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Estimating BF for projects

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Forum topic by Safetyboy posted 1918 days ago 381 views 0 times favorited 4 replies Add to Favorites Watch
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Safetyboy

118 posts in 1926 days


1918 days ago

If I have a project that needs “X” amount of board feet of lumber, how much extra should I estimate and purchase to include waste, cutoffs, screw-ups, and other things?

An extra 10%, 20%, 30%?

I’m sure it varies to some extent for each person, but considering I’m still relatively a beginner, what would you recommend?

- Thanks, Kevin

-- -- Kevin in Mentor, Ohio




4 replies so far

View gizmodyne's profile

gizmodyne

1762 posts in 2257 days


#1 posted 1918 days ago

I do 20%. It gives you some choices and some scrap. Better than running out.

-- -John "Do I have to keep typing a smiley? Just assume it's a joke." www.flickr.com/photos/gizmodyne

View Scott Bryan's profile

Scott Bryan

27262 posts in 1989 days


#2 posted 1918 days ago

I agree with Giz. The other consideration is in price break. If you get a price break with a certain amount, i.e. 100 bf, you may just want to buy the number of bf to get the price break. This gives you extra lumber for the next project.

-- Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful- Joshua Marine

View dennis mitchell's profile

dennis mitchell

3994 posts in 2481 days


#3 posted 1918 days ago

Also depends on the type of wood. I order clear Alder I get 3 inch wide by 6 feet stock…I order Oak I get 10 inch wide by 12 feet.

View Dick, & Barb Cain's profile

Dick, & Barb Cain

8681 posts in 2466 days


#4 posted 1918 days ago

Sometimes I’ve bought No. 2 oak boards for a very good price. I bought plenty because if you eliminate the knots,

it takes more, But lumber that has knots in it tends to have more figure in the grain.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

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