Estimating bf for projects

[joseph dake]

Is there a program that can estimate board feet by putting in size and style of a project. I want a very rough estimate for a bed I am making for my nephew, I don't have a plan so I am just figuring how much lumber I should order but don't want to go crazy since I am not buying it.

[Dave Richards]

I know of no program that'll take so little information and give you something useful. You could probably find a plan online for a bed similar to what you want to build that would give you a board feet indication. Are you planning on winging it in the shop or are you going to draw up a plan? If you draw one up, you can work out the quantity you'll need. The ease with which you'd be able to do that depends upon how you draw it up.

[joseph dake]

At this point I would just like to know if something like 100 bf would do so I have an idea what to order I don't have a style or design from my sister yet. I am just trying to be ahead of the game. Just curious.

[Dave Richards]

a while back I did a plan for a queen size Gamble house style bed. It required just shy of 40 bf not including waste allowance. Maybe that'll give you an idea.