Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
| Label | Length (in) | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long side | 48 | 4 | Two levels of boards |
| Short side | 24 | 4 | Two levels of boards |
| Stakes | 18 | 8 | Corner and mid supports |
Tip: Use a kerf around 0.125 in for common blades. Adjust for your saw and cutting style.
Formula Used
- Total cut length = sum(piece_length × quantity).
- Kerf allowance per board = (number_of_cuts_on_board − 1) × kerf.
- Board used length = sum(cuts_on_board) + kerf_allowance.
- Boards needed is estimated using first-fit decreasing packing.
- Total stock length = boards_needed × stock_board_length.
- Waste length = total_stock_length − (total_cut_length + total_kerf).
- Waste % = (waste_length ÷ total_stock_length) × 100.
- Grand total = subtotal + tax + contingency.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the units you will enter for each piece length.
- Set the stock board length based on what you can buy.
- Enter your saw kerf so each board plan stays realistic.
- Add every piece you need, including stakes and braces.
- Press Calculate Cut List to generate the cut sheet.
- Review waste and cost, then download CSV or PDF.
- Cut board by board, marking each piece before sawing.
Cut planning for repeatable garden builds
A cut list turns a sketch into a repeatable build sequence. By listing every rail, stake, brace, and cross member, you prevent shortages and reduce mid‑project redesign. Group identical pieces and confirm quantities before purchase to keep raised beds, trellises, and frames consistent. This calculator converts requirements into a board-by-board plan that is easy to follow.
Kerf and real-world allowance
Every saw cut removes material. The kerf value represents blade thickness and is added between consecutive cuts on one board. Ignoring kerf can cause the final piece to come up short, especially when many small parts are produced. Including kerf also helps compare stock sizes, because fewer cuts per board can lower loss.
Waste measurement and improvement
Waste is total stock length minus the sum of cut lengths and kerf allowance. Waste percentage shows how efficiently boards are used. If waste is high, consider a different stock length, reorder pieces, or adjust noncritical dimensions for better nesting. In garden builds, small changes can eliminate an extra board and reduce clutter. Track offcuts and reuse them for corner blocks, spacers, or garden labels when suitable during repairs and seasonal upgrades.
Units, accuracy, and field execution
Projects often mix inches, millimeters, and centimeters. Converting inputs to one internal unit keeps calculations consistent while allowing flexible entry. After generating results, mark boards with a tape and pencil, then label pieces to match the sheet. Cutting in the listed sequence reduces mistakes and supports clean assembly.
Cost control and procurement checks
The estimate multiplies boards needed by unit price, then applies optional tax and a contingency percentage. Contingency covers knots, warping, and miscuts common in outdoor lumber. Use totals to compare vendors and grades, and use board count to validate transport capacity. Pair the downloads with your materials list for purchasing and workshop notes.
FAQs
1) What stock length should I choose?
Use the length you can reliably buy and transport. Try 8 ft and 12 ft scenarios to compare waste and board count before purchasing.
2) How do I pick a kerf value?
Check your blade specification or measure a test cut. Common kerf values are about 1/8 in for many circular saw blades.
3) Why is a piece marked oversize?
An oversize piece is longer than the selected stock board length. Choose longer stock, splice the design, or revise the required piece length.
4) Does the calculator guarantee the absolute best layout?
It uses a practical first-fit decreasing method. Results are usually efficient, but you can sometimes reduce waste by adjusting piece order or stock length.
5) Should I include extra length for trimming?
Yes, when precision is critical. Add a small trim allowance to the piece length, then final-trim during assembly for cleaner joints.
6) How should I use the downloads on site?
Print the PDF as a cut sheet and keep the CSV for records. Label boards and pieces to match the sheet, then cut and stage parts in groups.