Lumber Weight Calculator

Factors Affecting Weight

• Moisture Content: The listed weights are based on lumber with a 12% moisture content, which is standard for kiln-dried wood. However, actual moisture content can vary:
  • Green Lumber: Contains over 30% moisture, making it significantly heavier and prone to warping or shrinkage as it dries.
  • Kiln-Dried Lumber: Usually has 6%–8% moisture for indoor use, and 9%–14% for exterior applications.
  • Air-Dried Lumber: Typically falls within this range, depending on ambient conditions.
• Grade and Treatment: The wood’s grade and any treatments (e.g., pressure treatment or chemical preservatives) can also affect weight slightly. Treated lumber often retains more moisture, making it heavier.

Western Red Cedar is favored not only for its light weight but also for its natural resistance to decay, dimensional stability, and ease of handling. Whether for residential or large-scale applications, understanding the weights of both nominal and actual dimensions helps ensure accurate material estimation and efficient transportation planning. Learn more about Western Red Cedar and how to properly finish it.

Understanding Nominal vs. Actual Sizes

Nominal lumber sizes are the dimensions commonly used in the industry, but the actual sizes are smaller due to the milling and finishing process. For instance, a nominal 4" x 4" Western Red Cedar timber typically measures about 3.5" x 3.5". This difference applies to all nominal sizes and is essential to understand for accurate planning and material calculations.