Hey everyone, I recently purchased five 2x12x8 planks to create a table that's 60 inches wide, but I just realized the planks are only 11.25 inches wide. Is this something that's common in lumber?
3 Answers
Absolutely! It's pretty standard for lumber. The size you see, like 2x12, is what's called nominal size, while the actual size is often different. So a 2x12 is usually about 1.5 inches thick and 11.25 inches wide. You can end up with a plank that's a bit thinner and narrower than you expect, but the length should be correct. It's good to research how lumber can twist or contract as it dries too, especially with construction-grade pine.
Exactly! It's a common misunderstanding in woodworking. Just embrace the dimensions you have and plan accordingly for your table's aesthetics!
Yeah, totally normal. Don't let it throw you off! Just remember, planks will always be a little less than what the label says. Just be sure to account for that in your table design.
Right! And the thickness factor can really affect your final project. Just make sure to do some good measuring before you start cutting.