The lumber industry defines standard wood post sizes as 4×4 or 6×6. The outside dimensions of the standard 4×4 measure 3-1/2″ x 3-1/2″, and the outside dimensions of the standard 6×6 measure 5-1/2″ x 5-1/2″.
What does 6×6 nominal mean?
When you see the word ‘Nominal’ next to lumber sizes, it means that the actual dimensions of the wood are smaller than what the sales name implies.
How much weight can a vertical 6×6 post hold?
The load capacity of a 3-foot #2 grade 4×4 is 17,426 pounds, and a similar 6×6 is 20,834 pounds or 16% better. However, an 8-foot 4×4 supports 6468-pounds and 2339-pounds at 14-feet, while a 6×6 is 18032 and 10550-pounds respectively – or 64% and 78% more load capacity.
Are 6×6 posts actually 6×6?
The common size 6×6 and the actual size 5.5 x 5.5 are not true. These posts are true to size at 6×6.
How are fence posts measured?
From an outside corner, measure 3 feet along one line, and make a mark on the string. Measure 4 feet along the other line, and make a mark on the string. Measure the diagonal distance between the two marks and adjust the stakes as needed so the distance is 5 feet. Repeat the squaring process at all fence corners.
What are the actual dimensions of a 1×6?
A 1×6, for example, actually measures 3/4″ x 5 1/2″. In this case, the planing is necessary for a smoother surface, so that the board could be used for interior applications. The length of the boards is generally exactly what you order, though we usually only stock pieces of even lengths.
Why are the actual dimensions of lumber different from the nominal dimensions?
Actual measurements are the actual final size of the lumber after it has been dried and planed. Boards will shrink width-wise versus length-wise because of the direction of the grain. This is because wood is anistrophic, meaning that the wood’s properties will change depending on the grain direction.
How far apart can 6×6 posts be?
Post Anchors are made to support a maximum raililng height of 42 inches. The maximum spacing of 4×4 deck posts should be 6 feet on center, while the maximum spacing of 6×6 deck posts should be 8 feet on center.
Can a 6×6 be used as a beam?
The distance a 6×6 can span as a beam depends on the species of wood, grade, grain orientation, moisture content or seasoning, condition, and load. Southern Pine (SP) 6x6s will span 5” to 8” further than other common softwood species of the same grade.
How tall can a 6×6 post be?
12-foot
The DCA6 recommends minimum 6×6 posts with a maximum 12-foot height.
How can I make my deck longer?
Doweling is another way to add shear strength. Post caps and metal plates are another way to lengthen posts. Add a wooden sleeve overlay to any of these methods, and the post should be strong enough to do its job.
What size post caps do I need?
The ideal fence or deck post opening size is between 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch larger than the width of your post. This will allow the post cap to sit snugly atop your post without blowing over and away in the wind.
How far apart do fence posts need to be?
8 to 12 feet
Most fence posts can be spaced 8 to 12 feet apart. While this is a general criteria, it doesn’t cover all scenarios. For instance, high tensile fence can have larger spacing, requiring line posts every 15 to 20 feet for field fence styles, and as much as 20-30 feet for high tensile barbed and smooth wire.
Should fence posts be 6 or 8 feet apart?
Fence posts should be set six to eight feet apart on a 6 foot wood fence. Do not go beyond eight feet or the fence may not be stable enough.
How do you find the diameter of a pole?
Step 1 – Measure the circumference of the post (distance around the post). Step 2 – Take that measurement and divide it by pi (3.14) to determine the post diameter.
How wide is a 1×5?
Nominal vs. Actual Measurements of Dimension Lumber
| Nominal Size | Actual Size |
|---|---|
| 1 x 5 | 3/4 x 4 1/2 inches (19 x 114 mm) |
| 1 x 6 | 3/4 x 5 1/2 inches (19 x 140 mm) |
| 1 x 8 | 3/4 x 7 1/4 inches (19 x 184 mm) |
| 1 x 10 | 3/4 x 9 1/4 inches (19 x 235 mm) |
Why do 2×4’s have rounded edges?
2×4 have rounded edges as it’s very beneficial to the wood itself and those working with it. They reduce the number of injuries like unwanted splinters during the handling and manufacturing process and also ensure that the lumber stays looking its best all throughout until the customer sees it.
Why is lumber not the actual size?
The “nominal” cross-section dimensions of a piece of lumber, such as 2 X 4 or 1 X 6, are always somewhat larger than the actual, or dressed, dimensions. The reason is that dressed lumber has been surfaced or planed smooth on four sides (called S4S). The nominal measurement is made before the lumber is surfaced.
Why 2×4 is not 2×4?
The simple reason why 2×4 is not 2 inches by 4 inches is that lumber mills trim off rough or warped surfaces of a 2×4 to give it a more polished and finished look. By planning the lumber on all four sides, the original 2×4 is now reduced to 1 ½ inches by 3 1/2 inches.
Can you buy actual size lumber?
All of our lumber is cut to true dimensions. Meaning if you order a 2″x 4″ x 10′ the piece of lumber you receive will be 2 inches thick, 4 inches wide and 10 feet long.
What size is dimensional lumber?
Technically, dimension lumber is defined as sawed softwood lumber from 2 to 5 inches (5 to 12.7 centimeters) thick and from 4 to 12 inches (10.2 to 30.5 centimeters) wide. The length of dimension lumber can range from 6 to 24 feet.
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