# 2x4 lumber

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2x4-lumber/166389>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [April 4, 2003, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2x4-lumber/166389 "2003-04-04T04:12:45Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![vingnut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/4af34b/32.png) [@vingnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vingnut)\
**Post date:** [April 4, 2003, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2x4-lumber/166389/1 "2003-04-04T04:12:45Z")

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Why is lumber say at home depot in sizes like 2x4 when it is not that size . In old construction i have found some wood that is 2’x4’ when did the change come about and why?