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If we measure a 2×4×8 we’ll see that it actually measures 1-½ inches × 3-½ inches × 8 feet. The thickness and width of a board are measured in inches and the length is measured in feetīut there’s more. So that’s the first confusing thing about understanding wood sizes. The third number (8) refers to the length of the board in feet. The second number (4) refers to the width of the board in inches. The first number (2) refers to the thickness of the board in inches.
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Let’s look a little closer at a 2×4×8 and breakdown what each number means. We’ll often see woodworking plans calling for a board like a 2x4x8 (spoken as a two by four by eight or just two by four). Why Are Lumber Nominal and Actual Sizes Different?.
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