What is Dimensional Lumber?
You hear this term, dimensional lumber, a lot; but in my mind it’s over-used and almost redundant. Here’s why:
Dimensional lumber simply means any kind of lumber that comes in standardized sizes. So, rather than a knobby, gnarly, and oddly-sized log, we’re talking about the 50 or so 2×4’s that are sawn out of that tree. The tree: not dimensional. The two-by-fours: dimensional.
That’s the definition of dimensional lumber. Common sizes of dimensional lumber that a DIY homeowner will encounter at, say, the local lumberyard, Lowe’s, or Home Depot?
- 2×4
- 1×4
- 1×1
- 2×6
- 2×8
- 2×10
Now, as far as lengths go, you’ll have something like 8, 10, and 12 feet.
But it’s practically pointless to talk about dimensional lumber in the context of DIY remodelers. Nearly every stick of lumber you will handle is dimensional. There might be a few, rare exceptions if you’re doing some landscape work with some oddly-dimensioned piece of wood, but that’s about it.
Basically, it’s all dimensional lumber.
