Free Lumber Cost Estimator
Enter board feet and price — cost updates instantly.
Lumber Price Estimator
Board Feet to Cost Calculator
Calculate total lumber cost from board feet and price per BF. Perfect for contractors, woodworkers, and hardwood buyers budgeting material.
Interactive Price Breakdown
See how board footage and price per BF combine to determine your total lumber cost.
Cost Breakdown Bars
Values update as you enter data above.
Hardwood Pricing Guide
Typical North American hardwood prices per board foot (retail, rough-sawn, FAS grade):
| Species | Price Range (USD/BF) | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Red Oak | $3.00 – $5.00 | Cabinets, flooring, furniture |
| White Oak | $4.00 – $7.00 | Barrel staves, boat building |
| Hard Maple | $4.00 – $7.00 | Cutting boards, countertops |
| Black Walnut | $8.00 – $14.00 | Fine furniture, gunstocks |
| Cherry | $5.00 – $9.00 | Cabinetry, millwork |
| Poplar | $2.00 – $3.50 | Painted trim, utility |
💡 Prices are approximate retail. Sawmill direct and bulk orders are typically 20–40 % lower.
Cost Estimation Examples
| Project | Board Feet | Species | $/BF | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining table top | 42 | Walnut | $10.00 | $420.00 |
| Kitchen cabinets | 250 | Red Oak | $4.00 | $1,000.00 |
| Bookshelf | 30 | Maple | $5.50 | $165.00 |
| Deck framing | 600 | Southern Pine | $2.00 | $1,200.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate lumber cost from board feet?
Total Cost = Board Feet × Price per Board Foot. For example, 450 BF at $5.20/BF = $2,340.
What is the average price per board foot of hardwood?
Red Oak: $3–5/BF. Walnut: $8–14/BF. Maple: $4–7/BF. Cherry: $5–9/BF. Prices vary by region, grade, and season.
Does board foot pricing include cutting waste?
No. Board foot pricing covers raw lumber only. Add 10–15 % for cuts, defects, and grain matching.
Why is walnut more expensive per board foot?
Black walnut grows slowly, has limited supply, and is in high demand for fine furniture and gunstocks.
How do I estimate cost for a full project?
Calculate total board feet needed, add 10–15 % waste, then multiply by the price per BF for your chosen wood species.
Are softwood prices also measured in board feet?
Often yes for dimensional lumber, though softwood like pine and spruce may also be sold by the linear foot or per piece at retail.
Related Calculators
Board Foot Calculator
Calculate board feet from dimensions.
Lumber Waste Calculator
Add waste % to your order.
Board Foot to Cubic Meter
Convert board feet to metric.
Estimate Your Lumber Budget
Instant, accurate board feet to cost calculation for any wood species.
Calculate Cost →