Q - I am a rookie around the house and am trying to do a project that calls for the use of four 2x4's and one 2x6 pieces of lumber. I looked at some 2x4s at a big box store, but they measure smaller than 2" by 4".

Am I looking at the right lumber? What's up with that?

Sally in Vinings

A - I guess you haven't got to the part where the 2 x 6 is only 1.50 x 5.5 yet.

Yes, those are the correct pieces of wood to purchase. Wood is sold in nominal sizes such as 2 x 4 and 2 x 6.

2 x 4’s are not, however, actually 2 inches by 4 inches. When the board is first cut the dimensions are 2” x 4” but after drying and plaining the measurements shrink to 1.5” x 3.5”.

In fact, this is true with all 1 bys and 2 bys and 3 bys and 4 bys and such. You will figure it out quickly, for example all 1 bys are .25 inches smaller, 2-3-4 bys are .5 inches smaller, and so on and so forth.

Kind of makes you appreciate those folks who walk around in your attic on the 1.5” wide beams.

So, good luck on your project and welcome to the lingo of the home builder. It won’t be long before you realize that an 8 penny nail doesn’t sell for 8 cents.