How Much Does Your Lumber Weigh?
Quickly estimate your lumber weight and find the right dumpster for your project.
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How Do I Calculate Lumber Weight?
Calculate the total linear feet of lumber you need to dispose of for accurate weight estimation. Our calculator will recommend the right roll off dumpster size for your debris. Call our team for a more customized recommendation.
Common Types of Lumber:
- Green lumber: Unseasoned wood that retains moisture, making it heavier than kiln-dried options.
- Kiln-dried lumber: Dried in a controlled environment to remove moisture, making it lighter than green lumber.
- Pressure-treated lumber: Chemically treated for durability, commonly used in outdoor projects.
- Plywood & particle board: Compressed wood materials often used in construction and furniture.
Lumber can be surprisingly heavy, and estimating its weight correctly is key to choosing the right dumpster size. Use our calculator to determine how much your wood debris weighs before renting a dumpster.
How Much Does Lumber Weigh?
Lumber weight depends on the type of wood, its moisture content and its dimensions. Freshly cut green lumber weighs significantly more than kiln-dried or pressure-treated wood. In most cases, lumber is measured by the board foot, a standard unit of measurement used to estimate volume.
What Is a Board Foot?
A board foot is a unit used to measure volume of lumber, equal to 144 cubic inches — the same as a piece of wood that is 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches long. To calculate board feet, multiply the thickness (in inches) by the width (in inches) and the length (in feet), then divide by 12.
Average Lumber Weights per Board Foot
Type of Lumber | Average Weight per Board Foot |
|---|---|
Green Lumber | 3-4 pounds |
Kiln-Dried Lumber | 2-3 pounds |
Pressure-Treated Lumber | 2.5-3.5 pounds |
Plywood & Particle Board | 2-4 pounds |
Pro Tip: Hardwood Weighs More Than Softwood
Hardwood is typically heavier and denser than softwood, which makes a big difference when calculating lumber weight. Make sure to account for the type of lumber you’re disposing of to avoid exceeding your dumpster’s weight limit.
Common Hardwoods:
- Oak
- Maple
- Walnut
- Cherry
Common Softwoods:
- Pine
- Cedar
- Spruce
- Fir
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Lumber Weight FAQs
How much does a 2x4 weigh?
A standard 2x4 board weighs between 1.2 and 2.5 pounds per foot, depending on moisture content and treatment. A standard 8-foot 2x4 weighs around 9 pounds.
What’s the difference between green and kiln-dried lumber?
Green lumber contains higher moisture levels, making it heavier, while kiln-dried lumber has been dried to reduce weight and prevent warping.
How much does plywood weigh?
A standard 4x8 plywood sheet typically weighs between 40 and 60 pounds, depending on the thickness and type. Thinner sheets (around 1/4 inch) will be closer to 40 pounds, while thicker plywood sheets (3/4 inch) can weigh up to 60 pounds or more. Keep in mind that specialty or treated plywood sheets may weigh slightly more.
Can I put lumber in a dumpster?
Yes, most types of lumber can go in a dumpster, including common construction wood, plywood sheets and dimensional lumber. However, there are some exceptions. Painted, stained or pressure-treated lumber is sometimes allowed, but certain areas may have restrictions due to chemicals used in treated wood. If you’re unsure about a specific type of lumber, read our lumber disposal guide or give us a call — we’ll help you find the right disposal solution.
How do I estimate the weight of my wood debris?
Use our lumber calculator by selecting the type and size of your lumber and entering the total feet you need to dispose of.
What size dumpster should I rent for a large amount of wood debris?
A 20 yard or larger dumpster is typically ideal for big lumber disposal projects. We often recommend a 20 yard dumpster with a 2 to 3 ton weight limit (4,000 to 6,000 pounds) for larger disposal projects. This translates to approximately 220 to 270 standard 8-foot 2x4s, depending on the type and size of the wood. Reach out if you need help choosing the right dumpster size.
How do I dispose of construction lumber?
You can toss most construction lumber into a dumpster for quick and easy disposal. If the wood is untreated, you may also recycle or repurpose it. However, painted or pressure-treated lumber cannot be recycled due to chemical treatments — it must be disposed of properly in a landfill. Renting a dumpster is the most efficient way to get rid of large amounts of treated wood.
Lumber Disposal Resources
Lumber Disposal How-To
Learn the best methods for recycling, repurposing or disposing of wood waste.
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