“The modern-day dimensions of a 2×4 are smaller due to historical practices and practical considerations. Thinner pieces of wood were favored over time to reduce shipping costs and increase efficiency in transportation. These dimensions eventually became standardized to strike a balance between cost-efficiency and structural integrity.”
I guess keep an eye on whether they continue to get smaller over time.. the above is a nice explanation but it could just be shrinkflation.
I always figured it was due to milling to finished dimensions from raw lumber. You can buy unmilled lumber by the board-foot (basically 1”x12”x12”), and you get exact pay for dimensions, but when you’re buying finished, milled lumber the only thing that you can trust is that it’s been milled to a standard.
In other words, they start with ~2”x~4” and mill to exactly 1.5”x3.5”
Don’t ask me why that all changes at 1/2” dimensions.
I guess keep an eye on whether they continue to get smaller over time.. the above is a nice explanation but it could just be shrinkflation.