The standard size designation used for surfaced lumber that does not reflect its actual finished dimensions is called what?

The standard size designation used for surfaced lumber that does not reflect its actual finished dimensions is called what?

• A. Actual
• B. Net
• C. Nominal
• D. Dimensional

Answer: (C)

Nominal. In carpentry, lumber is labeled by nominal sizes, which are old marketing designations that don’t match the finished, planed dimensions. Surfaces are shaved to smooth them, so the actual thickness and width shrink from the rough-cut size. For example, a board labeled as a two-by-four is actually about 1.5 inches thick by 3.5 inches wide after planing. The nominal label stays for reference and communication, but when you’re cutting or fitting pieces, you use the actual dimensions.

Nominal. In carpentry, lumber is labeled by nominal sizes, which are old marketing designations that don’t match the finished, planed dimensions. Surfaces are shaved to smooth them, so the actual thickness and width shrink from the rough-cut size. For example, a board labeled as a two-by-four is actually about 1.5 inches thick by 3.5 inches wide after planing. The nominal label stays for reference and communication, but when you’re cutting or fitting pieces, you use the actual dimensions.