

Internal caps have ridges that extend from the bottom side to fit perfectly inside the top of your post, while External caps extend past the edges of the post and grasp the outer edges of your post. When determining which cap is most ideal for your desired application, it is important to first understand that there are two different types of caps offered: Internal and External. It should fit just snugly enough that it will prevent corrosion beneath, while also being able to grip and hold itself onto the top of the post. The caps that we offer are labeled for use with the named post size, therefore technically each cap will measure slightly different than its actual dimensions. In order to find the post cap that will pair perfectly with your post, you must first understand the measuring process. Don't worry though, we've got you covered through every step of the process! Without this knowledge, you could easily purchase the wrong size or type of post cap. With this being said, it is also extremely important for you to understand how to measure your posts, whether they are made of vinyl or just plain wood. With there being so many different sizes and options to choose from, it is very important to understand which type of post cap is the most ideal solution for your desired application. Two-by-ten or 2 x 10 Why is lumber not the actual size?Finding the right post cap for your deck or railing can be a difficult and time-consuming process. What are the actual sizes of dimensional lumber?ĭimensional Lumber: Nominal Size vs. The nominal measurement is made before the lumber is surfaced. The reason is that dressed lumber has been surfaced or planed smooth on four sides (called S4S). The “nominal” cross-section dimensions of a piece of lumber, such as 2 X 4 or 1 X 6, are always somewhat larger than the actual, or dressed, dimensions.

How thick is a 1×4?ġ x 8ē/4 x 7 1/4 inches (19 x 184 mm) Why is lumber not actual size? Instead, a 2×4 is really only 1 1/2″ by 3 1/2″. Because of this extra milling, a 2×4 no longer measures a full 2 inches by four inches. Now, most timber is milled and planed to give it a little more of a finished look, and a little more of a consistent size and profile. However, an 8-foot 4×4 supports 6468-pounds and 2339-pounds at 14-feet, while a 6×6 is 1800-pounds respectively – or 64% and 78% more load capacity. The load capacity of a 3-foot #2 grade 4×4 is 17,426 pounds, and a similar 6×6 is 20,834 pounds or 16% better. What are the dimensions of a 4 by 4?Ĥ″ x 6″ 3-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ 89 x 140 mm How much load can a 4×4 post support? The nominal 2×4 thus became the actual 1½ x 3½, imperceptibly, a fraction of an inch at a time. Size standards, maximum moisture content, and nomenclature were agreed upon only as recently as 1964. This pressured further compromise because thinner 2x4s were a way to compete in price with wood alternatives.

While it doesn’t really shrink that much, the mills get more usable finished 2×4’s from a given tree if they cut them slightly smaller to begin with. The 2×4 refers to the rough-cut green wood: it shrinks during drying, then the dried wood is planed smooth, so the finished lumber is supposed to end up at 1.5″x3. Maybe you’ve noticed that lumber sizes are often misleading. This was revised in 1926, 1928, 1939, and 1953, while still another revision is proposed for adoption in 1964. After World War I, the increasing demand for construction lumber led to the first national size standard in 1924. Early concepts called for rough lumber to be of full nominal size, often in the dry condition.
