sol
11-18-2005, 09:31 AM
What are the "off the shelf" actual dimensions of standard lumber (timber) in Europe. Is there an international standard, whether coded or de facto?
I have Googled and find conflicting info, this is one of those common sense questions that does not seem to make it across different markets.
In the US boards are called 1x4 inch to 1x12, and 2x4 to 2x12, and 4x4 and upward but are actually 1/4 to 3/4 inch smaller in finished-surfaced dimension.
Plywood sheets are 48x96 inches (2440mm x 1220mm) which is divided evenly by 12 and 16 inches.
Example: In USA a 2x4 (50mm x 100mm) is a standard size that is used extensively in light construction for walls. It is actually 1.5 inches x 3.5 inches.(38mm x 89mm)
Also 1x6 inch (25mm x 150mm) is a common size and its finished dimension is 3/4 x 5-1/2 inch (19mm x 140mm)
What are the common easy to find equivalents "over there."
Any info related to this would be most welcome.
An aside, we purchased a German sink, the rough-in dimensions were to the 1/64 inch. (Standard carpentry measuring tapes do not mark below 1/16 inch and rough-ins are usually to the 1/8 or 1/4 inch, 5mm more or less) My German wife laughed about German perfectionism. Anyway I assumed that the sink's dimensions were converted by calculator with no real world adjustments; I am trying to find real world numbers so I do not make the same mistake.
Thanks!
I have Googled and find conflicting info, this is one of those common sense questions that does not seem to make it across different markets.
In the US boards are called 1x4 inch to 1x12, and 2x4 to 2x12, and 4x4 and upward but are actually 1/4 to 3/4 inch smaller in finished-surfaced dimension.
Plywood sheets are 48x96 inches (2440mm x 1220mm) which is divided evenly by 12 and 16 inches.
Example: In USA a 2x4 (50mm x 100mm) is a standard size that is used extensively in light construction for walls. It is actually 1.5 inches x 3.5 inches.(38mm x 89mm)
Also 1x6 inch (25mm x 150mm) is a common size and its finished dimension is 3/4 x 5-1/2 inch (19mm x 140mm)
What are the common easy to find equivalents "over there."
Any info related to this would be most welcome.
An aside, we purchased a German sink, the rough-in dimensions were to the 1/64 inch. (Standard carpentry measuring tapes do not mark below 1/16 inch and rough-ins are usually to the 1/8 or 1/4 inch, 5mm more or less) My German wife laughed about German perfectionism. Anyway I assumed that the sink's dimensions were converted by calculator with no real world adjustments; I am trying to find real world numbers so I do not make the same mistake.
Thanks!