Thermally Modified Ash: Measure Your Project and Order the Right Quantity

Understanding Thermally Modified Ash Product Units

Thermally Modified Ash is typically supplied in lineal feet or by the piece, often in standard lengths. Depending on the profile, it may also be quoted by the square foot for certain applications like siding or ceilings. For example, a "1 × 6 Plus S4S E4E End Match" profile, suitable for siding, ceilings, and decking, is a common option. The nominal size refers to its dimensions before milling; the actual dimensions will be slightly smaller.

When purchasing, it's essential to clarify whether the quote is for lineal feet, square feet, or individual pieces. Lineal feet refer to the total length of material needed, regardless of width. Square footage accounts for both length and width, providing an area measurement. For most cladding and decking projects, square footage is often the most practical unit for initial planning, which then translates into lineal feet based on the chosen profile's width.

Always confirm the specific profile you intend to use. Different profiles, such as "S4S E4E End Match" or standard "S4S E4E" in various nominal sizes (e.g., 1 × 10, 2 × 2, 2 × 4, 2 × 6), are available for different applications, including trim and molding, or decking and structural details. Each profile will have a specific coverage area per lineal foot.

Accurate Project Area Measurement

The foundation of any material quantity calculation is accurate measurement of your project area. For a wall cladding project, measure the length and height of each wall section where Thermally Modified Ash will be installed. For ceilings, measure the length and width of the ceiling area. If you are planning a deck, measure the length and width of the deck surface.

When dealing with irregular shapes, break them down into simpler rectangles or squares, calculate the area of each, and then sum them up. For areas with openings like windows or doors, calculate their area and subtract it from the total wall area. However, it is often more practical to calculate the gross area first and then adjust for waste, as cuts around openings can generate unusable offcuts.

Calculating Lineal Feet from Square Footage

Once you have your project's total square footage, you can convert this to lineal feet based on the width of the Thermally Modified Ash profile you choose. For example, if you select a "1 × 6 Plus S4S E4E End Match" profile, its nominal width is 6 inches. After milling, the actual coverage width will be slightly less, perhaps 5.5 inches (0.458 feet).

To calculate the lineal feet needed: Divide your total square footage by the actual coverage width (in feet) of the board. For instance, a 100 square foot area using boards with 5.5 inches (0.458 feet) of coverage would require approximately 100 / 0.458 = 218.34 lineal feet. Always use the actual coverage width provided in the product specifications, not the nominal width, for precise calculations.

Accounting for Cuts and Waste

Even with meticulous planning, some material will be lost due to cuts, errors, or damage. This is known as waste. A standard waste factor for most wood projects ranges from 10% to 15%, but this can vary based on project complexity, installer skill, and the board lengths available. For intricate designs, diagonal cuts, or projects with many openings, a higher waste factor might be prudent.

To incorporate waste into your calculation, multiply your initial lineal footage (or square footage) by (1 + waste percentage). For example, if you calculated 218.34 lineal feet and assume a 15% waste factor, you would need 218.34 * 1.15 = 251.09 lineal feet. Round up to the nearest whole board length or a convenient increment for ordering.

Consider the available board lengths. If your project requires many short pieces, but you can only purchase long boards, your waste factor might increase. Conversely, if you can strategically use offcuts from longer boards for shorter sections, you might reduce waste. Discuss available lengths with your supplier to optimize your order.

Worked Example: Thermally Modified Ash Feature Wall

Let's consider a hypothetical interior feature wall project using Thermally Modified Ash. The wall measures 12 feet long by 8 feet high. We've selected the "1 × 6 Plus S4S E4E End Match" profile for its deep grain and stability, which has an actual coverage width of 5.5 inches (0.458 feet).

1. **Calculate Total Area:** 12 feet (length) × 8 feet (height) = 96 square feet.

2. **Convert to Lineal Feet:** 96 square feet / 0.458 feet (coverage width) = 209.61 lineal feet.

3. **Apply Waste Factor:** For a relatively straightforward feature wall, we'll assume a 10% waste factor. 209.61 lineal feet × 1.10 = 230.57 lineal feet.

4. **Consider Board Lengths:** If Thermally Modified Ash boards are available in 8-foot, 10-foot, and 12-foot lengths, we would strategically choose lengths to minimize cuts. For an 8-foot high wall, 8-foot boards would be ideal for vertical installation, minimizing cross-cuts. If installed horizontally, 12-foot boards would be efficient. Let's assume vertical installation with 8-foot boards. We need 230.57 lineal feet / 8 feet/board = 28.82 boards. Rounding up, we would purchase 29 boards of 8-foot length.

This example demonstrates how to move from a measured area to an estimated quantity of boards, taking into account the specific profile and a waste factor. Always perform these calculations for your unique project dimensions.

Before you order

• Have I accurately measured the length and height/width of all project areas?
• Have I accounted for any openings (windows, doors) or obstructions?
• Do I know the exact Thermally Modified Ash profile and its actual coverage width?
• Have I calculated the total square footage and converted it to lineal feet?
• What waste percentage is appropriate for my project's complexity?
• Have I applied the waste factor to my lineal footage calculation?
• What standard board lengths are available for the chosen profile?
• Can I optimize board lengths to minimize unusable offcuts?
• Have I rounded up to ensure enough material is ordered?
• Do I have a plan for cuts around edges, corners, and openings?

Confirm installation details, approved uses and warranty terms in the current instructions for the exact product and profile. Your installer should verify the substrate, structure and applicable project requirements.

Questions to help you decide

Keep planning your project