furring

Lumber Types

Description and uses: Rough wood of small dimensions. For furring drywall and paneling, interior and exterior trim, shimming, stakes, crates, light-duty frames, lattice work, and edging.

Nominal (actual) Sizes: 1x2 (3/4x1-1/2), 1x3 (3/4x2-1/2)

finish lumber

Description and uses: Smooth-finished lumber. For paneling, trim, shelving, light framing, structural finishing, forming, siding, decking, casing, valances, cabinets, built-ins, and furniture.

Nominal (actual) Sizes: 1x4 (3/4x3-1/2), 1x6 (3/4x5-1/2), 1x8 (3/4x7-1/4), 1x10 (3/4x9-1/4), 1x12 (3/4x11-1/4)

tongue-and-groove

Description and uses: Tongues and grooves fit into each other for a tight fit. For decorative interior wall treatments, exterior siding, flooring, and subflooring.

Nominal (actual) Sizes: 1x4, 1x6, 1x8 (Actual size vary from mill to mill.)

Shiplap

Description and uses: One edge fits on top of the other. For decorative wall treatments, siding, decking, exterior sheathing, subflooring, and roof sheathing.

Nominal (actual) Sizes: 1x4 (3/4x3-1/8), 1x6 (3/x5-1/8), 1x8 (3/4x6-7/8)

dimensional lumber

Description and Uses: Studs are usually 2x4, sometimes 2x6. "Planks" are 6 or more inches wide. For structural framing (wall studs, ceiling and floor joists, rafters, headers, top and bottom plates), structural finishing, forming, exterior decking and fencing, and stair components (stringers, steps).

Nominal (actual) Sizes: 2x2 (1-1/2x1-1/2), 2x3 (1-1/2x2-1/2), 2x4 (1-1/2x3-1/2), 2x6 (1-1/2x5-1/2), 2x8 (1-1/2x7-1/4), 2x10 (1-1/2x9-1/4), 2x12 (1-1/2x11-1/4), 4x4 (3-1/2x3-1/2), 4x6 (3-1/2x5-1/2), 6x6 (5-1/2x5-1/2)

glue-laminate

Description and uses: Layers of dimensional lumber laid flat on top of each other and laminated into one solid piece. Used for rafters, joists, and beams. Can be stained for exposed beams.

Nominal (actual) Sizes: 4x10 (3-1/2x9), 4x12 (3-1/2x12), 6x10 (5-1/2x9), 6x12 (5-1/2x12)

micro-laminate

Description and uses: Veneers glued together with crossing grains like plywood, only thicker. For rafters, joists and beams.

Nominal (actual) Sizes: 4x12 (3-1/2x11-3/8)