How Do You Buy Lumber By The Board Foot?
When shopping for lumber, it helps to understand how the sell price is calculated. Most lumber yards and hardwood suppliers sell their stock using a unit of measure known as the board foot. While many seasoned woodworkers are familiar with this pricing methodology, it may be a little confusing for those who are just entering the hobby or looking to build the occasional weekend project: a piece of wood that is one foot square by one inch thick equals one board foot (12″ long x 12″ wide x 1″ thick). A piece of stock that is 24″ long x 6″ wide x 1″ thick also equals one board foot. Same with a 12″L x 6″W x 2″ thick board. Home Centers often sell lumber by the linear foot. Determining the price of a board sold by the linear foot is easier; simply multiply the price per linear foot by the length of the board. Buying Lumber by the Board Foot: To calculate the cost of a board sold by the board foot, use the following formula to determine the number of board feet: Multiple the length x width x
