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WOOD SIDING SQFT->LFT Coverage

DON'T RUN SHORT!

1x8" Wood Siding
THIS is EIGHT inches?

Wood siding is often sold by the linear (or lineal) foot in 6", 8" and sometimes 10" and 12" widths. These widths are called NOMINAL "in name only" measurements.  The ACTUAL or "dressed" width will be less. 

BUYER BEWARE WARNING! Although there are wood siding industry standards like WWPA, WCLIB, WRCLA, CRA, NELMA - the actual thickness, width, pattern overlap and exposed face can vary from mill to mill. This variation can significantly impact the actual LFT VOLUME of wood you need to buy to cover YOUR specific SQFT area. 

Be sure to confirm the DRESSED pattern measurements with the mill BEFORE you buy. Running a hundred SQFT short can cost $$$$ if custom milling and shipping are involved.

1x8 DUTCH LAP WESTERN RED CEDAR SIDING - CUSTOMER RAN 10 FEET SHORT
1x8 DUTCH LAP WESTERN RED CEDAR SIDING - CUSTOMER RAN 10 FEET SHORT

To figure out how many linear feet (LFT) of siding you need you must multiply the square foot area you need to COVER by a linear factor based on the siding width you have selected 6", 8", 10". The Lineal Foot Factor is derived by dividing 12 inches by the individual pattern's "exposed" face - the width that will be visible after the siding boards are installed.

A) Calculate the square footage in walls: length x height = area SQFT

B) Calculate, and then subtract, the square footage of doors and windows

C) Add 10% to cover trim and waste to (B) which gives you the estimated SQFT you need to cover

D) Find your pattern and nominal width in the table below 

E) Multiply your estimated SQFT by the pattern's linear Foot factor

SQFT x LFT Factor = estimated Linear Feet you will need for the job. You MUST figure this out BEFORE you BUY!

The table values below are Buffalo "rule of thumb" measurements we use to provide ball park quotes. These measurements examples are for estimating only. They are based on industry pattern standards BUT can and WILL vary from mill to mill. 

When we quote your wood siding SQFT we will use the dimensions specific to the mill producing YOUR order. You will see those specifications on the confirmed quote BEFORE you commit to the order.  There are NO hidden gotchas!

T&G Cedar Siding Coverage

Nominal WidthDressed WidthExposed FaceLinear Ft Factor*
4"3 3/8"3"4
6"5 3/8"5"2.4
8"7 1/8"6 3/4"1.78
10"9 1/8"8 3/4"1.37

* assuming 3/8" board overlap


Shiplap Cedar Siding Coverage

Nominal WidthDressed WidthExposed FaceLinear Ft Factor*
6"5 1/2"5"2.4
8"7 1/8"6 3/4"1.78
10"9 1/4"8 3/4"1.37

* assuming 1/2" board overlap


Thin Bevel Cedar Coverage

Nominal WidthDressed WidthExposed FaceLinear Ft Factor*
4"3 1/2"2 1/2"4.80
5"4 1/2"3 1/2"3.43
6"5 1/2"4 1/2"2.67

* assuming 1" board overlap


Bevel Thick Butt Coverage

Nominal WidthDressed WidthExposed FaceLinear Ft Factor*
6"5 1/2"4 1/2"2.67
8"7 1/8"6 1/8"1.96
10"9 1/8"8 1/8"1.48

* assuming 1" board overlap


Dolly Varden Siding Coverage

Nominal WidthDressed WidthExposed FaceLinear Ft Factor*
6"5 1/2"5"2.40
8"7 1/8"6 5/8"1.81
10"9 1/8"8 5/8"1.39

* assuming 3/8" overlap, allow 1/8" gap


Channel Rustic Coverage

Nominal WidthDressed WidthExposed FaceLinear Ft Factor*
6"5 3/8"4 7/8"2.47
8"7 1/8"6 5/8"1.81
10"9 1/8"8 5/8"1.39

* assuming 1/2" board overlap


Dutch Lap (Cove & German Lap) Coverage

Nominal WidthDressed WidthExposed FaceLinear Ft Factor*
6"5 3/8"5"2.40
8"7 1/8"6 5/8"1.81
10"9 1/8"8 3/4"1.37

* assuming 3/8" board overlap


WAVY EDGE Siding Coverage

Nominal WidthDressed WidthExposed FaceLinear FT Factor*
10"9-1/2"7 1/2"1.6
12"11-1/2"9 1/2"1.26

* assuming recommended 2" board overlap


QTR Log Siding Coverage

Nominal WidthDressed WidthExposed FaceLinear FT Factor*
6"5-7/16"4 15/16"2.43
8"7-1/8"6 5/8"1.81
10"9-1/8"8 5/8"1.39

* assuming 1/2" board overlap. Note dressed dimensions are the same for both Rabbeted and NO Rabbet quarter log profiles


1x8" Pattern Coverage Example: If you are siding four walls 8 feet high by 40 feet long with 8" wide cedar siding boards and we allow 10% of the total square feet for openings, you would need approximately 2250-2450 linear feet depending on pattern selected:

  • SQFT AREA: 4 * 8 * 40 = 1280 SQ FT - 128 (10% openings) + 115 (10% trim/waste) = 1267 SQ FT
  • T&G: 1267 SQ FT * 1.78 linear factor = 2255.3 LFT
  • SHIPLAP: 1267 SQ FT * 1.78 linear factor = 2255.3 LFT
  • THIN BEVEL: not available in 1x8"
  • THICK BEVEL: 1267 SQ FT * 1.92 linear factor = 2432.6 LFT
  • DOLLY VARDEN: 1267 SQ FT * 1.77 linear factor = 2242.6 LFT
  • CHANNEL RUSTIC: 1267 SQ FT * 1.81 linear factor = 2293.3 LFT
  • DUTCH LAP: 1267 SQ FT * 1.77 linear factor = 2242.6 LFT
  • QTR LOG: 1267 SQ FT * 1.81 linear factor = 2293.3 LFT

These examples are for estimating only. They are based on industry pattern standards but CAN and WILL vary from mill to mill.  Be sure to confirm these dimensions with the mill before you order!

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