In North America, 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 is the actual size of a 4×4 pressure treated post?
Specifications
| Actual Thickness (in) | 4.00 |
|---|---|
| Actual Length (ft) | 10.00 |
| Actual Width (in) | 4.00 |
| Common Length In Feet | 10-ft |
| Industry Standard Minimum Length (ft) | 10.00 |
Are 4×4 really 4 inches?
While it is true that the actual size of a 4 x 4 board is 3 ½ x 3 ½, that is not a deceptive practice in my opinion. It is well known that lumber is sold based on nominal sizes, and the actual size of the boards is smaller than the nominal size.
How thick is a 4×4 actually?
According to the NHLA rules, 13/16″ is the standard acceptable thickness of surfaced 4/4 lumber.
What is a nominal 4×4 post?
If your posts are less than their named dimension (I.E. less than 4×4, 4×6, or 6×6) you have a Nominal post. If they are equal to or greater than their named dimensions, you have an Actual or True post. The easiest way to be certain is to measure! If you’ve recently purchased 4 in.
What sizes do pressure treated posts come in?
Sizes. Pressure treated lumber is available in 1”, 5/4”, 2”, 4”, and 6” nominal thicknesses, and widths up to 12”.
How tall are 4×4 posts?
Four-by-Four Posts
According to the American Forest and Paper Association, or AFPA, a four-by-four post made from Douglas fir or southern pine should be no higher than 10 feet, and at that height the post can support no more 36 square feet under a load of 50 pounds per square foot.
What lengths do 4×4 come in?
Lumber sizes are usually given in “nominal” measurements. The nominal measurements are a board’s size before it has been planed smooth (surfaced) on all 4 sides. The actual measurements are the final size.
Dimensional Lumber.
| Nominal Size | Actual Size |
|---|---|
| 4×4 | 3-1/2″ × 3-1/2″ |
| 4×6 | 3-1/2″ × 5-1/2″ |
| 6×6 | 5-1/2″ × 5-1/2″ |
Why are wood dimensions wrong?
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 is a 4×4 not 4 inches?
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.
How thick is a 4×4 piece of wood?
A 4/4 board that has been surfaced on two sides (S2S) will measure about 13/16″ inches thick. Hardwoods are usually sold in random widths, but they can also be sold in standard widths like softwoods.
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.
What are 4×4 lumber used for?
What is 4×4 Lumber? 4×4 lumber is an essential building block of construction, most commonly used as posts in the framing of houses, sheds, and many other structures. Like most lumber, 4×4 lumber gets its name from its dimensions.
How do you measure post size?
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 do you measure for wood posts?
To measure your internal post cap size, you will essentially do the same thing that was discussed in measuring an external post cap, however with these, you must measure from the outside of one of the bottom ridges directly across to the opposite side’s outer ridge.
What size are deck posts?
Deck Post Sizing
Deck posts are usually 4 feet x 4 inches, 6 feet x 6 inches or 8 feet x 8 inches as determined to be appropriate for the expected load. After determining the width, the maximum deck post height must also be determined. This also depends on the type of wood used.
How much more expensive is pressure treated wood?
Initial Cost
The average cost of basic pressure treated pine runs about $15-$25 per square foot. Fancier woods will cost a bit more, usually between $25-$30 per square foot.
How long will pressure treated wood last in ground?
about 40 years
The life expectancy of pressure treated wood in the ground is about 40 years before it begins to rot.
How wide is pressure treated lumber?
Pressure-Treated Lumber HF Brown Stain (Common: 2 in. x 12 in. x 8 ft.; Actual: 1.5 in. x 11.25 in.
How much can a 4×4 wood post hold?
An 8-foot 4×4 can typically carry 1,000lbs horizontally along its length without excessive sag, or 500lbs in a center load. Supported at 16” centers and the load jumps to 4,000lbs. When used as a post, the same 4×4 can support up to 6,000 PSI and even more if properly braced.
Can you build a deck with 4×4 posts?
4×4 post will be fine. I have built many decks for new homes with them. 6×6 is more sturdy of course and will not twist as easy, but for structure purposes, 4×4 will be fine.
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