3 x 2 inch treated timber
“3 x 2” is the traditional imperial designation for timber that was once supplied at 3 inches by 2 inches. Since the UK’s transition to metric, timber is specified in millimetres.
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Nominal imperial size: 3" × 2" (≈ 76.2 × 50.8 mm)
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Nominal metric reference: 75 × 50 mm
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Typical finished/regularised size (after drying and planing): ≈ 45–47 mm × 70–75 mm
(Actual finished dimensions vary by mill, grade, and moisture content.)
The legacy “3×2” label remains in common use, but orders, drawings and cutting lists should be based on the metric finished size. If your application has tight tolerances or must match existing work, measure the actual section supplied. Grades (e.g., C16/C24), surface finish (sawn vs planed), and manufacturing tolerances will affect final dimensions. Lengths are supplied in metres.
