
Brazilian Walnut: Much more expensive than oak.Maple: Slightly harder than oak and lighter in color.Graining often helps hide scratches and dents. Oak: Less expensive than some options.There are several different kinds of wood available for various home projects. A 2-by-8 is actually 1 1/2 inches thick by 7 1/4 inches wide.

As an example, a 2-by-4 is actually 1 1/2 inches thick by 3 1/2 inches wide. If you are not experienced in buying lumber, remember that all lumber is identified by its nominal size, which is different than the actual size. When the lumberyard gives you the price, multiply it by the linear feet you want, and you’ll find your decking price. Then, call a lumberyard and ask the price per foot on that size and species of lumber, such as 2-by-6 construction heart redwood. For many homeowner projects, linear feet are the easiest way to calculate your needs.įor instance, if building a deck out of 2-by-6 lumber, you would use your plans to first measure the total length of decking boards you need.

If ordering a large amount by board feet, just multiply the total board feet needed by the price per board foot for the total cost.Ī linear foot describes a 12-inch long piece of lumber. You can measure board feet by multiplying length x width x thickness in inches, and then dividing by 144.
#2 INCHES ACTUAL SIZE HOW TO#
How to Use Board Feet:Ī single board foot is one square foot of wood that is one inch thick. Here’s a breakdown of each type of lumber measurement. Lumberyards normally deal in board feet, particularly on large orders, but they work in linear feet equally well.
