How much does hardwood lumber cost per board foot?

Prices vary widely by species and grade. Common domestic hardwoods: poplar $3-5/BF, red oak $4-7/BF, hard maple $5-8/BF, black walnut $8-14/BF, cherry $5-10/BF. Exotic species can range from $10-50+/BF. Prices also depend on thickness, width, grade, and your location.

Why add a waste factor to lumber cost?

Waste accounts for saw kerf, defect removal, planing, jointing, and cutting errors. Most woodworking projects should budget 10-15% waste. Complex projects or lower-grade lumber may need 20-30%.

Is it cheaper to buy rough or surfaced lumber?

Rough lumber is usually cheaper per board foot, but you need to factor in the cost of surfacing it yourself (planer, jointer, and time). If you don't own these tools, buying S2S or S4S lumber often makes more sense despite the higher per-BF cost.

Lumber Cost Calculator | Wood Species Library

Formulas Used

Board Feet per Piece

BF = (Thickness × Width × Length) ÷ 12

Where thickness and width are in inches, length in feet.

Total Cost

Cost = BF × (1 + Waste%) × $/BF × (1 + Tax%)

Multiply total board feet (including waste) by price per BF, then add sales tax.

How to Estimate Lumber Costs for Your Project

Accurately estimating lumber costs before starting a project prevents budget surprises and helps you comparison shop between suppliers. This calculator lets you build a complete lumber list with multiple board sizes and quantities.

Understanding Lumber Pricing

Hardwood lumber is priced by the board foot (BF). One board foot equals a piece of wood 1" thick × 12" wide × 1' long. Prices vary based on:

Species — Common species like poplar and oak are more affordable; walnut and exotics cost more
Grade — FAS (First and Seconds) is the highest grade and most expensive; #1 Common and #2 Common are progressively less expensive
Thickness — Thicker stock (8/4, 12/4) typically costs more per BF than 4/4
Width — Wide boards often command a premium
Surfacing — S2S or S4S lumber costs more than rough-sawn
Quantity — Many dealers offer discounts at 100+ or 500+ BF

Typical Hardwood Prices (2024)

| Species | 4/4 Price Range | 8/4 Price Range | |---------|----------------|------------------| | Poplar | $3-5/BF | $4-6/BF | | Red Oak | $4-7/BF | $5-9/BF | | Hard Maple | $5-8/BF | $6-10/BF | | Black Cherry | $5-10/BF | $7-12/BF | | White Oak | $5-9/BF | $7-11/BF | | Black Walnut | $8-14/BF | $10-18/BF | | Mahogany | $8-15/BF | $12-20/BF |

Tips for Saving on Lumber

Buy rough lumber and surface it yourself if you have the tools
Use lower grades — #1 Common is great for shorter pieces
Mix species — use poplar for hidden parts, premium wood for visible surfaces
Buy in bulk when possible to access volume discounts
Check for shorts and offcuts — many yards sell these at a discount

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Board Foot Calculator: Lumber Volume & Cost

Calculate board feet from lumber dimensions — thickness, width, length, quantity, with waste factor and cost estimates.

Wood Weight Calculator: Lumber in lb & kg

Estimate solid lumber weight from actual dimensions or board feet, using a selected species density or your own verified density.

Lumber Cost Calculator