Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Feb 04, 2009 05:35am | #1

   Brian,

   The traditional way to measure and sell unplaned lumber was by the board foot, a measure of volume. A board foot is 144 cubic inches of wood. The classic example being a board 1 foot wide by 1 foot long by 1 inch thick, However, a board 4 inches wide by 2 inches thick by 18 inches long would also be a board foot since it also contains 144 cubic inches. For someone who has spends a lot of time in the trade, using board feet will eventually become second nature.

   A lot of mills now price wood by the foot since it is an easier system to use for smaller quantities being bought by less experienced woodworkers, it certainly requires less math. Presumably, if the mill is being honest, you will get the same amount of wood for the same price no matter which system is being used.

   John White

2. 
   ralpher | Feb 20, 2009 09:51pm | #2

   A BOARD FOOT IS A PC. ONE INCH THICK BY 12"W X 12" LONG - A LINEAL FOOT JUST GIVES YOU THE LENGTH OF THE BOARD  - EXAMPLE - 1 PC. -  1"X 6" X 10' LONG IS 10 LINEAL FEET BUT ONLY 5 BOARD FEET - WHILE A PC 1" X12" X 10' - IS 10 LINEAL FEET & 10 BOARD FEET - HOPE THIS HELPS - RALPHER