Cost of Hardwood Lumber per Board Foot (5 Key Grading Secrets)

Alright, let’s dive into the fascinating world of hardwood lumber pricing and grading. My goal here is to equip you, whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting to explore the craft, with the knowledge to confidently navigate the hardwood lumber market. I want you to understand how prices are determined and how to decipher the sometimes-mystifying grading system. By the end of this piece, you’ll be armed with insider secrets to get the best value for your money and make informed decisions about the lumber you buy.

Key Takeaways:

• Hardwood lumber prices are influenced by species, thickness, grade, and regional availability.
• The National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) grading system is the industry standard, but understanding its nuances is crucial.
• “FAS” (Firsts and Seconds) is the highest grade, offering the clearest, longest cuttings, but it comes at a premium.
• Lower grades like “Common” grades can be incredibly cost-effective for smaller projects or when character is desired.
• Always inspect lumber in person, if possible, to verify grade and identify potential defects.

The Cost of Hardwood Lumber per Board Foot: 5 Key Grading Secrets

I’ve spent years knee-deep in sawdust, transforming raw lumber into everything from delicate furniture to sturdy timber frames. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that understanding hardwood lumber grading and pricing is absolutely essential. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about choosing the right wood for the job, maximizing your yield, and ultimately, creating a better finished product.

My First Brush with Hardwood Grading: A Costly Lesson

I remember my early days in the workshop like it was yesterday. I had a grand vision for a cherry dining table, and I was determined to build it myself. I walked into the lumber yard, wide-eyed and ready to spend. The lumber dealer, seeing my enthusiasm (and probably my naivety), steered me towards a stack of beautiful, but pricey, FAS cherry. I didn’t know any better. I bought it, hauled it home, and started cutting. Only then did I realize that I was paying a premium for clear, long boards when my design called for shorter pieces with plenty of character. I essentially paid for perfectly clear sections that ended up as offcuts. That was an expensive lesson in understanding hardwood grades!

Understanding the Board Foot: The Lumber Currency

Before we delve into the grading secrets, let’s clarify the basic unit of measurement: the board foot.

• Definition: A board foot is a volume of wood that measures 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches long. (1″ x 12″ x 12″)

• Calculation: To calculate the board footage of a piece of lumber, use the following formula:

  (Thickness in inches x Width in inches x Length in inches) / 144

  For example, a board that is 2 inches thick, 8 inches wide, and 60 inches long would be:

  (2 x 8 x 60) / 144 = 6.67 board feet

• Why it Matters: Lumber prices are almost always quoted per board foot. So, understanding this measurement is crucial for comparing prices and estimating the cost of your project.

Factors Influencing Hardwood Lumber Prices

The price of hardwood lumber is a dynamic figure, swayed by a multitude of factors. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements that impact the cost you’ll see at the lumberyard:

• Species: Different species have different price points. Rare or slow-growing species like Walnut, Cherry, and Maple typically command higher prices than more common species like Poplar or Red Oak. Supply and demand is a major driver here. If a species is in high demand but difficult to source, the price will naturally increase.

  • Data Point: According to recent market analysis, Walnut lumber prices have increased by approximately 15% in the last year due to increased demand from furniture makers.
  • Grade: As we’ll explore in detail, the grade of the lumber significantly impacts its price. Higher grades (like FAS) are more expensive due to their clear, defect-free nature.

  • Thickness: Lumber thickness is usually expressed in quarters of an inch (e.g., 4/4 = 1 inch, 8/4 = 2 inches). Thicker lumber generally costs more per board foot due to the longer drying times and increased raw material required.

  • Example: 8/4 (2-inch thick) Red Oak might cost 20% more per board foot than 4/4 (1-inch thick) Red Oak.

  • Regional Availability: Lumber prices can vary significantly depending on your location. Transportation costs and local supply and demand play a major role. Lumber that has to be shipped long distances will be more expensive.

  • Personal Anecdote: I once sourced some beautiful Black Locust lumber from a small mill in Pennsylvania. The price was significantly lower than what I could find at my local lumberyard in California, but the shipping costs almost negated the savings.

  • Drying Method: Kiln-dried lumber is generally more expensive than air-dried lumber due to the controlled drying process, which reduces the risk of warping and cracking.
  • Market Conditions: General economic conditions, housing starts, and global demand can all influence lumber prices. During periods of high demand, prices tend to rise.

  • Seller: Prices can vary between lumberyards, specialty dealers, and online retailers. It pays to shop around and compare prices.

  • Tip: Don’t be afraid to negotiate! Especially if you’re buying a large quantity of lumber.

5 Key Grading Secrets: Unlocking the NHLA System

The National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) grading system is the industry standard for hardwood lumber in North America. While it can seem complex at first, understanding the basic principles will empower you to make informed purchasing decisions. The NHLA grading rules are based on the percentage of clear, defect-free cuttings that can be obtained from a board. A “cutting” is a piece of lumber that is free of defects on one face. The better the grade, the higher the percentage of clear cuttings.

Here are the 5 key grading secrets you need to know:

1. FAS (Firsts and Seconds): The Cream of the Crop

• Description: FAS is the highest grade of hardwood lumber. It represents the best the tree has to offer. Boards must be a minimum of 6 inches wide and 8 feet long.
• Cutting Requirements: To qualify as FAS, a board must yield at least 83 1/3% (10/12) clear cuttings on its poorest face. Cuttings must be a minimum of 4 inches wide and 5 feet long, or 3 inches wide and 7 feet long.
• Why it’s Expensive: FAS lumber is prized for its clear, consistent appearance and long, wide boards. This makes it ideal for high-end furniture, architectural millwork, and other applications where appearance is critical.
• When to Use It: Use FAS when you need long, clear pieces of lumber and are willing to pay a premium for the best quality.

• Caveats: FAS doesn’t necessarily mean perfect. Even FAS lumber can have minor defects, such as small knots or mineral streaks.

  • Expert Insight: “FAS is often overused,” says master furniture maker Thomas Bennett. “Many projects don’t require the clear, long boards that FAS provides. For smaller pieces, you can often get excellent results with lower grades.”

2. FAS One Face (F1F): A Cost-Effective Alternative

• Description: F1F is similar to FAS, but only one face of the board meets the FAS requirements. The other face must meet the requirements for at least the No. 1 Common grade.
• Cutting Requirements: One face must yield at least 83 1/3% clear cuttings, while the other face must meet the No. 1 Common requirements (more on that later).
• Why it’s Useful: F1F offers a good balance of quality and cost. It’s a great option when you only need one clear face.
• When to Use It: Use F1F for projects where one face will be visible and the other will be hidden, such as cabinet doors or drawer fronts.
• Money-Saving Tip: Always specify which face you want to be the “good” face when ordering F1F lumber.

3. Selects: Short and Sweet

• Description: Selects are similar to FAS, but they allow for shorter boards. Boards must be a minimum of 4 inches wide and 6 feet long.
• Cutting Requirements: Selects must meet the same cutting requirements as FAS.
• Why it’s a Good Value: Selects can be a good option if you don’t need long boards. They are often less expensive than FAS.
• When to Use It: Use Selects for smaller projects or when you can use shorter pieces of lumber.
• Project Example: Selects are perfect for building small boxes, cutting boards, or other small woodworking projects.

4. No. 1 Common: The Workhorse Grade

• Description: No. 1 Common is a utility grade that offers a good balance of quality and cost. Boards must be a minimum of 3 inches wide and 4 feet long.
• Cutting Requirements: To qualify as No. 1 Common, a board must yield at least 66 2/3% (8/12) clear cuttings. Cuttings must be a minimum of 3 inches wide and 3 feet long, or 4 inches wide and 2 feet long.
• Why it’s Versatile: No. 1 Common is a versatile grade that can be used for a wide range of projects. It’s a good choice when you’re not overly concerned about having perfectly clear lumber.
• When to Use It: Use No. 1 Common for furniture frames, cabinet interiors, or any project where you can work around the defects.

• Character is Key: No. 1 Common often has more character than higher grades, such as knots, mineral streaks, and color variations. This can add to the visual appeal of your project.

  • Case Study: A local woodworker I know specializes in building rustic furniture using No. 1 Common lumber. He embraces the natural defects and imperfections in the wood, creating unique and beautiful pieces.

5. No. 2 Common: Rustic Charm on a Budget

• Description: No. 2 Common is the lowest grade of hardwood lumber that is typically used for woodworking. Boards must be a minimum of 3 inches wide and 4 feet long.
• Cutting Requirements: To qualify as No. 2 Common, a board must yield at least 50% (6/12) clear cuttings. Cuttings must be a minimum of 3 inches wide and 2 feet long.
• Why it’s Affordable: No. 2 Common is the most affordable grade of hardwood lumber.
• When to Use It: Use No. 2 Common for projects where appearance is not critical, such as crates, pallets, or paint-grade furniture. It can also be used for rustic projects where the defects are considered a feature.
• Think Creatively: With careful planning and cutting, you can still get usable pieces of lumber from No. 2 Common.
• Caution: No. 2 Common can have significant defects, such as large knots, splits, and wane (bark on the edge of the board).

Beyond the Basics: Additional Grading Considerations

While the NHLA grading system provides a solid foundation, there are some additional factors to consider when evaluating hardwood lumber:

• Color: Color can be an important factor, especially for species like Cherry and Walnut. Look for consistent color throughout the board.
• Grain Pattern: Grain pattern can vary widely within a species. Some grain patterns are more desirable than others. For example, quarter-sawn lumber (lumber sawn perpendicular to the tree’s rings) is often prized for its stability and unique grain pattern.

• Moisture Content: The moisture content of the lumber is critical. Lumber that is too wet or too dry can warp, crack, or shrink. Ideally, lumber should be dried to a moisture content that is appropriate for your region and the intended use.

  • Data Point: The ideal moisture content for interior woodworking projects is typically between 6% and 8%.
  • Defects: Be aware of common defects, such as knots, splits, checks (small cracks), wane, and insect damage.
  • Surfacing: Lumber is often sold rough-sawn (unsurfaced) or surfaced on one or two sides (S1S or S2S). Surfaced lumber is more expensive but requires less preparation.
  • Heartwood vs. Sapwood: Heartwood, the wood from the center of the tree, is generally darker and more resistant to decay than sapwood, the wood from the outer layers. The amount of heartwood and sapwood can vary depending on the species and the grade of the lumber.

Seeing is Believing: The Importance of In-Person Inspection

While knowing the grading rules is helpful, nothing beats inspecting the lumber in person. Whenever possible, visit your local lumberyard and hand-select your boards.

Here are some tips for inspecting hardwood lumber:

• Look at Both Faces: Check both faces of the board for defects.
• Sight Down the Board: Sight down the length of the board to check for straightness. Look for any bows, crooks, or twists.
• Check the Ends: Check the ends of the board for splits or checks.
• Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask the lumber dealer questions about the lumber. They can often provide valuable information about the species, grade, and drying process.
• Bring a Measuring Tape: Bring a measuring tape to verify the dimensions of the lumber.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Reject Boards: If you’re not happy with the quality of the lumber, don’t be afraid to reject it.

Case Study: Comparing Costs and Yields

Let’s consider a hypothetical project: building a small coffee table with dimensions of 24″ x 48″ x 18″ high. We’ll assume we need approximately 10 board feet of lumber after accounting for waste. Let’s compare the cost and potential yield of FAS Cherry versus No. 1 Common Cherry:

• FAS Cherry:
  • Price: $12.00 per board foot
  • Cost for 10 board feet: $120.00
  • Expected Yield: High yield due to clear, long boards. Minimal waste.
• No. 1 Common Cherry:
  • Price: $8.00 per board foot
  • Cost for 10 board feet: $80.00
  • Expected Yield: Lower yield due to knots and other defects. More waste.

In this scenario, the No. 1 Common Cherry is significantly cheaper upfront. However, you might need to purchase 12-15 board feet to account for the increased waste. Even with the additional waste, the No. 1 Common could still be more cost-effective, especially if you’re willing to embrace the character of the wood.

Hardwood Lumber Pricing in the Digital Age: Navigating Online Options

The internet has revolutionized many industries, and the hardwood lumber market is no exception. Online retailers now offer a convenient way to purchase lumber from the comfort of your home. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind:

• Shipping Costs: Shipping costs can be significant, especially for large or heavy orders. Be sure to factor shipping costs into your overall budget.
• Color Variation: The color of lumber can vary significantly from one board to another. It’s difficult to assess color accurately from online photos.
• Grading Accuracy: Online retailers may not always accurately represent the grade of the lumber. Read reviews and check the retailer’s return policy before making a purchase.

• Reputation: Choose reputable online retailers with a proven track record of customer satisfaction.

  • Tip: Consider ordering a small sample pack of lumber before placing a large order online. This will allow you to assess the quality and color of the lumber firsthand.

Sustainable Sourcing: Making Responsible Choices

As woodworkers, we have a responsibility to source our lumber sustainably. Here are some tips for making responsible choices:

• Look for FSC-Certified Lumber: The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a non-profit organization that promotes responsible forest management. Look for lumber that is certified by the FSC.
• Support Local Mills: Buying lumber from local mills helps to support local economies and reduces transportation costs.
• Use Reclaimed Lumber: Reclaimed lumber is lumber that has been salvaged from old buildings or other sources. Using reclaimed lumber helps to conserve natural resources.

• Consider Alternative Species: Consider using less common species of lumber that are more readily available and sustainably harvested.

  • Example: Instead of using Walnut, consider using Sapele, a readily available and more sustainable alternative.

Tool Maintenance: Keeping Your Lumber Processing Equipment in Top Shape

Of course, none of this matters if your tools aren’t up to the task. Regular maintenance of your saws, planers, and jointers is crucial for efficient and accurate lumber processing.

• Saw Blades: Keep your saw blades sharp and clean. Dull blades can cause tear-out and make it difficult to cut accurately.
• Planer Blades: Keep your planer blades sharp and properly aligned. Dull blades can cause snipe (a dip at the beginning and end of a board) and make it difficult to achieve a smooth surface.
• Jointer Knives: Keep your jointer knives sharp and properly aligned. Dull knives can cause tear-out and make it difficult to create a flat, square edge.

• Dust Collection: Invest in a good dust collection system to keep your shop clean and safe. Sawdust can be a fire hazard and can also cause respiratory problems.

  • Data Point: Studies have shown that effective dust collection can reduce the risk of respiratory problems by up to 80%.

The Future of Hardwood Lumber Pricing and Grading

The hardwood lumber industry is constantly evolving. New technologies and changing market conditions are shaping the way lumber is priced and graded.

• Digital Grading: Some companies are developing digital grading systems that use cameras and sensors to automatically assess the grade of lumber. This technology could potentially improve the accuracy and efficiency of the grading process.
• Online Marketplaces: Online marketplaces are becoming increasingly popular for buying and selling lumber. These marketplaces offer a convenient way for buyers and sellers to connect and transact.
• Sustainable Forestry Practices: Sustainable forestry practices are becoming increasingly important as consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Hardwood Lumber Selection

Understanding hardwood lumber grading and pricing is a journey, not a destination. The more you learn about the different species, grades, and drying methods, the better equipped you’ll be to make informed purchasing decisions. Remember to inspect the lumber in person, if possible, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. By mastering the art of hardwood lumber selection, you’ll be able to create beautiful and durable woodworking projects that will last for generations.

Now, go out there, explore your local lumberyard, and start building! And remember, that even if you make a mistake (like I did with that cherry table), it’s all part of the learning process. Happy woodworking!

Call to Action:

• Project Time: Plan a small woodworking project using No. 1 Common lumber to practice working with character-grade wood.
• Tool Check: Inspect your saw blades and planer knives. Are they sharp and ready for your next project? If not, consider sharpening or replacing them.
• Lumberyard Visit: Visit your local lumberyard and ask the staff about the different grades and species of lumber they offer.

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