2006-06-29 07:51:36 · 13 answers · asked by midi_junkie 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Do you really want to go to the harware store and go 'i need a 1 3/4 by 3 1/2'? its so much easier to call it a 2 by 4.
2006-07-03 07:04:53 · answer #1 · answered by cookie_monster 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Because the wood is 2 x 4 when it is rough cut. They then go back generally and cut off the rough edges and that reduces the board to the actual size of 1 3/4 x 3 1/2.
2006-06-29 07:55:43 · answer #2 · answered by elchaffinch 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
back when we had lumber mills ther where 2 x 4 no a days with the shortages in timber the 2x 4 is really 1 3/4 x 3 1/2 but no one has changed what we call them
2006-06-29 07:56:11 · answer #3 · answered by Cherie M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The true measurement of a 2x4 is actually about 1.5x3.5. When the board is first rough sawn from the log, it is a true 2x4, but the drying process and planing of the board reduce it to the finished 1.5x3.5 size. The lumber is then sold as a "2x4" because the cost of the drying and machining are figured in ... it is also much easier to refer to a board as a "2x4", rather than a "1.5x3.5".
2006-06-29 08:00:13 · answer #4 · answered by Gray Matter 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its a "standard".
It used to be a "true" 2X4 many many moons ago, but, because of this and that, (mainly finding ways to skim the public), they have reduced the width and lenght of a 2X4.
Its the same thing with a "pound" of coffee! Instead of 16 ounces, its only either 14 or 12, (not really sure anymore), but, its still referred to as a "pound" because it was the "norm" for the coffee to be sold that way and its still referred to that.
I wish you well..
Jesse
2006-06-29 08:26:44 · answer #5 · answered by x 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The initial rough cut is 2 x 4. It is milled down to give a more finished surface.
2006-06-29 07:55:26 · answer #6 · answered by davidmi711 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because 2x4 is called a NOMINAL SIZE/DIMENSION
When the lumber is rough cut, that is what is is cut at... then depending on how its finished is what it's actually size turns out to be wheather its S4S or S2S etc.
Mena
Architectural Building Technologist
2006-06-29 07:59:08 · answer #7 · answered by Amanda 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is sawn at the mill at 2"x4", but with blade kerf losses, planing, and shrinkage, it ends up at 1 1/2" x 3 1/2".
2006-06-29 07:56:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Huh? Maybe try another hardware store, or demand the extra 1/2 inch...
LOL
2006-06-29 07:55:17 · answer #9 · answered by Chow_M_Noodles 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they used to be 2 by 4 inches... but they started to make them smaller... but the name still stayed the same... you can still find real 2 by 4s in older houses
2006-06-29 07:55:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋