Using Lumber Take-offs

NOTE-- We replaced MacNail with the improved Goldenseal construction software back in 2000. However, we still keep the MacNail manuals online, for die-hard users! Goldenseal provides accounting, construction estimating, and project management, plus simple construction project scheduling. It runs on Macintosh and Windows computers, and includes a networking version. Lumber takeoffs work about the same in Goldenseal, as they do in MacNail.

Construction Lumber Takeoffs

For framing and trim lumber, the material takeoff units in the MacNail construction scheduling software are in lineal feet. To convert lineal feet to total number of pieces:

1. Type the desired lumber length into column B of the takeoff list.
2. The total number of pieces to order will be calculated for you, and displayed in column C.

Items that don't need a length to be entered display dashes (--) in the pieces column. For these items, just ignore "pieces" and order from the Quant column instead.

For wall studs, type in the stud height as the lumber length. The listed quantity will include top and bottom plates, as well as studs. You may want to order some longer lengths for plates. If you do so, be sure to subtract them from the calculated quantity in the MacNail project management software.

For floor joists on irregular projects, you will probably need to make a manual takeoff of necessary joist lengths. For rectangular projects, MacNail's calculated quantities should be sufficient.

You should still use your experience to double check the takeoff list. It does not include some minor items (such as hardware), and some job site conditions may significantly throw off its numbers.

Quantities in the pieces and the Quant columns are rounded to the nearest whole number. To see the exact quantity, click in the cell and look at the formula bar.

HINT: This technique is especially useful for materials that are ordered in fractional units-- for example, cubic yards of concrete or squares of roof shingles.