I'm curious about how much you all budget for wood in your DIY projects! Lately, I've been using natural birch (18mm) for building shop furniture, costing me about $60 per sheet, and I expect to use around 10 sheets this year. I also tried a walnut project, which was around $23 per board foot and totaled about $150. For those of you who approach woodworking as a hobby, what's your typical wood budget? I'm eyeing a transition to home furniture next year and want to keep my total budget at $1000. Just to add, I currently lack access to a jointer or planer, and I'm spending extra for lumber that is at least S3S.
6 Answers
I get what you mean about budgets! They vary so much depending on what I'm building. As a hobbyist, I try to keep costs in check, especially so my wife doesn't get too upset about spending too much. It's all about balancing my projects and the budget!
I adjust my budget based on my project. For example, I buy walnut around $7 per board foot, and cherry or red oak is about $4. Gotta budget smart!
I spend around $100 a month, using a mix of construction lumber and some cheap hardwoods like ambrosia maple and hickory, which costs about $3 per board foot. Most of my projects are small furniture and tool handles. Plus, my kids join in and use up some of my wood too, so they keep my costs interesting!
Every time I buy lumber, I feel like I'm saving compared to the prices on new furniture. It helps to think of it that way! Makes spending more on wood feel like an investment rather than a loss.
I'm probably spending over $2000 a year, but I mainly work with exotics. It really hinges on the type of wood. I noticed walnut can be pricey; I usually find good deals for about $7 per board foot. Getting marble wood for around that price is pretty rare!
Yeah, I totally get that! Local shops can mark things up. I often check larger supply stores to see if I can find better prices.
I'm all about saving costs — I mainly use free pallets, scraps, and OSB for my shop furniture projects. Anything to keep the budget down!
$3 per board foot sounds perfect for practice projects! I'm definitely on the hunt for similar prices.