I used to think a 2x4 was always 2 inches by 4 inches

For years, I'd plan my cuts and be confused when things didn't fit. I learned the hard way on a shed project last fall when my framing was off by over an inch. Now I know they're actually 1.5 by 3.5 inches and I always check the actual dimensions before I buy. Has anyone else had a project go sideways because of this?

3 comments

3 Comments

kelly.keith2mo ago

My deck plans were a work of fiction.

logan_robinson852mo ago

Maybe the fiction part is the best thing about it. A made up deck plan could be the perfect starting point to build something even better than what's in the code books. What was the wildest idea you had that you had to change?

derek_coleman17d ago

Disagree a bit here. A deck plan that's fiction from the start means you're guessing on loads and spans, which can get dangerous fast. Cold, hard numbers on lumber dimensions kept my own deck from collapsing, so I'd rather start with reality and get creative later.