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Cost Per Board Foot Calculator - Lumber Price Comparison Tool
Compare lumber prices and find the best value. Calculate cost per board foot from total price and dimensions. Compare multiple suppliers and wood species for smart lumber purchasing decisions.
Last updated: 1/26/2025
Calculator Mode
Total Price
Total Board Feet
Cost Calculation
Smart Lumber Shopping Tips
Calculating cost per board foot is just the first step. Here are tips for making smart lumber purchasing decisions.
Compare Apples to Apples
When comparing prices, ensure lumber is the same species, grade, and moisture content. A cheaper price might mean lower quality or different specifications.
Consider Total Project Cost
Factor in delivery costs, minimum order requirements, and waste allowances. Sometimes slightly higher lumber costs are offset by better service or location convenience.
Quality vs. Price Balance
Higher grades cost more per board foot but have less waste and better appearance. Calculate the effective cost after accounting for defects and unusable material.
Beyond Cost Per Board Foot
Quality Factors:
- • Lumber grade (FAS, Select, #1 Common)
- • Moisture content (kiln-dried vs air-dried)
- • Surface preparation (rough vs surfaced)
- • Defect allowances and waste factor
- • Grain pattern and color consistency
Service Considerations:
- • Delivery availability and costs
- • Minimum order requirements
- • Custom milling services
- • Return policy for defective lumber
- • Technical support and advice
Use cost per board foot as your primary comparison tool, but consider these additional factors for the best overall value in your lumber purchase.
When to Shop Around for Better Prices
Large Projects
For projects requiring significant lumber quantities, even small per-board-foot savings add up. Compare multiple suppliers for bulk pricing and delivery options.
Specialty Species
Exotic or specialty wood species vary widely in price. Some suppliers specialize in specific species and offer better prices and selection.
Seasonal Timing
Lumber prices fluctuate seasonally. Plan ahead and buy during off-peak seasons when possible. Winter often offers better prices than spring construction season.
Local vs. Chain Stores
Local lumber yards often have competitive prices on quality lumber, while big box stores may be cheaper for construction grade materials.
Online vs. Local
Online lumber suppliers can offer good prices, but factor in shipping costs and the inability to inspect lumber before purchase. Best for standard sizes and grades.
Mill Direct
Buying directly from sawmills can offer significant savings for large quantities, but often requires higher minimum orders and longer lead times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate cost per board foot?
Divide the total price by the total board feet: Cost per BF = Total Price ÷ Total Board Feet. For example, if 10 board feet costs $50, then $50 ÷ 10 BF = $5.00 per board foot.
Why compare lumber prices per board foot?
Comparing cost per board foot helps you find the best value when lumber is sold in different quantities, sizes, or bundles. It's the only way to accurately compare prices across different suppliers and lumber types.
Can I compare different lumber species using this calculator?
Yes! The calculator allows multiple entries so you can compare different wood species, grades, or suppliers side-by-side. This helps you make informed decisions based on both cost and material properties.
What should I consider besides cost per board foot?
While cost per board foot is important, also consider lumber grade, moisture content, species characteristics, availability, and shipping costs. The cheapest option isn't always the best value for your specific project needs.
How do I calculate board feet if I only know dimensions?
Use the formula: Board Feet = (Length in feet × Width in inches × Thickness in inches) ÷ 12. Our calculator can compute board feet from dimensions, then calculate the cost per board foot automatically.
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