of a smooth 2×4 stud are 1.5 inches thick, 3.5 inches wide, and 92 5/8″ long.