2×6 lumber dimensions 2×6 lumber Nominal size in inches Actual size in inches 2 1 ½ 6 5 ½ 2×6 Lumber Nominal size in mm Actual size in mm 50.8 38 152.4 76.2 mm Why is the actual size of a 2×6 lumber smaller than its nominal size? The length of a nominally lengthened board of 12 feet will actually be 12 feet. There is no difference in the length of a 2×6 board whether it is nominal or actual.Ī 2×6 will have an actual length of 6 feet if its nominal length is 6 feet. Since 2×6 lumber at hardware stores is usually a little smaller than advertised, measure it carefully to ensure that you get the right 2×6 lumber for your project. Even though the lumber’s dimensions have decreased, they still refer to them as their original measurements. The actual size of a board is determined after it has been measured after planning. The hardware store sells lumber in two sizes: Nominal size refers to the dimensions of the lumber before it’s smoothed for all sides. And the measurement of the lumber is taken when it was freshly cut. The reason for this is that hardware stores sell lumber that has been planned. The actual size of 2×6 lumber is 1 ½ x 5 ½ (38 x 140 mm), smaller than what is being advertised in hardware stores.
