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Christmas story, How I found out that a 2x2 is NOT a 2x2

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with South Beaches Real Estate Professionals BK 652174

Or how to extend a Christmas tree, like make it longer.

Since my last weeks Christmas tree story got a lot of clicks and people liked it, I thought I tell you the one from a few years back. Look at the picture first. So, here I am, it is this time of the year again and I have to make a Christmas tree (I am picky about my trees)Anne hensel broker

Thas year I thought I have one made out of 2x2 s. So, I called my handyman, explained what I wanted even drew a picture and instructions on how to do it (took only 3 hours) he (as always) was very skeptical but finally said ok I will try. The tree was supposed to be 7 something feet tall (handyman had no idea how many 2x2's he would need) so I got my calculator out did the math and came up with  a number. Off he went to home depot. A few days later, my baby was ready and I wanted to be at home when handy man put it up in my living room. Well, what a surprise, the tree was not 7 something feet; it was a pitiful little tree, shorter than I am. Of course I bitched at the handyman for not reading my numbers of "sticks" correctly etc. I am dead serious, he had the right amount of "sticks" and for hours I questioned my own math, but no way that it was wrong. The light ball went on when I measured the length of the tree and divided it by the number of sticks. A 2x2 is not 2x2. It is actually   1.5 x1.5

Ever since than I wonder what else Home Depot can possibly come up with to confuse a logical woman.

In the end we bought more sticks and added them and my tree was a 7 foot beauty.

See last week Critmas tree drama

 What a night!!! But the Christmas tree is up now.

 

 

 

Mick Michaud
Distinctly Texas Lifestyle Properties, LLC Office:682/498-3107 - Granbury, TX
Your Texas Lifestyle is Here!

Shoulda asked.

The 'splanasun is: lumber is measured by the nominal dimensions, not actual.  So a 2x4 or 2x2 or any 2x or 4x is the measurement of the materials BEFORE is it cut, dried, and milled.  By the time all those processes are performed, the 2x2 has shrunk to the 1.5x1.5 you had. 

Gets real fun when you're building homes and don't know about these little inside secrets. 

 

There's a really good joke about real estate agents and home dimensions, but I'll leave that for another time.

 

:-)

 

Dec 05, 2008 05:12 PM
Carol Swain
Keller Williams Real Estate - Langhorne, PA
Realtor, -www.swainsells.com- Bucks County, Pa

Wow the tree looks neat.  I have never seen anything like it.  Does it condense to store it over the year?

Dec 05, 2008 10:38 PM
Anne Hensel
South Beaches Real Estate Professionals - Saint Petersburg, FL
Realtor - Broker - St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island

Mike, come on, now we have to wait for the joke???

Dec 05, 2008 11:55 PM
Anne Hensel
South Beaches Real Estate Professionals - Saint Petersburg, FL
Realtor - Broker - St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island

Carol, the tree is about 6 years old by now and I had it up twice, the other years there is always on of my friends borrowing it. Yes, it is stored behind my Garage fridge. Sorry, to heavy to pull out on a Saturday morning, so this pic will have to do.

We drilled a hole in the middle of each 2x2, stacked them all up and put a broom sticks through it.

This way it folds together and is only 2 inches (1.5) wide.

christmas tree

 

 

Dec 06, 2008 12:02 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Anne, great story! I'm not sure Mikes story is totally accurate as if you measure lumber in homes 100 years or older most of the dimensions are true (2X4's are truly 2X4's, 2X2's are 2X2, and so on). Now out of pure silliness I have to ask: If you were unaware that a 2X2 is not a 2X2 are you aware that a plumbing snake is not a snake? Ha Ha

Bob

Dec 06, 2008 11:44 AM
Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional
Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL
Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor

Anne - Love your story; thanks for sharing and have a wonderful Christmas!

Dec 06, 2008 11:51 AM
Mick Michaud
Distinctly Texas Lifestyle Properties, LLC Office:682/498-3107 - Granbury, TX
Your Texas Lifestyle is Here!

Bob, (& Co.)

I did not reference building materials from a hundred years ago.  You can't go to HD or Lowes and buy that kind of materials.   A hundred years ago they cut whatever the sawyer wanted or the customer ordered.

Standardized siziing is the practice in today's industry. 

Do we have to be sooo obtuse that I have to cover all lumber dimensions through-out time?

And to cover ALL the bases, you can order any size finished lumber you want from a custom sawyer.

So you MAY find true 2x4's in a house built today!

 

Dec 06, 2008 04:03 PM
Christina Moock
Cutler Real Estate - Canton, OH
REALTOR - Cutler Real Estate

Very unique and creative idea.  I like it!

Dec 09, 2008 04:48 AM