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2" x 4" Utility/#3 Grade Fir Dimensional Lumber
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2" x 4" Utility/#3 Grade Fir Dimensional Lumber
This is a 2x4 in Utility/#3 grade fir, kiln dried and heat treated (KDHT) and surfaced smooth on all four sides (S4S). It measures 1-1/2 in. x 3-1/2 in. actual and comes in 8, 10, 12 and 16 ft lengths.
Utility grade is an economy grade, not structural framing grade. It is graded on usefulness and low cost rather than appearance or strength, so it suits blocking, bracing, forming, crating and general jobs where a #2 or better board is not needed. For load-bearing framing, choose our 2 x 4 #2 Grade Fir Dimensional Lumber and confirm what your building inspector requires.
Features and Common Uses
- Utility/#3 grade fir, an economy grade that keeps the cost of general-purpose 2x4 stock down
- Kiln dried to 19% moisture content or less, so it arrives drier and more stable than green lumber
- Heat treated (KD-HT) to a core temperature of at least 56 C for a minimum of 30 minutes
- Surfaced smooth on all four sides (S4S) for a consistent 1-1/2 in. x 3-1/2 in. actual size
- Not pressure treated, so keep it dry and out of ground contact
Commonly used for:
- Blocking, bridging and bracing between framing members
- Temporary framing, concrete form backing and job-site bracing
- Crating, pallets and shipping frames
- Garage shelving, workbench frames and shop projects
- Short cut-offs and fillers where grade and appearance do not matter
Specifications
| Product | 2x4 Utility/#3 Fir, KDHT, S4S |
|---|---|
| Species | Fir |
| Grade | Utility/#3 |
| Nominal size | 2 in. x 4 in. |
| Actual size | 1-1/2 in. x 3-1/2 in. |
| Available lengths | 8, 10, 12 and 16 ft |
| Moisture content | Kiln dried, 19% maximum |
| Heat treatment | KD-HT, core temperature of at least 56 C for 30 minutes |
| Surfacing | S4S, surfaced on four sides |
| Pressure treated | No |
Grade, species and heat-treatment marks are stamped on each board and are the governing record for the piece you receive. KD-HT is explained by the Western Wood Products Association in this FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use utility grade for framing?
Not for load-bearing framing unless your building inspector or engineer accepts it. Utility is graded below No. 2 and Standard. Use a #2 and better 2x4 for wall studs, plates, joists and rafters, and keep Utility/#3 for blocking, bracing, forming and general work.
What does KDHT mean?
KDHT means kiln dried and heat treated. The board is dried to 19% moisture content or less and heated to a core temperature of at least 56 C for a minimum of 30 minutes. It is a heat process, not a chemical preservative treatment.
What is the actual size of a 2x4?
A 2x4 measures 1-1/2 in. x 3-1/2 in. once surfaced. The 2 in. x 4 in. name is the nominal size from before the board was dried and planed.
What does S4S mean?
S4S means surfaced on four sides. All four faces are planed smooth, so the board has square, consistent edges and no rough-sawn surface.
Can I use it outside?
Only for short-term or covered use. It is not pressure treated, so it will rot in ground contact or constant wet. For outdoor and ground-contact jobs, choose pressure treated lumber.