Free tool
Board foot and lumber cost calculator
Hardwood is usually priced by the board foot: a piece 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide and 1 foot long. Enter your boards to see board feet and cost, with extra for waste. Nothing is stored.
The lumber costs about
$120
- Board feet
- 20
- Per board
- 4 bf
- With extra
- 23 bf
- Cost with extra
- $138
5 boards at 1 x 6 inches by 8 feet come to 20 board feet, about $120. Adding 15% for waste and mistakes, plan on about 23 board feet, or $138.
Board feet = thickness (in) x width (in) x length (ft) / 12. Dimensional lumber like 2x4s and 1x6s is usually priced per piece instead; check the store's price per board. Estimates only.
Before you buy
- Know the real sizes. See the lumber sizes chart.
- Plan every part. See measure twice, plan a cut list.
- Pick the right species. See choosing wood for a project.