2x6 lumber: actual size and cut list
A 2x6 is not 2 by 6 inches: it measures 1 1/2 × 5 1/2 in (38 × 140 mm). Plan your cuts below, with board feet and pieces-per-board tables for common lengths.
Parts
| Label | Length in | Qty | Remove |
|---|---|---|---|
Stock boards
| Name | Length in | Qty | Price | Remove |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3 boards, 7.2% waste, 9 of 9 parts placed.
You need: 1 × 2x6 (96″), 1 × 2x6 (120″), 1 × 2x6 (144″)
Actual size of a 2x6
| Nominal | 2 × 6 in |
|---|---|
| Actual (dressed) | 1 1/2 × 5 1/2 in |
| Metric | 38 × 140 mm |
| Common lengths | 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 ft (2.4–4.8 m) |
Softwood dimensional lumber is named by its rough-sawn size. Drying and planing on all four sides takes it down to the dressed size, which is what you measure and what goes into your cut list. Lengths are usually true, and many yards cut boards slightly long, but check the ends for splits and snipe and set an end trim if needed.
Board feet per 2x6
| Board | Board feet | Actual volume |
|---|---|---|
| 2x6 × 6 ft | 6.00 | 9.7 L |
| 2x6 × 8 ft | 8.00 | 13.0 L |
| 2x6 × 10 ft | 10.00 | 16.2 L |
| 2x6 × 12 ft | 12.00 | 19.5 L |
| 2x6 × 14 ft | 14.00 | 22.7 L |
| 2x6 × 16 ft | 16.00 | 26.0 L |
Board feet use the nominal size, so a 2x6 × 8 ft is 8.00 BF even though less wood is actually there. Calculate mixed orders with the board foot calculator.
How many pieces from one board?
Full pieces per board with a 1/8-inch kerf. A piece that ends exactly at the end of the board needs no extra cut.
| Piece length | 8 ft board | 10 ft board | 12 ft board |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12″ | 7 | 9 | 11 |
| 16″ | 5 | 7 | 8 |
| 18″ | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| 24″ | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 30″ | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| 32″ | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 36″ | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| 48″ | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Common uses
- Raised garden beds
- Deck joists for short spans
- Benches and outdoor tables
- Headers and rafters
FAQ
What are the actual dimensions of a 2x6?
A 2x6 is actually 1 1/2 × 5 1/2 inches (38 × 140 mm) after drying and planing. The nominal size is the rough-sawn size before surfacing.
How many board feet are in a 2x6 × 8 ft?
8.00 board feet, using the nominal 2 × 6 inch size as lumber yards do: 2 × 6 × 8 ÷ 12.
How many 24-inch pieces can I cut from an 8 ft 2x6?
3 with a 1/8-inch kerf — the fourth piece comes out 3/8 inch short, so you get three full 24-inch pieces and a 23 5/8-inch offcut.