Homeowners and builders often ask about the cost of a plank of wood. This article breaks down typical price ranges in USD, highlights what drives the cost, and shows concrete per-unit estimates to help with budgeting and quotes for projects that use standard planks.
Assumptions: Midwest or general U.S. labor rates, common softwood and hardwood species, standard 1×6 to 2×12 dimensions, and typical retail or lumberyard sourcing.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plank price per linear foot | $0.50 | $2.50 | $6.50 | Species and grade vary widely |
| Board foot price (avg wood volume unit) | $1.50 | $3.50 | $7.00 | Board foot = 12 in x 12 in x 1 in |
| Common softwood plank (e.g., pine, fir) | $0.50 | $1.75 | $3.00 | Unfinished, standard grade |
| Common hardwood plank (e.g., oak, maple) | $1.00 | $3.50 | $8.00 | Grade and species affect cost |
| Finished/planned surface plank | $2.50 | $6.00 | $12.00 | Prepped, planed, sanded |
Average Price for Common Wood Planks
Typical plank costs fall between softwoods and hardwoods. For a standard 1-inch thick board, expect around $1.50-$3.50 per board foot on average, with softer species at the lower end and premium lumber at the higher end. Prices also reflect grain quality, moisture content, and whether the plank is kiln-dried or air-dried.
Cost by Wood Type: pine, oak, maple, and cedar
Pine often leads with the lowest price range, roughly $0.50-$1.75 per linear foot for common boards. Oak and maple sit in the mid-range, $2.50-$5.00 per linear foot, depending on grade. Cedar can run $1.50-$4.50 per linear foot due to durability and aroma factors. Hardwoods typically cost more per foot or per board foot but offer greater stability for structural work.
Size and Thickness Impact on Price
Thickness and length drive material cost. A 1×6 plank will be cheaper per linear foot than a 2×12, and longer planks add delivery and handling charges. For example, a 6-foot 1×6 softwood may cost $0.75-$2.50, while a 10-foot 2×12 hardwood could run $12-$40 or more per piece depending on species. Expect roughly a 2x price multiplier when moving from 1-inch to 2-inch thickness.
Labor and Cutting Costs for Sized Planks
If the project requires cutting, milling, or surfacing, add labor and tool costs. Simple cutting by a supplier may add $0.25-$0.75 per foot, while on-site milling and planing can add $1.50-$4.00 per linear foot depending on equipment and crew size. Finished boards may include an extra finish layer or sand and seal, adding $0.50-$2.50 per linear foot.
Regional Price Variations Across the United States
Prices are typically highest in high-demand metro regions and lowest in rural areas. In coastal or urban markets, expect roughly a 10-20% regional premium over midwest benchmarks, while inland rural zones may be 5-15% cheaper. Delivery distance adds another layer of cost, often $0.50-$2.50 per mile depending on distance and supplier policy.
Per-Unit Estimates: Price Per Board Foot and Per Linear Foot
Boards may be sold by board foot or by linear foot. A 1×8 softwood board could be $1.00-$2.75 per linear foot, while hardwood 1x8s commonly run $2.50-$6.00 per linear foot. For board feet, a typical range is $1.50-$5.50 depending on species, grade, and drying method. Always verify unit pricing on quotes to avoid hidden markups.
Procurement Scenarios: Home Renovation vs. New Construction
Renovation projects often use smaller quantities of varied species, averaging $2.00-$5.00 per linear foot for common boards. New construction may require larger runs of uniform lumber, with prices trending higher per unit due to grade specification and delivery efficiencies. Bulk buys can reduce per-foot costs but may require higher upfront spending.
Ways to Reduce Plank Costs Without Sacrificing Quality
Options include selecting softer species, buying defect-reduced or factory-cleared lots, and emplacing efficient cutting plans to minimize waste. Consider drying method and thickness choices to balance durability with price. Bundling purchase with finishing or treatment services can yield modest savings. Careful project scoping and supplier quotes are essential to keep total costs predictable.
Major Cost Components in a Plank Purchase
| Materials | Labor | Delivery/Disposal | Taxes | Overhead | Contingency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0.50-$7.00 per linear foot | $0.30-$2.50 per linear foot | $0.50-$2.50 per mile or order | Varies by state | 5-12% of subtotal | 5-10% of subtotal |
| Board feet: $1.50-$7.00 | Labor to mill or finish: $1.00-$3.50 | Delivery grouping: included in order | Tax brackets apply | Shop and handling fees | Budget cushion for waste |
Assumptions: Boxed price ranges reflect typical lumberyard pricing, standard moisture content, and standard milling options across U.S. regions.