You will see boards with numbers like 1x4 (spoken as one by four)First number = thickness of the board in inchesSecond number = width of the board in inches
You might also encounter the naming of the board as 1 x 4 x 8.Third number = the length of the board in feet.The most common is 8 feet, but 6 feet, 10 feet, and 12 feet are also available.
Dimensional lumber is lumber that has been cut to a specific size (and shape) for use in a construction project.Cut to standard sizes and grades.Typically identified by its nominal size.
There are two types of identifiers you will see with hardwood lumber:The thickness denoted by 4/4, 6/4, 8/4, etc.The number of planed sides denoted by S1S, S2S, etc.
A board foot is a unit of measurement based on the volume of the wood. The base unit for calculation is a board that is 1″ x 12″ x 12″.1 x 12 x12 = 144 cubic inches or 1 board foot.