lumber sizes

[Cooler]

I purchased some 2" x 4" x 8' framing lumber.

I am well aware that the 2" x 4" = 1½" x 3½", but I was not aware that the eight-foot length would measure 93".

I guess it makes sense.  If you add a bottom plate and a top plate, you are adding 3" so the total equals 96", however I wanted the full 8 feet for my application.

Has this always been so?  Or is it only at Lowes?  Or only recent?

[joe1086]

93" studs are "pre cuts". I'm sure they sell both lengths. Perhaps it wasn't marked well or put in the correct spot? They've been around for years.

[Cooler]

93" studs are "pre cuts". I'm sure they sell both lengths. Perhaps it wasn't marked well or put in the correct spot? They've been around for years.

Maybe I missed the sign.  I will go back and check.

[R Clark]

Menards offers "pre-cut" framing lumber, too.  Sometimes the price per stick is the same as the "normal" length; sometimes, the pre-cuts cost more.  You just gotta watch what you're getting.

[Turner52]

Check your precuts again. They should be 92 5/8. That is the standard for the reasons you listed.

[Splinter Puller]

I purchased some 2" x 4" x 8' framing lumber.

I am well aware that the 2" x 4" = 1½" x 3½", but I was not aware that the eight-foot length would measure 93".

I guess it makes sense.  If you add a bottom plate and a top plate, you are adding 3" so the total equals 96", however I wanted the full 8 feet for my application.

Has this always been so?  Or is it only at Lowes?  Or only recent?

Precut stud length lumber comes in 92-5/8" and 104 5/8" length.

It allows for sills and plates and 8' drywall on the studs with a half inch space under the drywall at the baseboard after you put the 5/8" ceiling drywall up first.   The 104-5/8" is for 9' ceilings.

[JosephP]

8' should actually be 8'.  Maybe the sign said "for 8' walls"???

[Cooler]

8' should actually be 8'.  Maybe the sign said "for 8' walls"???

I have to buy some more items at Lowes so I will go back on Saturday and check.

I just went to Lowes website. 

They list

2-in x 4-in x 92-5/8-in Douglas Fir Stud at $5.08 each

and

2-in x 4-in x 96-in Douglas Fir Stud at $6.10 each

So 3-3/8" costs $1.02?  Does that make sense?   At that rate, an 8 footer would cost $29.02 each.  I don't get it.  I will check the store signage on Saturday and report.

https://www.lowes.com/search?searchTerm=...+4%22+stud

[Robert Adams]

Usually studs are more expensive or the same price as 8' lumber. Rarely is a stud cheaper. They charge more because it's a labor saver.

[crokett™]

You bought stud length (IE used for wall studs). The full 8’ cost more because of volume, the lumber companies sell a a lot more stud length. You may see them marked in the store as stud length.