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Re:Ending the Era of the U.S. Survey Foot by beerandt on Friday January 31, 2020 @08:43PM (#22207930)
While i don't doubt they're cheating it a bit, the dimensions originally refered to rough cut, pre-dried lumber. Most of the difference came from finish cuts and drying.
Re:Ending the Era of the U.S. Survey Foot by a2tech on Friday January 31, 2020 @09:03PM (#22208046)
My house was built in 1860. The 2x4s are basically 2x4.
Re:Ending the Era of the U.S. Survey Foot by beerandt on Friday January 31, 2020 @09:21PM (#22208134)
Yeah, I went through a remodel and dealt with the same thing, trying to get drywall to line up on old (1970) and new walls. There's more to it than that, but it's the quick version.

On the other hand, if you find a smaller mill, usually the ones specializing in hardwood, you can still get "full size" cuts, usually without even asking.

Re:Ending the Era of the U.S. Survey Foot by analog31 on Friday January 31, 2020 @09:05PM (#22208057)
My house was built in 1962, and there were some exposed studs, and spares made into things like garage shelves. The old 2x4's are bigger than new 2x4's.