Lumber Grades & Selection

1-Inch Plywood: What You're Actually Buying

There's No Standard 1-Inch Sheet. Here's How to Pick the Right One

There's no standard 1-inch plywood. Here's what you'll actually find at the store, which grades and cores to choose, and where to source quality sheets.

1x4 Lumber: Actual Dimensions, Grades, and Uses

A 1x4 board measures 3/4" × 3-1/2", not 1"×4". Actual dimensions table, lumber grades, wood species, common uses, and when to size up to 5/4 or 2x4.

1x6 Lumber Dimensions: Actual Size 3/4" × 5-1/2"

Nominal vs. Actual, S4S Decoded, and When 5/4x6 Is What You Actually Want

1x6 lumber actual size: 3/4" × 5-1/2" after milling. Full nominal vs actual table, conversion tips, when to use 5/4x6 instead.

1x6 Lumber Actual Size: 3/4" × 5-1/2" Picks

Why Nominal Differs from Actual, Plus Species and Grade Picks for the Right Board

1x6 lumber measures 3/4" × 5-1/2", not 1×6. Which species and grades work for shelving, furniture, and trim — and when to step up to 5/4x6.

2x3 Pressure Treated Lumber: Actual Size and Fastener Guide

A 2x3 PT board is actually 1-1/2" × 2-1/2". What treatment chemical you're getting, what to build with it, and which fasteners won't corrode.

2x4 Calculator: How Many Boards Do You Need?

Formulas for Wall Framing, Decking, and Shelving

Wall studs, deck boards, and shelving — three formulas with worked examples and waste factors so you leave the lumberyard with what you actually need.

2x4 Woodworking: Projects, Dimensions & Building Guide

Eight projects worth building, from sawhorses to platform beds

2x4 construction lumber is the best starting material in woodworking. Learn actual dimensions, how to pick good boards, and 8 projects worth building.

How Far Can a 2x6 Span?

Floor Joists, Deck Joists, Shelves, and What the Numbers Mean

2x6 span chart: DF-L #2 spans 9'-9" at 16" OC. Full tables by species and grade, deck joists, shelf sag guidance, and safety margins.

2x8 Treated Lumber: Spans and Fasteners

Specs, Structural Capacity & Best Applications

2x8 pressure-treated lumber: actual dimensions, ACQ treatment types, span tables, fastener requirements, and when to step up to 2x10.

4x4x8 Lumber Actual Size: 3½ × 3½ × 8' Posts

Specs, Treatment Levels, and When to Use One

A 4x4x8 is 3½ × 3½ × 8' actual — the standard post for decks, fences, and pergolas at $12–25 each. Which treatment level to buy and when to size up.

How to Buy Lumber by the Board Foot

How to Calculate Board Feet for Any Lumber Purchase

Calculate board feet with the simple formula, look up common lumber sizes, and estimate lumber costs for your next project.

How to Calculate Board Feet

The Formula, Conversions, and Mental Math for Buying Lumber

The board foot formula, conversions between board feet and square feet, project cost estimates, and the mistakes that waste money at the lumberyard.

How to Tell If Wood Is Pressure Treated

Stamp, color, incisions, test kit: in that order

Check the end tag first. No tag? Look for a green tint, incision marks, and chemical smell. For high stakes, use a copper test kit.

Why a 2x4 Isn't Actually 2x4

Why a 2x4 Isn't 2 Inches by 4 Inches

Nominal vs actual lumber dimensions for every common board size, plus the hardwood quarter system, plywood thickness, and how to avoid project mistakes.

How to Stain Pressure Treated Wood

Wait, test, prep, apply — in that order

Staining pressure treated wood works when you wait for moisture below 15%, clean off mill glaze, and use a penetrating stain. Complete technique guide.