How much does lumber weigh?
Lumber weight is density times actual volume. The USDA Wood Handbook gives density at a moisture content as the density of water (62.43 lb/ft³) times the wood's specific gravity times (1 + moisture ÷ 100)[1]. At the 12% moisture of dry lumber that is about 69.9 × specific gravity.
| Species | Specific gravity | lb/ft³ | kg/m³ | 8 ft 2x4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Douglas-fir (coast) | 0.48 | 33.6 | 538 | 9.8 lb |
| Southern pine (loblolly) | 0.51 | 35.7 | 571 | 10.4 lb |
| White spruce (SPF) | 0.36 | 25.2 | 403 | 7.3 lb |
| Lodgepole pine (SPF) | 0.41 | 28.7 | 459 | 8.4 lb |
| Western hemlock (hem-fir) | 0.45 | 31.5 | 504 | 9.2 lb |
| Eastern white pine | 0.35 | 24.5 | 392 | 7.1 lb |
| Northern red oak | 0.63 | 44.1 | 706 | 12.8 lb |
| White oak | 0.68 | 47.5 | 762 | 13.9 lb |
| Sugar (hard) maple | 0.63 | 44.1 | 706 | 12.8 lb |
| Black walnut | 0.55 | 38.5 | 616 | 11.2 lb |
| Black cherry | 0.5 | 35 | 560 | 10.2 lb |
| Yellow-poplar | 0.42 | 29.4 | 470 | 8.6 lb |
| Western redcedar | 0.32 | 22.4 | 358 | 6.5 lb |
| Redwood (old growth) | 0.4 | 28 | 448 | 8.2 lb |
| Redwood (young growth) | 0.35 | 24.5 | 392 | 7.1 lb |
Specific gravities are from the Handbook's Table 5-3b[2]. The Handbook notes that specific gravity varies by about 10% within a species, so treat these as typical weights.
Use the actual size, not the nominal
Weight follows the wood that is there, so the calculator uses dressed sizes: a 2x10 is 1-1/2 × 9-1/4 in, not 2 × 10[3]. That is why a board foot (nominal) of dry Douglas-fir weighs less than the density ÷ 12 suggests. For board feet as sold, use the board foot calculator.
Wood weight calculator for hardwoods
Hardwoods are denser than framing softwoods: white oak is about 47.5 lb/ft³ against 25 lb/ft³ for white spruce. Choose Custom size for rough hardwood and enter the measured thickness and width; for a whole order, total the pieces in the lumber calculator.
Green and treated lumber
Lumber above 19% moisture is "green" and much heavier, because water fills the cells; pressure-treated lumber is often delivered wet from treatment. The calculator is for dry wood at 12%, so expect wet framing and decking to weigh noticeably more. Deck builders can check how much the boards add with the deck calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 2x4 weigh?
An 8 ft dry 2x4 weighs about 8.4 lb in lodgepole pine (SPF) and 10.4 lb in southern pine.
How much does a 2x10x12 weigh?
About 39 lb in dry coast Douglas-fir.
How do you calculate the weight of wood?
Multiply the actual volume by the density: 62.43 × specific gravity × 1.12 lb/ft³ for wood at 12% moisture.
What is the heaviest common lumber?
Of the species listed, white oak (about 47.5 lb/ft³) and hard maple and red oak (about 44 lb/ft³) are the heaviest.