Sized lumber, also known as dimensional lumber, is standardized in width and height but can vary in length. Standardized measurements vary by country, and the numbers used to refer to the sizes are slightly larger than the actual sizes. Softwoods and hardwoods are available, and chemically treated versions can resist insects and rot. Wet lumber can warp and compromise a project. Large sizes are called lumber, and smaller sizes are called planks. Product cost is usually based on length, with discounts for large volume purchasers and those who do not require custom measurements.
Sized lumber is lumber that has been cut and planed to a standardized width and height. Length can vary, with size lumber generally available in a number of lengths for different tasks. This wood product is also known as dimensional lumber. Standardized measurements vary depending on the country where the lumber will be sold, but mills are required by law to use the same standards and measurements so consumers know exactly what they are buying when they harvest lumber at the lumber yard. In the United States, for example, some common size lumber sizes include 2 inches by 4 inches (5.08 cm by 10.16 cm) and 2 by 6 (5.08 cm by 15.24 cm), also known as 2×4 and 2×6.
While the standard nomenclature used to refer to dimensional lumber might be perceived as a measure of its actual size, this is actually not the case. The numbers refer to the wood when it is still “rough”, before it has shrunk due to the drying and planing process. The actual standardized sizes are, therefore, slightly smaller than the numbers used to refer to the sizes.
Both hardwoods and softwoods are available as size lumber. Softwoods tend to be less expensive, as a general rule. It is also possible to purchase engineered wood products in standard lumber sizes. Depending on the type of wood, chemically treated versions are available to help the wood resist insects and rot along with untreated size lumber.
Sawmills tend to dry wood to a standardized moisture level, which may be lower or higher than someone wants for a project. If the humidity level is too high, the wood must be allowed to dry further before it can be used. Using wet size lumber in a project means that the lumber will warp and butt as it dries, potentially compromising the project. For example, the shot of a house might bend, throwing the shot plumb.
In some regions of the world, the very large sizes of lumber are known as lumber, while the smaller sizes are known as planks. This allows lumber yards and construction workers to divide the materials they work with into rough categories that help with organizing and sorting. Product cost is usually based on length, with discounts available for large volume purchasers of lumber and for those who do not require custom measurements.
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