Frequently asked questions.

While it’s difficult to anticipate customer questions, here are some that we hear quite often.

We also welcome your specific questions about your project requirements. We invite you to use our “Ask the experts” form or, better still, give us a call so that we can be sure to meet your needs precisely.

What is a Board Foot?

FBM (Foot Board Measure) is the unit of measurement for rough lumber. One fbm is equal to 144 cubic inches or 1 foot of 1″ x 12″.

How do you convert lineal feet to fbm?

The equation is: thickness x width x length (in inches) ÷ 144″.
Question: How many fbm are in 8′ of 1″ x 8″?
Answer: 1 x 8 x 96 ÷ 144 = 5.33 fbm.

How do you convert the price per fbm to the price per lineal foot?

The following equation is used when converting the price for rough
lumber only:
fbm price ÷ 12″ x thickness x width (in inches) = price/lineal foot

What is the difference between flat sawn, quarter sawn and rift sawn lumber?

When sawing lumber the most common method produces flat sawn lumber. This method can yield wide boards and boards where the grain has a cathedral appearance. Quarter and rift sawn lumber are both sawn to produce straight grained boards, quarter sawn having the straighter grain of the two. Quarter sawn lumber has growth rings cut at 60 – 90 degree angles to the face and rift sawn boards are cut at 30 – 60 degree angles to the face. Both quarter and rift produce narrow boards. There is greater waste from the log when producing quarter and rift sawn lumber resulting in a higher price.

What do the fractions on the bin labels in the warehouse represent?

The fractions represent the thickness of rough lumber. Lumber thickness is sawn in quarter inch increments beginning with 4/4 (1″ thick). To determine the thickness of the lumber divide the bottom number into the top, for example, 6/4 = 1 ½” thick, 8/4 = 2″ thick.

What is rotary cut and flat cut veneer?

Rotary cut (R/C) veneer is produced from peeling a log. This peeling process produces a continuous sheet of veneer and typically rotary cut plywood is laid up with one sheet of rotary cut veneer. Flat cut (F/C) veneer is produced from slicing a log and has the same cathedral appearance as flat sawn lumber. The veneers used when producing flat cut plywood are “sewn” together to make a sheet large enough to cover the core.

What is the ideal moisture content of lumber to be used for furniture, cabinets and other architectural applications?

The ideal moisture content for these applications is 6 – 8%. Although lumber can be kiln dried to this standard, keep in mind the moisture content will be affected by its environment.

What is kiln shrinkage?

During the process of kiln drying hardwood lumber the boards can shrink in width. Flat sawn lumber will shrink more than quarter sawn lumber. To allow for this factor while tallying lumber the boards measuring on the half inch are rounded up to the next inch. For example, a board measuring 5 ½” on the tape will be tallied as a 6″ board.