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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumber#Dimensional_lumber https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumber#Dimensional_lumber "Dimensional lumber is available in green, unfi

• kennywinker 4y ago
  > For example, a "2×4" board historically started out as a green, rough board actually 2 by 4 inches (51 mm × 102 mm). After drying and planing, it would be smaller by a nonstandard amount. Today, a "2×4" board starts out as something smaller than 2 inches by 4 inches and not specified by standards, and after drying and planing is minimally 1+1⁄2 by 3+1⁄2 inches (38 mm × 89 mm).[8] Your quote just means when you're buying green wood and it says it's 2"x4" it will be exactly 2"x4". It doesn't mean a 2x4 started out as a 2"x4" green board.
  • thedougd 4y ago
    > Historically, the nominal dimensions were the size of the green (not dried), rough (unfinished) boards that eventually became smaller finished lumber through drying and planing (to smooth the wood). Today, the standards specify the final finished dimensions and the mill cuts the logs to whatever size it needs to achieve those final dimensions. I was originally pointing out that the naming is simply a standard and convention, 'dimensional lumber'. All that matters is that if I buy a '2 by' almost anywhere in the United States, it will be close to the same size and characteristics.