Board Foot Price Factors by Species
To compare hardwood prices quoted in different units, convert everything to board feet. This chart gives the conversion factor for common plank sizes and typical 2026 US price ranges by species.
Conversion factors
| Plank size | Board feet per sq ft | Sq ft per board foot |
|---|---|---|
| ¾" × 2¼" | 0.141 | 7.1 |
| ¾" × 3¼" | 0.203 | 4.9 |
| ¾" × 5½" (1×6) | 0.344 | 2.9 |
| ¾" × 7¼" (1×8) | 0.453 | 2.2 |
| 4/4" × 5½" | 0.458 | 2.2 |
| 4/4" × 8¼" | 0.688 | 1.5 |
Rough lumber is billed as 4/4 (1 inch nominal) even after surfacing to 13/16 or ¾, so use the 4/4 row when a yard quotes by volume.
Typical 2026 US price ranges
| Species | Grade | Range per board foot | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oak (white/red) | FAS | $5.50 – $12 | Hard, prominent grain, open pore — takes stain well |
| Maple (hard) | FAS | $5 – $11 | Dense, subtle grain, hard to stain evenly |
| Walnut | FAS | $9 – $22 | Cocoa colour with sapwood streaks, prized for furniture |
| Cherry | FAS | $4.50 – $9 | Fine grain, darkens noticeably with light |
| Birch | Select | $3 – $6 | Even pale colour, good for painted furniture |
| Mahogany | FAS | $7 – $16 | Stable, outdoor resistant, ships as genuine or African mahogany |
| Teak | FAS | $18 – $40 | Outdoor and marine standard, very expensive |
| Poplar | FAS | $2.50 – $5 | Paint-grade, uniform, the cheapest hardwood option |
| Alder | FAS | $3 – $6 | Soft, easy to machine, stains blotchy if not sealed first |
Regional variation is large. Urban Northeast and West Coast markets run 20–40% above rural and Southern yards for the same FAS stock. Sapwood and knots move a board down a grade quickly — ask for FAS, not "select".
Where to buy
Compare current pricing across major suppliers — prices vary by region and season.
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