Winterizing a house depends on its type, size, location, and more. Our guide breaks down how much it costs to winterize a home.
Lumber Calculator: How Much Lumber Do I Need?
You don’t need to knock on wood to get the right amount of lumber
Photo: Chris Rogers / The Image Bank / Getty Images
Photo: Chris Rogers / The Image Bank / Getty Images
Highlights
Lumber is available in linear and board feet, depending on the materials you purchase.
For accurate lumber purchases, you'll need to make multiple calculations.
The average cost of framing is between $8 and $10 per sq. ft.
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Calculating how much lumber you need for a construction or woodworking project starts with having a plan. You can use this to help get accurate measurements, whether you're stick framing or woodworking. This lumber calculator will help you determine the amount of materials you need based on what you're constructing.
How Much Lumber Do I Need for Construction?
Lumber is available for purchase by the linear foot or board foot. If you're framing a structure, the most common building method is stud construction. Determining how much lumber you need for a framing job is a matter of knowing the length and stud spacing of the components.
The table below lists the number of studs placed 16 inches on-center that you'll need for various wall lengths. Add the top and bottom plate lumber to the total.
| Wall Length | Number of Studs |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6 |
| 10 | 9 |
| 16 | 13 |
| 20 | 16 |
How to Calculate Lumber
Photo: Aleksandr Potashev / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
When calculating how much lumber you'll need for framing, you'll need to know the on-center measurement for studs and the length and size of any joists and beams, plus account for waste. To get the most accurate totals, calculate the linear feet of stud-framed sections and board feet for other sections, such as top and bottom plates and other support structures.
For stud framing, determine your needs by dividing the length in inches by the on-center measurement for studs, then add one stud for the end.
Number of Studs = Wall Length (in inches) / On-Center Spacing (in inches) + 1
Then, add the board feet calculations for the top and bottom plates and support structures.
Board Feet = Length (in feet) x Width (in inches) x Thickness (in inches) / 12
Add 10% to 15% for waste and order your lumber using both calculations.
How to Measure Lumber
When framing a house, estimate your lumber needs using your construction drawings. When stud framing, remember that you'll need header materials as well as stud pieces, depending on the size of the openings.
To determine sheeting requirements for the roof and walls, multiply the height by the width of each surface to get the total area and divide the total by the area of each piece of material.
How to Measure Stairs for Deck Building
Building a deck involves slightly different measuring techniques. Accuracy is essential to help manage your deck-building costs. Fortunately, your general contractor costs include material estimating if you hire a pro.
You can use the stud framing estimating method to determine the number of joists you'll need and the board foot or linear foot method to determine decking materials.
How to Measure for Woodworking
Board feet measurements represent 1 square foot of lumber that's 1 inch thick. While helpful for some framing applications, it's indispensable for woodworking projects where you'll be shaping and planing the wood.
Who to Hire for Framing
While avid DIYers often tackle small framing projects, most people hire a house framer for anything other than simple woodworking projects. Local carpenters will know the ins and outs of your area's building codes, handle all the estimates, and obtain any necessary building permits for the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
The homeowners guide to contractor services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Sometimes, all your home needs is a new wall to make a room or provide an updated function to an existing space. Learn how much it costs to install a new wall.
Strong floor joists are the key to a structurally safe home. The cost of floor joist repair will often come down to what is causing the problem.
What is dry rot and how do you manage it? Dry rot is a fungus that attacks wood. Learn how to get rid of it before it causes structural damage.
Deciding between using cedar vs pressure-treated wood for your outdoor project comes down to budget, appearance, durability, maintenance, and other factors.
Aging in place is a lifestyle for seniors who prefer living in the comfort of their homes as they age, but what is aging in place? Keep reading to find out.
