On 2/8/2015 1:13 PM, -MIKE- wrote:
On 2/8/15 12:03 PM, Larry Blanchard wrote:
On Sun, 08 Feb 2015 10:52:12 -0600, -MIKE- wrote:

2x4 finished dimensions have changed over the years. IIRC the
current 1.5x3.5 size has been the standard since the late 60s.

Not sure about the dating, but I seem to remember 1.75 x 3.75 way
back when. Of course that may have been recycled or old stock or a
faulty memory. Anyone else remember that size?


I read something a while back about the history of dimensional lumber.
It kept decreasing in size every so often, so your recollection is
probably accurate.
You have to keep in mind, too, that these giant lumber yard/home stores
in every town and every major interstate interchange is a very modern
phenomenon.

Even in the 70s it was much easier people in some parts of the country
to get their lumber straight from a sawyer. There are many homes built
in the early 70s with 2x4s that are very close to nominal size.



I had a friend that had a home built in the 20's in Houston. The studs
were not only larger that today's studs they were oak. I would hot have
believed it has I not seen it. He was doing some restoring and had a
wall opened up.