Cut the wood to the rough dimensions of the compost plan. Building with reclaimed wood is made easier if you adjust the design to fit the materials at hand. For example, the original plans call for a frame built from 2" x 4"s (Note: The nominal dimensions of softwood lumber are always greater than the true dimensions. For example, a 2" x 4" is actually 1 1/2" x 3 1/2".) Milling true 2" x 3"s, instead, proved a more efficient use of material. The lumber was cut to the following dimensions: 2" x 3"; 1" x 5"; 1" x 4".