On all of my building tutorials, I list out the wood sizes that are needed for the DIY project under the materials needed. I’ve received some questions from readers about what those lumber sizes actually mean. And when I first started learning about woodworking I didn’t know what they meant either.
What does 1×8 mean? How wide is 1×2 lumber?
Logically, 1×2 would mean the wood is 1 inch x 2 inches right? However, the actual dimensions of the wood are 3/4 inch x 1 1/2 inch and the nominal size is 1×2. The difference has to do with the sawmill process and shrinkage of the wood.
I decided to put together the below handy chart of actual lumber sizes for any new DIYers who are just learning about woodworking and how to build and also as a quick reference for myself and anyone else that needs to figure out building measurements.
Keep in mind that this chart is for softwood dimensional lumber sizes (not hardwoods) which are very common and mainly what I use for my woodworking projects.
Click here for a free printable PDF version that you can easily print and hang up in your workshop, office, or other handy place! *If you have already subscribed, you can find this printable in the Free Printable Library.
Well I hope this chart will be useful and handy! I’m thinking about doing some more “Intro to Woodworking” posts in the future, let me know if you think it would be helpful! I know they are very basic and not the most fun posts, but definitely an important part of getting to the fun part of actually building and making things!
Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for sneak peaks and my latest projects!
Vikki
Monday 26th of July 2021
What type of nail gun do you use?
Angela Marie Made
Tuesday 27th of July 2021
It is a Ryobi 18gauge, here is an affiliate link with more details if you are interested: https://rstyle.me/+peVFgpvA2qGpmYqQwbLrWg
Lizabeth C
Saturday 27th of March 2021
Just found your resources and excited to play around and make some projects! Will bookmark! Thanks in advance for your help!
Angela Marie Made
Saturday 27th of March 2021
That is so nice to hear, thank you!
Harinder
Sunday 21st of February 2021
Hello Angela, I’m recently retired am just starting to explore woodworking. Your blog looks very promising. I have few pellets available and was wondering how I can utilize the wood from these pellets, do you have any suggestions? Also, what are the few tools I should invest in to make basic projects to start. What's good starting drill for female as well. Thank you!
Angela Marie Made
Thursday 25th of February 2021
I have some great resources on beginner tools here: https://angelamariemade.com/5-essential-woodworking-tools-for-beginners/. Pallet wood is a great resource to start with, I don't have any projects using pallet wood, unfortunately.
Jo
Monday 15th of June 2020
Thank you, so much for doing the charts and guides. My ex husband used to do the making and building, I helped, but only wuth the stuff he let me. I have always wanted to start making things and now with your help I can and will be able to. That outdoor couch is on the top of my list. I haven't looked through your entire blog yet, but di you sew, crochet or knit as well, I just got a new to me sewing machine, and I if I can brave it I may buy fabrics and make my own cushions, but only if I don't sew my fingers lol. Thanks again for the time and effort you put into your blog. 🤪
S.
Wednesday 9th of September 2020
@Jo,
Omg I am right there with you. I was raised with some major “learned helplessness” issues and as an adult relied on my ex-husband to do all of the home improvements that were needed. However, a lot of them have been left half finished or less, and I am now finding myself having to try and learn a lot to try and finish them. Totally lost with power tools, lumber sizing, even just going and getting paint at the store was daunting!
Angela Marie Made
Friday 19th of June 2020
I'm so happy to hear that and that this has been helpful!! :) I don't sew or knit but I really want to learn! That would be awesome if you could make your own cushions!!
Greg
Thursday 9th of January 2020
Angela I have a Kreg jig. Do you ever try to join timber that is not exactly 3/4”,1/2” or 1”. I use recycled timbers, soft and hard, and after planing cutting the thickness can be well off these measurements. I can’t find any info on what to do with non-standard sixes timber
Towanda
Thursday 7th of May 2020
Hi just wanted to ask if I’m building for outside use, do you recommend using pressure treated wood?
Angela Marie Made
Friday 10th of January 2020
Yes I have, but it was usually only around 1/4" off or so...what I would do is adjust the kreg jig settings to be in between the measurement marks on the kreg jig and then I'd test it out on scrap wood (that was the same thickness as my project) to see if it was the correct depth. Does that make sense?