1×6

1×6 is a common nominal dimension used in North American lumber for boards intended to be about 1 inch thick and 6 inches wide. In practice, finished boards are typically planed to about 3/4 inch thick and 5 1/2 inches wide, because nominal sizes refer to rough stock before milling. The discrepancy between nominal and actual dimensions is a standard convention in the timber industry.

Most 1×6 boards are produced from softwoods such as pine, spruce, or fir, though hardwood versions exist. They are commonly kiln-dried to reduce moisture and may be finished as S2S (surfaced on two sides) or S4S (surfaced on four sides). Exterior-grade 1×6 boards may be pressure-treated to resist decay and insect damage. Availability spans several grades, from appearance-focused grades for trim and paneling to structural grades for framing.

Uses for 1×6 boards include interior trim (baseboards, casings, and moulding), paneling and wainscoting, shelving, decorative projects, and light framing or fencing. Their relatively wide face makes them useful for shallow countertops, bookcases, and decorative features, while exterior applications frequently employ rot-resistant species or treated stock.

Related sizes in the same family include 1×4, 1×8, and other nominal dimensions, as well as the broader system of dimensional lumber such as the traditional 2×4 and 2×6. When selecting 1×6 material, it is important to verify the actual thickness and width from the supplier, since milling tolerances and milling practice can cause slight variations. A rough equivalence in metric terms is commonly cited as about 19×140 mm for rough stock, with planed dimensions smaller in thickness.