Just read that a 2x4 hasn't been 2 inches by 4 inches since the 1960s

I was looking up lumber standards for a project and found this on a building supply website. It said the actual size is 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches now because of drying and planing. I always thought it was just a little off, not a whole half inch smaller. How many people are out there measuring and cutting based on the old size without knowing?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_charles10d ago

Yeah @iris_adams, that's the kind of hidden change that makes you wonder what else we're all just slightly wrong about.

iris_adams10d ago

I used to think it was just a little off too. Learning it's been that way for decades explains so many of my past project mistakes. That's a huge difference to not know about.