Rare woods

  If you’ve ever shopped for hardwood, you’ve likely seen terms like 4/4 lumber , 8/4 lumber , or 12/4 lumber . For new woodworkers—or even experienced ones—these numbers can be confusing at first glance. At Exotic Wood Zone, we offer a wide variety of thicknesses in premium hardwoods. Whether you’re buying hardwood lumber online or in-person, understanding these terms will help you choose the right stock for your next project. In this guide, we’ll explain what these thicknesses mean, how they’re used, and why sizing matters when selecting wood. What Does 4/4, 8/4, 12/4 Lumber Mean? The numbers you see— 4/4 , 8/4 , 12/4 —are fractions of an inch expressed in quarters. 4/4 lumber = 4 quarters = 1 inch thick 8/4 lumber = 8 quarters = 2 inches thick 12/4 lumber = 12 quarters = 3 inches thick This is the nominal thickness , or the thickness before the lumber is planed smooth. After surfacing (planing), the actual thickness is typically slightly less. For example: 4/4 lumber is usu...