Lumber & Framing
Lumber & Framing Calculators
Free lumber calculators starting with board feet. Calculate lumber volume, total cost, and order size for hardwood, framing, and millwork projects.
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All Lumber & Framing calculators
Reference
Quick answers for lumber & framing
Quick answer
How Many 2×4s Do I Need for a 10×10 Room?
A 10×10 ft room with 8-ft ceilings framed with 2×4s on 16-inch centers needs about 88 boards: 30 studs, 24 plate-feet (8 boards), 16 boards for openings/blocking, and 10% waste. Plan on 90-100 boards bought for a clean job.
Quick answer
What Are the Actual Dimensions of a 2×4?
A 2×4 actually measures 1.5 × 3.5 inches. The name comes from the rough-sawn size out of the mill — by the time the lumber is planed smooth and kiln-dried, it loses about ½ inch on each face. Plan layouts using the actual size.
Quick answer
Linear Feet vs Board Feet: What is the Difference?
Linear feet measures only length. Board feet measures volume (thickness in inches × width in inches × length in feet ÷ 12). One linear foot of a 2×8 equals 1.33 board feet. Hardwood is sold by the board foot; softwood framing is sold by the piece or linear foot.
FAQ
Frequently asked
A board foot is 144 cubic inches of lumber: 1 inch thick × 12 inches wide × 12 inches long, or any equivalent volume. Hardwood is sold by the board foot; softwood framing is usually sold by piece or linear foot.
Lumber is named at its nominal (rough-sawn) size, then planed and dried — those steps remove ¼" to ½" on each face. Board-foot calculations use the NOMINAL size for softwood framing and the actual planed size for surfaced hardwood.