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Hardwood Calculator - Board Foot Calculator with Pricing & Weight
Professional hardwood calculator with species selection, quarter sizing, pricing, and waste factor. Calculate board feet, total cost, and weight for hardwood lumber projects. Includes density factors.
Last updated: 1/26/2025
Wood Species
Length (feet)
Width (inches)
Thickness (Quarters)
Quantity
Price per Board Foot
Waste Factor
Calculation Results
Calculation Breakdown:
Board Feet = (Length × 12 × Width × Thickness × Quantity) ÷ 144Understanding Hardwood Lumber
Hardwood lumber has specific sizing, pricing, and grading systems. Our calculator helps you navigate these industry standards.
Quarter System
Hardwood thickness is measured in quarters. 4/4 = 1", 5/4 = 1.25", 8/4 = 2", etc. This system standardizes thickness measurements across the lumber industry.
Species Matters
Different wood species have varying densities, costs, and working properties. Species affects weight calculations and project suitability for your specific application.
Plan for Waste
Always include waste factor in your calculations. Defects, milling losses, and mistakes are normal. Plan 10-20% extra for most projects.
Quarter System Reference
Note: These are rough lumber thicknesses. Surfaced lumber will be slightly thinner after planing to final dimensions.
Professional Hardwood Tips
Lumber Grades
FAS (Firsts and Seconds) is the highest grade. Lower grades like Select and #1 Common offer good value for many projects.
Moisture Content
Kiln-dried lumber (6-8% MC) is standard. Air-dried may be cheaper but requires additional drying time and planning.
Surfacing Options
Rough lumber is cheaper but requires milling. S2S (surfaced 2 sides) or S4S saves time but costs more per board foot.
Buying Tips
Buy longer boards when possible - less waste and better grain matching. Consider buying extra for future repairs or modifications.
Storage
Store lumber flat and well-supported. Use stickers between boards for air circulation and prevent warping.
Project Planning
Create a cutting list before buying. Group pieces by thickness and consider grain direction for your project's appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are lumber quarters and how do they work?
Lumber quarters represent thickness in quarter-inch increments. 4/4 (four quarters) = 1 inch thick, 5/4 = 1.25 inches, 8/4 = 2 inches, etc. This system is standard for hardwood lumber sizing and pricing in North America.
Why include a waste factor in hardwood calculations?
Waste factor accounts for material lost during milling, defects, mistakes, and unusable cutoffs. Typical waste ranges from 10-20% depending on project complexity, lumber grade, and skill level. This ensures you order enough material.
How accurate are the wood species density calculations?
Our density factors are based on average values for each species. Actual density can vary based on moisture content, growing conditions, and specific lumber grade. Use these as estimates for project planning and weight calculations.
What's included in the total cost calculation?
Total cost includes the base board feet calculation multiplied by your price per board foot, plus the waste factor percentage. This gives you a realistic total including material waste for accurate project budgeting.
Can I use this calculator for rough lumber pricing?
Yes! This calculator works for both rough and surfaced lumber. For rough lumber, use the actual rough dimensions. For surfaced lumber (S2S, S4S), you can use either rough or finished dimensions depending on how your supplier prices the lumber.
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