Using lumber sizes to choose the right wood

Lumber sizes are important when you are choosing the size of boards that you need for your project. There will be many times, however, when lower grades of wood are much more economical than higher grades of wood. Lumber sizes that you need for your project will be determined by the lumber grade that you are going to be using.

Standard sizes

Standard lumber sizes are clearly marked and outlined. Firsts and Seconds, the most expensive grades of wood, are generally 6” and wider, and 8’ and longer. The Select grade of wood is generally lumber sizes that include 4” and wider, and 6’ and longer. No.1 Common has a lumber size of 3” and wider, and 4’ and longer. No. 2A and 2B Common come in lumber sizes of 3” and wider, and 4’ and longer. Sound Wormy grade comes is lumber sizes that are the same as No. 1 common but they have more wormholes and limited sound knots. No. 3A Common has lumber sizes of 3” and wider, and 4’ and longer. No. 3B Common has lumber sizes of 3” and wider, and 4’ and longer. Check with the lumberyard that you are buying your lumber from for the lumber sizes that you need for your project.

Dimensional lumber size

Dimensional lumber sizes in wood types that are produced in North America are listed as surfaced dry sizes. This means that there is 19 percent moisture or less in the piece of wood. Lumber sizes will sometimes determine the availability of lumber depending on what country the raw material originated in. In Western Canada the most common lengths available are lumber sizes up to 6.1 m (20’). In Eastern Canada dimensional lumber sizes are up to 4.9m (16’). You will be able to get longer lengths of wood if you place a special order. You can also get longer lumber sizes if they are in the form of finger-joined lumber.

Lumber size will help you determine what type of lumber that you need for your project, as well let you know how much lumber you will have to buy. To ensure the success of the final product of your project make sure that you pay attention to the right lumber sizes.