Timber Quantity Calculator Australia 2026 | Free Estimation Tool
AS 1720 Timber Standards
Timber Quantity Calculator Australia
Professional timber estimation for construction and renovation projects
Calculate timber volumes, linear metres, board metres, and material costs for framing, decking, flooring, and cladding projects. Accurate Australian timber calculations with wastage allowances for 2026 building standards.
AS 1720 Compliant
Multiple Timber Types
Free Calculator
Instant Estimates
🪵 Professional Timber Quantity Calculator
Accurate timber calculations for all your construction needs
✓ Complete Timber Calculations
Calculate timber quantities for framing, decking, flooring, cladding, and joinery applications. Convert between linear metres, board metres, and cubic metres. Includes wastage allowances and cutting factors. Compliant with NCC 2026 timber construction requirements for Australian projects.
✓ Multiple Timber Species
Supports calculations for all common Australian timber species including pine, hardwood, treated timber, and engineered wood products. Accounts for different sizes, grades, and applications from structural framing to decorative finishes with species-specific density and pricing data.
✓ Cost Estimation
Generate accurate material cost estimates based on 2026 Australian timber pricing. Compare softwood versus hardwood options, calculate delivery costs, and evaluate budget alternatives. Includes current market rates for treated pine, hardwood, and specialty timbers across all states.
🪵 Calculate Timber Requirements
Select timber type and enter project dimensions
Project Dimensions
Floor to ceiling height
Combined wall length
Centre-to-centre spacing
Length dimension
Width dimension
Individual board width
Timber Specifications
Common timber sizes
Timber type and grade
Accounts for cuts, defects, and wastage
Total Linear Metres
0
Linear metres including wastage
Quantity Breakdown
Number of Pieces
0
Volume
0
Board Metres
0
Weight
0
Material Details
Timber Specification:-
Standard Length:-
Pieces Required:-
Wastage Included:-
Cost Estimation (2026 Pricing)
Price per Linear Metre:-
Material Cost:-
Delivery Estimate:-
Total Estimated Cost:-
Understanding Timber Measurements
Timber quantities are measured and sold using three main units in Australia: linear metres, board metres (also called super metres), and cubic metres. Understanding these measurements is essential for accurate material ordering and cost estimation. Linear metres measure length only, regardless of width or thickness. Board metres (m²) measure surface area, calculated as length × width. Cubic metres (m³) measure volume, calculated as length × width × thickness.
For construction projects in 2026, most structural timber is sold by linear metre for specific dimensions (e.g., 90×45mm studs), while flooring and decking are typically priced per square metre of coverage. Bulk timber orders may be quoted per cubic metre. The Australian timber industry follows AS 1720 timber structures standards and AS 2082 visually stress-graded timber standards, ensuring consistent sizing and quality across suppliers nationwide.
Timber Dimensioning Reference
90mm x 45mm
140mm x 45mm
240mm x 45mm
Common Australian Timber Sizes
Standard framing timber dimensions - actual sizes may vary slightly
Timber Measurement Conversions
📏 Linear Metres
Linear metres (LM or m) measure length only, ignoring width and thickness. Used for pricing individual timber pieces like studs, joists, and beams. Example: a 90×45mm stud 2.7m long = 2.7 linear metres. To order: divide total linear metres needed by standard length (typically 3.0m, 3.6m, 4.8m, or 5.4m) to determine number of pieces required.
📐 Board Metres (Square Metres)
Board metres or super metres (m²) measure surface area, calculated as length × width in metres. Used for decking, flooring, and cladding where coverage area matters. Example: 140mm (0.14m) wide decking board 5.4m long = 0.756 m². Coverage factor accounts for spacing between boards - typical 90mm decking with 5mm gaps covers approximately 1.1 m² per m² of boards.
📦 Cubic Metres
Cubic metres (m³) measure volume, calculated as length × width × thickness in metres. Used for bulk timber orders and volume-based pricing. Example: 90×45mm (0.09×0.045m) timber 3.6m long = 0.01458 m³. Conversion: 1 m³ of 90×45mm timber = approximately 69 pieces of 3.6m length. Bulk cubic metre pricing often 10-15% cheaper than per-piece pricing.
🔄 Conversion Formulas
Linear to Cubic: LM × width (m) × thickness (m) = m³. Board to Cubic: m² × thickness (m) = m³. Pieces to Linear: Number of pieces × length per piece = LM. Coverage: m² of boards ÷ coverage factor = m² covered. Coverage factors: 90mm boards = 1.1, 140mm boards = 1.08, flooring with tongue & groove = 1.12.
Common Australian Timber Species
Australia uses both native hardwoods and plantation softwoods for construction and finishing applications. Species selection depends on structural requirements, durability needs, appearance preferences, and budget constraints. Understanding timber properties ensures appropriate specification for each application in 2026 building projects.
Timber Species
Density (kg/m³)
Primary Uses
2026 Price Range ($/LM)
Treated Pine (H3)
450-550
External framing, decking, fencing
$4.50 - $8.00
MGP10 Pine
450-550
Internal framing, structural
$3.80 - $6.50
Spotted Gum
900-1100
Decking, flooring, structural
$18.00 - $35.00
Blackbutt
850-900
Flooring, decking, cladding
$15.00 - $28.00
Merbau
800-900
Decking, outdoor structures
$12.00 - $22.00
Jarrah
850-950
Flooring, decking, feature timber
$16.00 - $30.00
Cypress Pine
650-700
Internal framing, termite-resistant
$8.00 - $14.00
LVL Engineered
600-650
Beams, joists, structural
$10.00 - $18.00
Treated Pine (H3)
Density:450-550 kg/m³
Uses:External framing, decking
Price (90x45):$4.50 - $8.00/LM
MGP10 Pine
Density:450-550 kg/m³
Uses:Internal framing, structural
Price (90x45):$3.80 - $6.50/LM
Spotted Gum
Density:900-1100 kg/m³
Uses:Decking, flooring, structural
Price (140x19):$18.00 - $35.00/LM
Blackbutt
Density:850-900 kg/m³
Uses:Flooring, decking, cladding
Price (140x19):$15.00 - $28.00/LM
Merbau
Density:800-900 kg/m³
Uses:Decking, outdoor structures
Price (140x19):$12.00 - $22.00/LM
Timber Framing Calculations
Calculating timber quantities for wall framing requires understanding stud spacing, plate requirements, and structural member sizing. Australian residential construction typically uses 90×45mm studs at 450mm or 600mm centres, with 90×35mm top and bottom plates. The calculation must account for corners, openings, and structural requirements per AS 1684 residential timber framing code.
📐 Number of Studs Required
Number of Studs = (Wall Length ÷ Stud Spacing) + 1 + Extra for Corners
Stud spacing in metres (0.45m or 0.60m), add 1 stud per corner and 2 per opening
📐 Linear Metres of Studs
Linear Metres = Number of Studs × Stud Height
Stud height typically 2.4m, 2.7m, or 3.0m depending on ceiling height
📐 Plate Timber (Top & Bottom)
Plate Linear Metres = Wall Length × 2 (or × 3 for top double plate)
Standard practice uses single bottom plate and double top plate for load distribution
Example calculation: 40m of wall at 2.7m height with 450mm spacing. Number of studs = (40 ÷ 0.45) + 1 = 90 studs (rounded up). Linear metres of 90×45mm studs = 90 × 2.7 = 243 LM. Plates = 40 × 3 = 120 LM. Total = 363 LM of framing timber before wastage allowance of 10-15%.
Decking and Flooring Calculations
Decking and flooring calculations convert area coverage to linear metres of boards, accounting for board width and spacing gaps. The coverage factor compensates for gaps between boards and edge wastage during installation. Proper calculation ensures adequate material ordering while minimizing expensive wastage of premium timber species.
✓ Decking Calculation Method
Calculate Total Area: Length × width of deck area in square metres
Apply Coverage Factor: Multiply area by coverage factor to account for gaps between boards (90mm boards = 1.10, 140mm boards = 1.08)
Convert to Linear Metres: Required m² ÷ board width in metres = linear metres needed
Add Wastage: Increase by 10-15% for cutting waste, defects, and pattern matching
Calculate Pieces: Total linear metres ÷ standard board length (typically 3.6m, 4.2m, or 5.4m) = number of boards
Round Up: Always round up to nearest whole board - partial boards still cost full price
Example: 6m × 4m deck (24 m²) using 140mm hardwood boards with 5mm gaps. Coverage factor = 1.08, so need 24 × 1.08 = 25.92 m² of boards. Convert: 25.92 ÷ 0.14 = 185.1 linear metres. Add 15% wastage = 212.9 LM. Using 5.4m boards = 39.4, round to 40 boards required. Total cost at $20/LM = $4,258 for materials in 2026 pricing.
Wastage Allowances and Cutting Factors
Wastage occurs from cutting to length, defective timber, pattern matching, and off-cuts too short for use. Industry standard wastage allowances vary by project complexity, timber grade, and installer experience. Proper wastage estimation prevents project delays and additional delivery charges while avoiding excess material costs.
Additional factors affecting wastage include timber quality (lower grades have more defects requiring culling), standard lengths available (closer matching to required lengths reduces wastage), site access (restricted areas increase cutting complexity), and design complexity (angles, curves, patterns increase waste). Premium hardwoods typically require higher wastage allowances due to natural characteristics like gum veins, checks, and color variation requiring selective use.
Structural Timber Sizing and Spans
Structural timber sizing follows AS 1684 residential timber framing specifications, which define maximum spans for joists, bearers, beams, and rafters based on timber species, grade, spacing, and load conditions. Proper sizing ensures compliance with building codes and structural safety. The 2026 Australian building standards maintain strict requirements for load-bearing timber members.
Floor Joists: Typical 90×45mm or 140×45mm MGP10 pine at 450-600mm spacing. Maximum span 2.4-3.6m depending on grade and spacing. Increase to 190×45mm or 240×45mm for longer spans up to 4.8m. Engineered LVL beams can span 6-8m for open-plan areas.
Bearers: Support floor joists, typically 140×45mm to 240×45mm depending on span and load. Span 2.0-3.5m between supports. Doubled or tripled members increase capacity for heavy loads. LVL bearers up to 300mm deep for longer spans reducing support posts.
Wall Studs: Standard 90×45mm MGP10 or H3 treated pine, spacing 450mm or 600mm. Height up to 2.7m single storey, 2.4m for upper floors. Increase to 140×45mm for wind zones or point loads from roof trusses above.
Roof Rafters: 90×45mm to 190×45mm depending on span, roof pitch, and snow/wind loads. Maximum span 3.0-5.5m at 600mm spacing. Engineered roof trusses typically more economical than traditional rafters for spans over 7m in residential construction.
Lintels and Headers: Support loads over openings, minimum 140×45mm for windows, 190×45mm to 290×45mm for doors depending on opening width and load above. Wider openings may require LVL beams 300-400mm deep for adequate strength and deflection control.
Decking Joists: 90×45mm to 140×45mm treated pine H3 at 450mm spacing. Maximum span 1.8-3.0m depending on decking board thickness and species. Bearer spacing determines joist span - closer bearers allow smaller joists reducing overall cost.
Timber Treatment and Durability Classes
Timber treatment protects against decay, termites, and borers, essential for ground contact and exposed applications. Australian Standard AS 1604 defines hazard levels H1-H6, with treatment requirements varying by exposure. Proper specification ensures durability meeting 50+ year design life requirements in building codes. The 2026 market emphasizes environmentally responsible treatment systems.
⚠️ Treatment Classification Guide
H1 (Low hazard): Internal framing, protected from moisture. No treatment required for softwoods in dry conditions. Termite protection needed in termite zones via chemical barrier or physical systems.
H2 (Internal protected): Internal framing in areas subject to occasional wetting, bathrooms, laundries. CCA or alternative preservative treatment prevents decay from moisture events.
H3 (External above ground): Most common treatment - external framing, decking, cladding, pergolas. Protection from weather, decay, and termites. Typical CCA treatment 4.0 kg/m³ retention level for pine.
H4 (External in ground contact): Fence posts, landscaping timbers, retaining wall elements. Higher preservative retention (6.4 kg/m³) for ground moisture and biological hazards.
H5 (In ground, exposed): Marine piles, cooling towers, severe exposures. Maximum preservative retention (16 kg/m³). Limited residential application, mostly infrastructure and commercial.
Naturally durable hardwoods like Spotted Gum (Class 1 durability) and Blackbutt (Class 2) may not require chemical treatment for above-ground external applications. However, termite protection still necessary in termite-prone areas. Cypress Pine offers natural termite resistance suitable for internal framing in termite zones without treatment. Always verify treatment requirements with local building certifier based on specific site conditions and hazard classifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate timber quantities for framing a house?
Calculate timber for framing by determining: (1) Wall studs: divide total wall length by stud spacing (typically 0.45m), add 1, then multiply by stud height. (2) Plates: multiply wall length by 3 (bottom plate + double top plate). (3) Joists: divide floor span by joist spacing, multiply by joist length. (4) Bearers: count number of bearer runs × bearer length. (5) Roof framing: count rafters (roof length ÷ spacing) × rafter length, or use prefabricated trusses. Add 10-15% wastage for cuts and defects. For a typical 15m × 10m house with 2.7m ceilings, expect approximately 800-1000 linear metres of 90×45mm framing timber. Use AS 1684 span tables to verify structural member sizes meet load requirements.
What is the difference between linear metres and board metres?
Linear metres (LM) measure length only, ignoring width and thickness - used for pricing individual timber pieces like studs and joists. Board metres or super metres (m²) measure surface area (length × width), used for flooring and decking where coverage area matters. Example: a 140mm (0.14m) wide decking board 5.4m long equals 5.4 linear metres but 0.756 board metres (5.4 × 0.14). When ordering: framing timber is quoted per linear metre, decking and flooring per square metre of coverage. Coverage factor accounts for gaps - typically 1.08-1.12 times the area to be covered. Always confirm with supplier whether price is per linear metre, board metre, or coverage area to avoid confusion and ensure accurate quotations.
How much wastage should I allow when ordering timber?
Standard wastage allowance is 10-15% for most projects. Simple framing with experienced installers may need only 5-10%. Complex layouts, pattern flooring, or intricate cutting require 15-20%. Specialty applications with grain matching or premium appearance grades need 20-30%. Wastage sources include: cutting to exact lengths (off-cuts), defective pieces (knots, warping, splits), pattern matching in flooring, corner and opening details, and damaged pieces during handling. Hardwood timber typically requires higher wastage than pine due to natural characteristics. Purchase timber in standard lengths that minimize cutting - for example, 2.7m studs use 2.7m or 5.4m lengths rather than cutting 3.6m lengths. Wastage is normal and necessary - attempting to minimize too aggressively often causes project delays when material shortage discovered mid-installation.
What timber size do I need for deck joists spanning 2.4 metres?
For 2.4m span deck joists at 450mm spacing using treated pine H3, minimum size is 90×45mm per AS 1684. This provides adequate strength and deflection control for standard residential deck loading. For 600mm joist spacing at 2.4m span, increase to 140×45mm. If using hardwood (F17 grade), 90×45mm is adequate even at 600mm spacing. Maximum recommended span for 90×45mm treated pine is approximately 2.1m at 450mm spacing, 1.8m at 600mm spacing. For longer spans, use 140×45mm (up to 3.0m) or 190×45mm (up to 3.8m). Bearer spacing determines joist span - closer bearers allow smaller joists. LVL engineered joists can span 4-5m, excellent for reducing posts in elevated decks. Always verify against AS 1684 span tables specific to your timber grade, species, and loading conditions.
Should I use treated pine or hardwood for outdoor decking?
Both have advantages. Treated pine (H3) costs $35-55/m² installed (2026 pricing), readily available, easy to work with, accepts stains and paints, but requires regular maintenance (oiling every 1-2 years). Softness means more prone to denting and wear. Hardwood decking (Spotted Gum, Blackbutt, Merbau) costs $95-180/m² installed, extremely durable 25-40 year lifespan, beautiful natural appearance, minimal maintenance (oil every 3-5 years or allow to grey naturally), very hard-wearing. Disadvantages: higher initial cost, harder to cut and install, limited availability, splitting if not pre-drilled. For budget-conscious projects or rental properties, treated pine offers good value. For premium homes and long-term investment, hardwood provides superior lifecycle value despite higher upfront cost. Composite decking ($120-200/m²) is low-maintenance alternative but lacks natural timber aesthetics.
How do I convert cubic metres of timber to linear metres?
To convert cubic metres (m³) to linear metres (LM), you need to know the timber dimensions. Formula: Linear Metres = Cubic Metres ÷ (Width in metres × Thickness in metres). Example: 1 m³ of 90×45mm timber = 1 ÷ (0.09 × 0.045) = 1 ÷ 0.00405 = 246.9 linear metres. Conversely, Linear to Cubic: multiply linear metres by width and thickness in metres. Common conversions: 1 m³ of 90×45mm = 247 LM; 1 m³ of 140×45mm = 159 LM; 1 m³ of 240×45mm = 93 LM. When timber sold by m³ (bulk pricing), calculate how many linear metres you receive then compare to per-piece pricing. Bulk m³ pricing often 10-15% cheaper but requires purchasing in larger quantities. Use this calculator to verify supplier conversions and ensure accurate pricing comparisons between different suppliers and pricing methods.
What is MGP10 timber and when should I use it?
MGP10 (Machine Graded Pine, stress grade 10) is structural softwood timber graded for strength and stiffness per AS 1720.1. MGP10 has minimum bending stress 10 MPa, suitable for most residential framing applications including wall studs, floor joists, and roof rafters. It's the most common structural pine grade in Australia, balancing adequate strength with economical pricing. Higher grades (MGP12, MGP15) offer greater strength for longer spans or heavier loads but cost 10-20% more. MGP10 is appropriate for: standard wall framing up to 2.7m height, floor joists up to 3.6m span at 450mm spacing, roof rafters up to 4.5m span. Not suitable for: heavy beams, long-span applications, areas requiring higher strength. MGP10 must be kept dry (internal use) - for external applications use H3 treated pine which may have slightly lower structural grades but includes preservative treatment for durability.
How much does timber framing cost per square metre in 2026?
Timber framing costs in 2026 vary by region and project complexity. Materials only: $40-60/m² of floor area for standard wall framing using MGP10 or treated pine, including studs, plates, and noggins. Labor installation: $35-55/m² bringing total installed cost to $75-115/m² for basic framing. Complete house frame package (walls, floors, roof structure): $180-280/m² materials and labor combined. Regional variations: metropolitan Sydney and Melbourne $10-20/m² higher than regional areas; remote locations add 15-30% for freight and labor. Complexity factors: single vs multi-story (multi-story +25-40%), simple vs complex design (complex +20-35%), access restrictions (+10-20%). Approximate costs for 200m² house: framing materials $10,000-14,000, framing labor $9,000-13,000, total frame $19,000-27,000. Engineered timber (LVL beams, I-joists) adds 15-25% but may reduce labor. Prices exclude roof trusses typically quoted separately $40-80/m² of roof area.
Industry association providing technical resources, timber specifications, span tables, design guides, and best practices for timber construction across Australia.
Technical design and specification resource for timber products including framing guides, durability information, sustainability data, and Australian Standards compliance.
Australian forest certification promoting sustainable timber sourcing, chain of custody certification, and responsible forestry practices for 2026 construction projects.
Australian Standard for residential timber framing providing span tables, connection details, and structural design guidance ensuring code compliance for timber structures.
