What Is A Nominal Dimension

Ceramic tile and lumber are both often sold in "nominal" sizes. If yous don't sympathise that this means, you may exist in for problem when you brainstorm your next remodeling project. Read on to find out more about this design and construction industry term.

A "nominal" measurement means that the size listed on the particular is not the actual size of the item. Huh? Aye, you read that right. Let me explicate:

You accept, I'm sure, heard of 2x4s – those long boards used to build houses and other structures. The numbers 2 and 4 refer to the size of the board: information technology is 2 inches thick and 4 inches wide. These boards are sold in a multifariousness of lengths, from 8 feet long on upward. However, if you've never used 2x4s to build annihilation before, you lot may non realize that a 2×four isn't actually 2″ x iv″ at all. Information technology'due south more than like 1-one/2″ x 3-i/2″.

Ceramic and stone tiles are also frequently sold in nominal sizes. The tag on a box of tile may say the tiles are 12×12. That means they are 12″x12″ in size – unless, of course, that measurement is a nominal one. In that case, those tiles are actually 11-vii/8″ x 11-7/viii″ in size. Unlike lumber, which is nigh always sold in nominal sizes, tile measurements are not quite so universal. If the tile doesn't say which measurement is being used – actual or nominal – the only style to be sure of the tile'southward size is to measure it.

In curt, "nominal" sizes refer to the approximate size of the item, while "bodily" measurements refer to the bodily size of the item.

wall tile

In circuitous tile installations, knowing the exact measurements of the tile you plan to use is essential to a successful project.

Why is all this nominal vs. actual measurement stuff of import? Believe information technology or not, these seemingly tiny variations in size can actually brand a huge difference in the way a remodeling project turns out. Consider the post-obit scenario. Say, for example, that you want to use a 12×12 tile on your bathroom floor, but you plan to install a vi×vi accent tile at various locations for some extra pizzazz. If the 12×12 tile is measured nominally, meaning the tile is 11-7/eight″x11-vii/viii″ in size, merely the emphasis tile has an bodily measurement of 6″x6″, the two tiles will non fit together properly. Instead, you lot will exist left with uneven grout joints and gaps. This is because (unproblematic math here), ii half-dozen×6 tiles laid side by side are 12-1/8″ wide (ii tiles plus the width of the grout joint), making it 1/four″ wider than the nominal 12×12 tiles (which are actually i/8″ smaller in both width and length).

Or, if you need a tile of a particular size to fit under your kitchen window, for example, and you choose i with an actual measurement, you lot may notice that you need to cut it down to make information technology fit properly.

In some cases, yous may non social club plenty fabric if you lot don't realize that the measurements you used for figuring the material amounts were nominal dimensions, not actual ones. Even minor differences in cloth sizes tin add upwards chop-chop when you are working on a large project.

Details matter in all home improvement projects. Even the tiniest measurements can have a major impact on the event of your project. Be certain of all the measurements in your fabric selections to avert any unpleasant surprises!

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