A 1x4 that is 3ft long would be 1 board foot of lumber. Because it is the equivalent volume of 1x12x12
Example: if you have a dozen 2x4s that are 10' long then you have 80 board feet of lumber.
I would only order on-line for those exotic woods not found in the local lumber yard. If common pine 2x4's and the like is all you need, by local. If you need zebra wood or honduras mahogany, or other exotic woods, then your local lumber yard won't be stocking it and you have to get it online and they charge by the board foot.
A great site with a great selection of exotic woods and prices
http://www.exoticlumberinc.com/price_lis...
Not necessarily, for instance 24x 6x1 is a board foot as well. here's a link for you.
http://www.boardfootcalculator.com/index...
I'm doing a project where I need some wood from online. I've been reading up and I've found that a board foot is a unit that is 12" by 12" by 1". I know that some companies will give you slightly more and charge you for it, but does this mean that for every board foot I order, I'll get roughly a 12" by 12" by 1" piece? Will I get a different size piece that works out to the same volume or something? The project calls for exact measurements and I want to make sure I'll get what I plan on getting. Long story short: If I order 1 board foot of material, will I get 12" by 12" by 1" of wood?
