yes i knew that in the old days 2x4s were just that 2x4s
i am redoing a old house 1920s
that has true 2x4 that measure 2x4 but are not smooth or beveled on the edges they are rough cut 2x4s
some even go from 2x4 to 2 1/2x41/2 or lower
ORIGINAL: Sibbyu
The standard measurement in the lumber industry is 1/4's. For instance, a 2" board is referred to as an 8/4. And the size refers to the size of the board rough, before it is planed and ready to sell, so a 2x4 actually starts out as a 2" x 4" but once it is planed on all 4 sides, it is only 1 3/4" x 3 3/4".