What nominal lumber size means
Nominal size is the name of a board, such as a two by four, which is larger than its actual dressed size after drying and planing.
Also called nominal size, actual size.
Where it matters on a carpentry job
Takeoffs and spans use the actual size, so wall thickness and shelf spans come out right only if you work from it. Board foot pricing, though, uses the nominal size.
Work it out
- Free calculator: Board foot calculator
- Tools, templates and guides: Free carpentry resources