WOOD & MATERIALS
Lumber Grades & Selection
Guides about lumber grades & selection.
13 guides
1-Inch Plywood
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: Actual Size, Species, and Grades
A 1x6 board is 3/4" × 5-1/2", not 1"×6". Species comparison, grades explained, defect inspection, and how to choose the right 1x6 for your project.
2x3 Pressure Treated Lumber: Size, Uses, and Where to Buy
A 2x3 PT board is 1-1/2" × 2-1/2". Learn what it's treated with, where to find it, what you can build, and which fasteners won't corrode.
2x4 Calculator: How Many Boards Do You Need?
Calculate exactly how many 2x4s you need for any project. Covers wall studs, deck boards, and shelving with step-by-step worked examples and waste factor guidance.
2x4 Woodworking: Projects, Dimensions & Building Guide
2x4 construction lumber is the best starting material in woodworking. Learn actual dimensions, how to pick good boards, and 8 projects worth building.
2x6 Span Chart
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
2x8 pressure-treated lumber: actual dimensions, ACQ treatment types, span tables, fastener requirements, and when to step up to 2x10.
4x4x8 Lumber
A 4x4x8 is 3½ × 3½ × 8' actual. Here's which treatment level to buy, what load it handles as a post, and when to size up.
How to Calculate Board Feet
Learn the board foot formula, convert between board feet and square feet, estimate project costs, and avoid the mistakes that waste money at the lumberyard.
How to Tell If Wood Is Pressure Treated
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.
Nominal Wood Sizes
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
Staining pressure treated wood works when you wait for moisture below 15%, clean off mill glaze, and use a penetrating stain. Complete technique guide.