WoodCalcs.uk
Timber Cost Calculator — Estimate Lumber Costs
Calculate the total cost of timber based on quantity and your price per unit. Supports per metre, board foot, cubic metre, and per piece pricing.
Add VAT to the estimate (rate adjustable under Advanced options)
How We Calculate This
This calculator estimates timber costs based on your chosen pricing method.
Pricing methods
- Per linear metre: Price × (length in mm ÷ 1000)
- Per board foot: Price × board feet (from thickness, width, length)
- Per cubic metre: Price × volume in m³
- Per piece: Flat price per board
VAT
When VAT is enabled, the chosen VAT rate is added to the subtotal. It defaults to 20% (the current UK standard rate), but you can change it under Advanced options — the result labels update to show the rate you actually used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Softwood from timber merchants is usually priced per linear metre at a given cross-section size (e.g. £3.50/m for 47×100mm C16). Hardwood is often priced per board foot or per cubic metre. Sheet goods are priced per sheet. Prices vary significantly between merchants.
Yes, timber in the UK is subject to 20% VAT. Trade merchants usually display prices ex-VAT while retail shops often include VAT. This calculator lets you toggle VAT on or off depending on how your merchant quotes.
C16 and C24 are strength grades for structural softwood under BS EN 338. C24 is stronger and more expensive. For non-structural woodworking projects, the grading matters less than the wood quality (straightness, knots, moisture content).
Buy in bulk for discounts, compare at least 3 timber merchants, consider rough-sawn over planed if you have a thicknesser, and look for pack deals on common sizes. Online timber merchants can sometimes offer better prices than local yards.
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Last updated: February 2026
All calculations are estimates. Always verify measurements and material quantities before cutting or purchasing.