Which term describes a lumber size designation that does not reflect the true finished dimensions?

Which term describes a lumber size designation that does not reflect the true finished dimensions?

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

Answer: (C)

Nominal describes the size designation that doesn’t match the true finished dimensions. Lumber is often labeled with rough, traditional names (like a “2 by 4”), but after drying and planing the actual size is smaller (about 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches). So the label is a conventional name, not the precise measurement. The other terms refer to the real size or are too general to capture this naming convention: actual means the true finished size, net describes usable material after cuts or deductions, and dimensional is a general descriptor rather than the specific naming mismatch.

Nominal describes the size designation that doesn’t match the true finished dimensions. Lumber is often labeled with rough, traditional names (like a “2 by 4”), but after drying and planing the actual size is smaller (about 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches). So the label is a conventional name, not the precise measurement. The other terms refer to the real size or are too general to capture this naming convention: actual means the true finished size, net describes usable material after cuts or deductions, and dimensional is a general descriptor rather than the specific naming mismatch.