Understanding Lumber Terminology
If you're lucky enough to have a hardwood lumber yard nearby, you're in for a treat. You'll have access to a wide variety of wood species, available in different widths, lengths, and shapes—maybe even some live edge slabs! However, buying lumber can feel overwhelming if you're new to it or unfamiliar with the terminology used in the industry. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through some essential terms and concepts that will help you make informed decisions when purchasing lumber, so you know what questions to ask and how to communicate effectively with the staff at the mill.
Types of Lumber
When it comes to purchasing lumber, there are two main categories: **rough cut** and **dimensional**. Rough cut lumber is wood that has just come off the mill and hasn’t been processed further. It’s raw and typically intended for those who plan to dimension it themselves, either by hand or using machinery. Some rough cut lumber may also be partially surfaced, meaning it's been planed on one or both sides. This brings us to some important terms: **Surfaced on One Side (S1S)** and **Surfaced on Two Sides (S2S)**. As the names suggest, S1S refers to lumber that has been planed on one side, while S2S means it's been surfaced on both the top and bottom. You can also find boards that are surfaced on one or both edges, known as **Surfaced on Four Sides (S4S)**. The more surfacing a board has, the higher its cost tends to be. Most lumber yards charge per linear foot, and additional surfacing can add up quickly.
Dimensional lumber, on the other hand, refers to wood that has been cut to standardized dimensions, such as 2x4 or 2x6. These pieces are surfaced and meet strict size requirements, making them ideal for construction projects like framing or building structures. Dimensional lumber is generally more expensive per board foot than rough cut lumber. But what exactly is a **board foot**?
How Rough Cut Lumber is Measured
Rough cut lumber is sold based on a unit called a **board foot**, which measures the volume of a piece of wood. A board foot equals 144 cubic inches (1 inch x 12 inches x 12 inches). For example, a board that’s 1 inch thick, 6 inches wide, and 72 inches long would be calculated as (1 x 6 x 72) = 432 cubic inches. Dividing that by 144 gives you 3 board feet.
Another important concept is **quarters**, which refer to the thickness of rough lumber. A 4/4 board is 1 inch thick, 5/4 is 1.25 inches, and so on. This is crucial because the final finished size is achieved after milling. For instance, a 4/4 board is typically milled down to about 0.75 inches. So, if you need a table top that’s 1 inch thick, you’d purchase 5/4 lumber and then mill it down to your desired thickness.
Conclusion
As you plan your next project, consider breaking it down into “quartered partsâ€â€”how many pieces are made from 4/4 lumber, or how much 8/4 do you need? Once you understand these measurements, you can convert them to board feet and estimate the total cost of your project. This knowledge is especially useful when someone asks, “How much would it cost to build me a coffee table?†Now you can provide an accurate estimate. Plus, understanding the language used at the lumber yard will help you navigate the process more confidently.
Do you have any other tips or experiences with buying lumber? Feel free to share in the comments below!
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