Dumb wood question

[Derrick]

What does the 4/4,and the 8/4 designation mean?

[mcgrath4u]

Hardwood lumber is given in quarters. 1/4 would be .25".

4/4 = 1" (1 inch)
5/4 = 1 1/4 (1.25 inch)
etc
8/4= 2" (2 inches)

John

[Derrick]

Thank you... Makes sense now. I am used to const. grade measurements. Never really dealt with hardwood.

[LinuxRandal]

As long as we are on this topic, How do you designate true dimension s4s lumber (house was built a long time ago, when this was normal)?

[Derrick]

I don't know if this is the answer your looking for but I did a google search and found it in the 2x, 4x designation.

[drumpriest]

I believe what you are wanting to know is about nominal versus actual size. When getting lumber from a yard you need to know that s4s is typically given in nominal sizes. (ie 2x is 1.5") You need to specify "actual size", or "not nominal". It'll cost you more, or course, if you can even find it. You won't find it in big box stores, you will probably have to deal with a mill to get an exact match.

[LinuxRandal]

When I was a kid, long time ago, whenever my gramp's needed something true dimension to try to match the existing true dimension surfaced lumber, he used to call it a true x four. But I haven't heard any reference to that since he died (1976).