How to Measure Wood

When buying lumber, it's important to get your measurements right. Here's how to make sure you do.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring Tapes
• Pencils
• Pencils
• Wood
• Pencils

1. Lay the wood flat.

2. Hold one end of a tape measure at one end of the wood, and pull the tape measure out to the desired length.

3. 

   Check that the tape measure is straight, comparing it to the edge of the wood. Adjust as necessary. When it is straight, mark the wood with a small pencil mark.

4. 

   Move the tape measure over a bit on the same surface of the wood. Measure it again and make a second pencil mark.

5. Remove the tape measure. With a square edge, connect the two pencil marks and check that they are perpendicular to the edge of the wood. If they are not, measure both marks again until correct.

6. 

   Draw a line connecting the lines when they are equally measured, using the straight edge.

7. Repeat on the other side of the wood, if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the measurements as many times as necessary. Remember: "Measure twice, cut once."
• If you are measuring a length too long to allow you to hold both ends of the tape measure, get a friend to help.

[christiantaylor]

on 10/27/2009 Whats the thickness measurement for wood and where can i find good red oak wood?

[mediumbob]

on 7/27/2009 Most importantly make sure the edge that you are measuring from is square, if you want it square and not a parallelogram.

on 11/22/2005 Different tapes will give you different measurements. This is because the tips of the tapes will have differing ammounts of play in them. For the most accurate measurements, start at an inch and measure, subtracting an inch from your final total.

on 11/22/2005 Don't forget to look straight down at the measurement. If you look at it at an angle you won't get an accurate measurement.