Blog

Guides on measuring, pricing, and buying lumber.

• How Many Board Feet Are in a 2x4?

  A 2x4x8 is 5.33 board feet. Here is the formula, a length chart for 8 to 16 ft studs, nominal vs actual sizing, and how to total a framing order.

• Doyle vs Scribner vs International: Which Log Rule Should You Use?

  Doyle, Scribner, and International log rules give three board foot totals for the same log. Here is how each one is biased and which to trust.

• How to Estimate Lumber Cost for a Woodworking Project

  Estimate lumber cost the right way: build a cut list, convert parts to board feet, add a waste factor, and multiply by price per board foot.

• Hardwood Prices per Board Foot: What to Expect

  Hardwood sells by the board foot. Species, grade, thickness, and figure all move the price. Planning ranges for common woods, plus how to budget.

• Nominal vs Actual Lumber Sizes, Explained

  A 2x4 is really 1.5 by 3.5 inches. Here is why nominal and actual sizes differ, a full size chart, and why board feet still use nominal.