wrote in message
Main question. When I'm creating detailed drawings of the deck I'm
repairing, do I create them using nominal dimensions (2"x4") or actual
dimensions (1-1/2"x3-1/2") for lumber? Seems like it should be the
later, specially for cutting to length.

I always design in actual dimensions. I always create my buy list in nominal
dimensions. I usually configure my design program to draw in numbers
divisable by 1/16th's to conform to 1/16" tolerances.