The actual size of a piece of 2×6 lumber is smaller than its nominal size due to the planing process that occurs during milling.
- Nominal size: 2 inches by 6 inches
- Actual size: 1.5 inches by 5.5 inches
Explanation:
- The nominal size refers to the size of the lumber when it is first cut, before it is planed and smoothed. This is the size that is commonly used to describe the lumber, but it’s not the actual, finished size.
- During the milling process, lumber is smoothed and planed to remove rough edges, which reduces the dimensions slightly.
So, a 2×6 piece of lumber is actually 1.5 inches thick and 5.5 inches wide after being processed.