The Cost Per Board Foot Calculator is a tool used in the lumber industry to calculate the cost of wood products based on the volume of lumber purchased, measured in board feet. This calculator is particularly valuable for businesses involved in woodworking, construction, or any industry that requires the purchase or sale of lumber. It helps determine the cost efficiency of a purchase by factoring in the total price and the volume of lumber involved.
Board feet are a common unit of measure for lumber, representing a volume of wood that is 1 foot long by 1 foot wide by 1 inch thick. The Cost Per Board Foot Calculator allows users to understand how much they are paying per unit of lumber and provides insight into the overall value of their wood purchases or production.
Formula of Cost Per Board Foot Calculator
The formula for calculating the Cost Per Board Foot is:
Cost Per Board Foot = Total Cost ÷ Total Board Feet
Where:
- Total Cost is the overall cost of the lumber, which includes production, transportation, storage, or any other related expenses.
- Total Board Feet refers to the total volume of lumber being purchased or produced, measured in board feet. A board foot is a unit of volume in lumber that equals 1 foot long by 1 foot wide by 1 inch thick.
Breakdown of Variables
- Total Cost
The total cost includes all expenses associated with the lumber, such as:- Production Costs: These include costs for raw materials, labor, equipment, and any processes used to manufacture the lumber.
- Transportation Costs: The cost of delivering the lumber to the buyer or from the supplier.
- Storage Costs: This includes expenses for storing the lumber, such as warehouse rental, utilities, and insurance.
- Total Board Feet
The total board feet refers to the total volume of lumber. To calculate board feet, the formula is:Board Feet = (Length in Inches × Width in Inches × Thickness in Inches) ÷ 144The resulting value will tell you how many board feet are in a given piece of lumber. For example, a 12-foot-long, 6-inch-wide, 1-inch-thick piece of lumber would be calculated as:Board Feet = (12 × 6 × 1) ÷ 144 = 0.5 board feet
General Terms and Pre-Calculated Values Table
| Term | Pre-Calculated Value |
|---|---|
| Average Cost of Lumber | $2–$7 per board foot |
| Standard Lumber Dimensions | 8', 10', 12' lengths, 6", 8", 12" widths |
| Average Transportation Cost | $0.50–$1 per board foot |
| Storage Costs per Board Foot | $0.05–$0.30 per month per board foot |
| Average Lumber Production Cost | $1–$4 per board foot |
This table provides industry-standard values that can be helpful when calculating cost per board foot or comparing different suppliers or production methods.
Example of Cost Per Board Foot Calculator
Scenario: A construction company needs to calculate the cost per board foot for lumber they are purchasing for a project. The details are as follows:
- Total Cost of Lumber: $10,000
- Total Board Feet: 5,000 board feet
Step 1: Apply the Formula
Cost Per Board Foot = Total Cost ÷ Total Board Feet
Cost Per Board Foot = $10,000 ÷ 5,000 = $2 per board foot
Conclusion:
In this example, the company is paying $2 per board foot for the lumber. This calculation helps them determine the cost-efficiency of their purchase and allows for easier price comparisons with other suppliers.
Most Common FAQs
Calculating the cost per board foot allows businesses to understand the cost efficiency of their lumber purchases, track expenditures, and ensure they are getting the best value for their money. It also helps with budgeting and pricing decisions in construction, woodworking, and other industries reliant on lumber.
To reduce the cost per board foot, consider purchasing lumber in bulk, finding suppliers that offer better pricing, or improving production efficiency. Streamlining transportation and storage processes can also lower costs. Additionally, using more cost-effective types of wood for certain applications can help reduce expenses.
The size and type of lumber can significantly affect its cost per board foot. Specialty woods, hardwoods, or treated lumber tend to be more expensive than standard softwoods. Additionally, larger dimensions or thicker cuts can increase the cost per board foot, as they require more raw material and processing.