Timber Calculator UK 2026
Instantly calculate timber volume, linear metres, board feet, weight, and surface area. Perfect for joinery, framing, decking, and carpentry projects across the UK.
Timber Specifications
Enter your timber dimensions to calculate volume and requirements
Select the species for accurate weight estimation.
How many identical pieces do you need?
10-15% for framing, 15-25% for joinery, 20-30% for complex cuts.
Timber Calculation Results
Volume, linear metres, weight, and ordering requirements
Enter your timber dimensions above and click Calculate Timber Requirements to see your detailed results.
Common UK Timber Sizes & Species
Standard dimensional timber sizes used in the UK, along with typical density and common applications for each species.
| Timber Species | Density (kg/m³) | Common Sizes (mm) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pine (Scots/Redwood) | 470 – 510 | 38×89, 47×100, 47×150 | Structural framing, joinery, furniture |
| Spruce (Whitewood) | 450 – 470 | 38×89, 47×100, 47×225 | Roof trusses, floor joists, carcassing |
| European Oak | 690 – 720 | 25×100, 50×150, 75×200 | High-end joinery, beams, flooring |
| Beech | 680 – 720 | 25×100, 50×150 | Worktops, stair treads, tool handles |
| Western Red Cedar | 370 – 390 | 19×145, 25×150 | Cladding, fencing, outdoor furniture |
| Iroko | 640 – 660 | 25×100, 50×150 | External joinery, decking, worktops |
| MDF | 700 – 800 | 6, 9, 12, 18, 25mm sheets | Cabinetry, furniture, painted finishes |
| Plywood | 450 – 650 | 6, 9, 12, 18, 25mm sheets | Sheathing, flooring, structural panels |
Timber Calculator FAQ
Everything you need to know about calculating timber volumes, linear metres, board feet, and ordering requirements for UK carpentry projects.
To calculate timber volume in cubic metres, multiply the length (m) × width (m) × thickness (m) of a single piece, then multiply by the number of pieces. For example, a 2.4m × 0.1m × 0.05m piece has a volume of 0.012 m³. This calculation is essential for ordering timber by volume from merchants.
A board foot is a unit of measurement used in the timber industry, equal to 144 cubic inches (approximately 2.36 litres). To calculate board feet: (Length in inches × Width in inches × Thickness in inches) ÷ 144. For metric: (Length m × Width mm × Thickness mm) ÷ 2360. Board feet are commonly used for pricing hardwood.
Timber weight varies significantly by species. Softwoods like pine weigh approximately 400-500 kg/m³, while hardwoods like oak weigh 600-750 kg/m³. Tropical hardwoods like iroko can weigh 650 kg/m³, and dense woods like greenheart can exceed 1000 kg/m³. Always check the specific species for accurate weight calculations.
Nominal size is the traditional name of the timber (e.g., 4×2 or 100×50mm), while actual (finished) size is the dimension after planing and drying. A nominal 4×2 typically measures approximately 89×38mm finished. Always use actual sizes for structural calculations and volume estimates to ensure accuracy.
For standard framing and structural timber, allow 10-15% wastage. For joinery and high-quality hardwood, allow 15-25% due to defects, knots, and cutting requirements. Complex projects with many cuts, angles, or curved pieces may require 20-30% wastage allowance. Always round up to the nearest standard length when ordering.
Common UK structural timber sizes include 2×1 (38×22mm), 3×2 (63×38mm), 4×2 (89×38mm), 6×2 (140×38mm), and 9×2 (220×38mm). For planed all round (PAR) timber, common sizes are 18×44mm, 44×44mm, 44×69mm, 44×95mm, and 44×145mm. Standard lengths are 1.8m, 2.4m, 3.0m, 3.6m, 4.2m, and 4.8m.