Every home improvement project begins with planning. You need to come up with a design, take measurements, and make a shopping list for materials. That last step is often the most challenging. If you aren’t experienced with construction or renovation, it can be difficult to estimate how much of lumber you need. Skip the potential return trip and construction delays with help from Jaeger Lumber. Here, we offer a guide to figuring out how much lumber you need for any project.
Key Takeaways
- Start by defining the scope of your project. Come up with a detailed plan for each area, then break it down into a material list.
- Take accurate measurements for length, width, height, and spacing. Measure in both linear feet and board feet to avoid hassle at the store.
- Add a waste factor. Depending on the complexity of your project, you should calculate between a 10% and 30% waste factor to account for discarded material.
- If you aren’t sure about how much lumber you need, you can speak with an expert at Jaeger Lumber to get help with estimations.
Start With a Clear Project Plan
Before you can estimate your lumber requirements, you must start with a clear project plan. You can’t determine what materials you need if you haven’t decided what your end product should look like. Begin by defining the scope of the project. Determine what areas your project will address, what you want the end results to look like, and what steps are required to make it happen. Drawings and photos are useful to help you visualize your design.
Once you have a project plan, create a materials list. Break it down by area, project phase, and purpose to help yourself stay organized. This materials list will be your starting point. The list tells you what you need. The next step is to find out how much.
Take Accurate Measurements
Next, it’s time to take measurements. Once again, break them down by area. Measure the length, width, height, and spacing of every area that needs lumber, accounting for cuts and layout. When measuring, be sure to measure in both board feet and linear feet. The two measurements are not the same:
- Linear feet: This is a standard measurement for the length of a board. It measures only one dimension and does not account for the board’s width or thickness.
- Board feet: This measures the volume of a board. It is calculated by multiplying the width, length, and thickness of the board, then dividing by 12.
Most lumber retailers sell lumber by the board foot. By taking both measurements, you spare yourself from having to recalculate your needs while at the lumberyard.
When calculating board feet, be careful to use the nominal thickness. A dimensioned board, or one that has been cut and planed to a uniform size, will have a nominal thickness that is larger than its actual thickness. For example, a dimensioned hardwood board that is ¾ in thick would have a nominal thickness of 1 inch.
Add a Waste Factor
Finally, make sure to add a waste factor. A waste factor is a percentage of excess material to account for what will be wasted. Most of the time, you won’t use a whole board. Parts will be cut off to make the board fit your application. While the cut-off can sometimes be repurposed, you will end up discarding a large amount of material even if you don’t make any mistakes. For this reason, most projects need more material than you will actually use.
In general, projects need a 10% to 30% waste factor. The exact percentage depends on the complexity of your project. A simple project, like flooring a rectangular room, may only need an extra 10% material to get the job done. Trim and moulding may need up to 15% waste factor to account for specialized miter joints, while more complex construction will require even more.
Estimate Lumber for Your Project in NJ
If you aren’t sure how much lumber you need for your project, you aren’t alone. You can get help at Jaeger Lumber. Our knowledgeable sales associates can help you choose the right products, calculate quantity, and go home with the right amount. If you need more, we can also deliver directly to your work site. Contact us today to learn more about our products or to start shopping for your construction or renovation project in New Jersey.
FAQs About Lumber Estimations
What is the difference between board feet and linear feet?
Linear feet measures only the length of a board. Board feet measures the volume of the board, meaning that it also accounts for the thickness and width. Most lumber retailers sell lumber in board feet.
How much extra lumber should I order?
How much extra lumber you should order depends on the complexity of your project. Simple projects can get away with a narrow waste factor of around 10%. More complex projects may need 15%, 20%, or even 30% extra material.
What measurements should I bring to a lumber yard?
The more detailed measurements you bring, the better. Bring the length, width, height, and spacing for your project, as well as the board width.