A board foot is a measurement for timber, based on its volume and commonly used in the past. It is equivalent to 144 cubic inches (with dimensions of 12 inches length, 12 inches width, and 1 inch thickness).
When it comes to pricing hardwood at lumber yards, the standard unit of measurement is often the board foot. It’s worth noting that unlike softwoods, which are typically sold by linear or square feet, hardwoods can vary in terms of their width and thickness.
As hardwoods tend to be pricier and are commonly used for specialized endeavors such as furniture or cabinetry, board feet is a standard unit of measurement for pricing.
To determine board feet, follow these steps.
To calculate board feet, one should use the following formula:
To determine board feet, simply multiply the width, length, and thickness (in inches) of the board together and then divide the total by 144.
Wood is used for a variety of purposes and requires specific measurements in order to determine its suitability.
There are several common scenarios in which board feet calculations are applicable in everyday lumber use.
Constructing a deck
Cedar or pine are commonly used for decking, particularly in softwood varieties. Knowing how to calculate board feet is key when building a deck with 2×6 planks, even if the lumber is sold by linear foot. A 2×6 plank measures 1.5 inches thick and 5.5 inches wide and equates to 0.763 board feet per foot in length.
The cabinets in the kitchen are crafted with precision, offering ample storage space for all your culinary needs. As the focal point of the room, they exude elegance and functionality.
When it comes to creating sophisticated cabinets, hardwoods such as oak, cherry, or walnut are frequently selected. When a millwork contractor purchases wood 3/4 inch thick (a standard measurement for cabinet facings) and 8 inches wide, each linear foot of this material equals 0.5 board feet.
Bespoke furnishings
In order to construct a dining table from a 6-foot long maple slab, with an average width of 30 inches and a thickness of 2 inches, the builder would require 30 board feet of wood.
The calculation is as follows:
The measurement of 30 inches multiplied by 72 inches and then divided by 144 results in a total of 2 inches, equaling to the quantity of 30 board feet.
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| ||
| 1 x 4 | 0.3333 | ||
| 1 x 6 | 0.5 | ||
| 1 x 8 | 0.6667 | ||
| 1 x 10 | 0.8333 | ||
| 1 x 12 | 1 | ||
| 2 x 2 | 0.3333 | ||
| 2 x 4 | 0.6667 | ||
| 2 x 6 | 1 | ||
| 2 x 8 | 1.3333 | ||
| 2 x 10 | 1.6667 | ||
| 2 x 12 | 2 | ||
| 4 x 4 | 1.3333 | ||
| 4 x 6 | 2 | ||
| 4 x 8 | 2.6667 | ||
| 4 x 10 | 3.3333 | ||
| 4 x 12 | 4 |
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