How much lumber do I need?

"Add up the board feet you need," Steve Wall, of Steve H. Well Lumber Company, suggests. "Then order 50 percent more than the project calls for. That figures out to be a 33-percent waste factor." Remember that "waste" doesn't necessarily end up in the scrap bin; it likely will have use in a smaller project. "It's not like you're buying bread," Steve added, "your lumber will keep for another project."Before you finalize your order, inquire how many board feet you'll need to qualify for a volume discount. To lower costs, consider adding your order to that of another woodworker.