Trestlewood Material Estimator
Estimation Summary
Total Square Footage Needed: 0 sq. ft.
Estimated Lineal Footage: 0 ft.
Estimated Material Cost: $0.00
*Calculation includes the specified waste factor for reclaimed wood variances.
Understanding Trestlewood Material Calculations
When working with reclaimed wood from Trestlewood—whether it is barn wood siding, hand-hewn timbers, or reclaimed flooring—accurate estimation is critical. Unlike new lumber from a big-box store, reclaimed materials carry unique characteristics like knots, checking, and historical character that require specific calculation methods.
The Importance of the Waste Factor
Standard construction projects often use a 5-10% waste factor. However, for Trestlewood reclaimed products, a 15% to 20% waste factor is highly recommended. This accounts for:
- End-trimming to remove split ends.
- Defect cutting to remove unwanted historical marks.
- Variations in board widths and thickness.
- Milling losses if the material is being re-sized on-site.
Lineal Feet vs. Square Feet
Most Trestlewood cladding and flooring are sold by the Square Foot (SF), while timbers and trim are often sold by the Lineal Foot (LF) or Board Foot (BF). To convert square footage to lineal footage, use the formula:
Lineal Feet = (Square Feet × 12) ÷ Board Width in Inches
Example Calculation
If you have an accent wall that is 10 feet wide and 12 feet high, your total surface area is 120 square feet. If you are using 6-inch wide reclaimed barn wood with a 15% waste factor:
- Adjusted Area: 120 sq. ft. + 15% (18 sq. ft.) = 138 sq. ft. total.
- Lineal Footage: (138 × 12) / 6 = 276 lineal feet of boards.
- Total Cost: If the wood is $14 per sq. ft., the cost would be 138 × $14 = $1,932.
Pro Tips for Ordering
Always confirm if the product is "as-is" or "milled." Milled Trestlewood products (S3S or S4S) generally have a lower waste factor than raw, "as-is" reclaimed lumber. If you are ordering Trestlewood timbers, remember that "Board Footage" measures volume (12″x12″x1″), which is a different calculation than simple surface area.