Sizing
Most common lumbers generally come in standard lengths and thicknesses. For many decades the lumber industry has used a calculation known as “Nominal Sizing”. At Anderson Lumber, we use “Actual Size” in most of our lumber calculations for pre-milled woods. (Also known as S4S – Surfaced Four Sides)
Rough Cut Size |
Actual Size |
1″ x 1″ |
3/4″ x 3/4″ |
1″ x 2″ |
3/4″ x 1-1/2″ |
1″ x 3″ |
3/4″ x 2-1/2″ |
1″ x 4″ |
3/4″ x 3-1/2″ |
1″ x 6″ |
3/4″ x 5-1/2″ |
1″ x 8″ |
3/4″ x 7-1/2″ |
1″ x 10″ |
3/4″ x 9-1/2″ |
1″ x 12″ |
3/4″ x 11-1/2″ |
2″ x 2″ |
1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ |
2″ x 3″ |
1-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ |
2″ x 4″ |
1-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ |
2″ x 6″ |
1-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ |
2″ x 8″ |
1-1/2″ x 7-1/2″ |
2″ x 10″ |
1-1/2″ x 9-1/2″ |
2″ x 12″ |
1-1/2″ x 11-1/2″ |
4″ x 4″ |
3-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ |
Standard lumber lengths generally are in increments of two feet, starting with eight feet – 8’, 10’, 12’ 14’, 16’, 18’ and occasionally 20’, depending on the species. They are generally sold in this manner. However, if your order has specific lengths required, we will work with you to develop the best overall price. If your order is for five pieces 4’ long, we may use two boards at 16’ leaving us with one 12’ for future sale.
We do offer most of our Domestic Soft Woods and Hard Woods in true dimensions and have them priced accordingly. Many come to us “rough cut” or otherwise not surfaced. As they are planed, they lose thickness and width. You can order materials either Rough, Blanked or S4S. We will cut your lumber order to length when possible. If you have a specific thickness, say, 1-1/2” S4S, we have to calculate using a 2” rough cut piece.
Board thickness is part of the pricing calculation. Most lumber, rough cut, is based on quarter-inch thicknesses.
Rough Cut Size |
Size |
4/4 |
1” |
5/4 |
1-1/4” |
6/4 |
1-1/2″ |
8/4 |
2” |
10/4 |
2-1/2″ |
12/4 |
3″ |
16/4 (limited) |
4” |

Timbers
Looking for a larger size? Anderson Lumber has many larger timbers in stock. Wood species is generally limited to Cedar or Cypress, and occasionally Douglas Fir. Common sizes such as 4”x4”, 3’x6”, 4”x8” 6”x6”, 4” x10” and 8”x8” are available and can also be ordered. Larger sizes can also be sourced. As timbers are not normally kiln dried, keep in mind that minor cracks (checking) may occur. This is a natural characteristic of the wood and not a defect in our stock.
LVL’s
Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL’s) are primarily used as weight-bearing beams. Due to the difficulty in
procuring high-quality LVL’s since the start of the Pandemic, we are not taking orders at this time. Please
continue to check with us as the availability may change at any time.
We will update this information as quality supply again becomes available.
Thank you for your understanding.