Start Out Thick Rough lumber thicknesses are measured in 1/4-in. increments. The thinnest rough-cut boards, labeled 4/4, and called four quarter, are 1-in thick, Its tough to get surfaced stock thicker than 13/16-in. from 1-in rough stock, Plan to lose 3/16-in (1/4-in.on thicker stock) when you plane a roughsawn board smooth. Hardwood — lumberyards commonly stock species in 4/4 and 8/4 thicknesses, with additional sizes available based on supply and demand. Be Prepared ‘Take atape measure and calculator with you when you go tothe lumberyard so you can measure the boards you choose and figure out how much they'll cost. Because roughsawn boards come in random widths and lengths (no two are alike) they're ‘measured by volume, which can be calculated by using a simple formula. The standard unit, a board foot (bd. ft.), measures 12-in, x 12-in, x 1-in.-thick, or 144 cubic inches BOARD-FOOT FORMULA Width x Length x Thickne: (ininches) (infeet) (in inches) Because bd. ft. is a measure of volume, any combination of thickness (minimum 1 in.), width and length that equals 144 cubic inches also equals one bad. Rough lumber is sold based on its cost per bd. ft. Some species are more pricey than others, and thicker boards cost ‘more per bd. ft. than thin ones. To determine cost, simply multiply the total number of bd. ft. in the boards you've selected by the bd. ft price. 12 Board Feet 9"x4'x 2" + 12 =6 bd. ft. cost @ $7/bd. ft. = $42 SS +