Board Foot
Definition and meaning of Board Foot in real estate.
A board foot is a specialized unit of volume measurement used in the United States lumber industry to quantify rough wood.
In more detail
One board foot is equivalent to a piece of lumber that is twelve inches long, twelve inches wide, and one inch thick. This measurement represents a volume of 144 cubic inches. When buying rough-sawn lumber for construction or remodeling projects, prices are typically quoted per board foot rather than by linear foot.
To calculate board feet, you multiply the nominal thickness in inches by the nominal width in inches by the length in feet, then divide by twelve. This unit is important for contractors and developers because it allows them to calculate material costs accurately, regardless of the different dimensions of the boards being ordered.
Key facts
| Category | Property Types & Construction |
|---|---|
| Unit volume | 144 cubic inches (1 foot by 1 foot by 1 inch) |
| Formula | (Thickness in inches x Width in inches x Length in feet) / 12 |
| Primary use | Pricing and measuring rough-cut lumber in bulk |
A builder calculates the cost of ten rough cedar planks that are two inches thick, six inches wide, and eight feet long, finding that they equal eighty board feet in total.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a board foot and a linear foot?
A linear foot measures only the length of a board, whereas a board foot measures the total volume of wood, accounting for thickness, width, and length.
Why do nominal and actual lumber sizes differ?
Nominal size is the rough dimension before the wood is dried and planed smooth, which reduces the final actual size of the board.