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TIMBER · BOARDS · STUDS · TRIM

Timber cutting optimization for linear stock

Dimensional lumber, studs, decking boards and moulding are bought and cut by length — the same 1D cutting stock problem as bar or profile cutting. This page covers linear timber stock specifically; cutting rectangular parts from sheet goods like plywood or MDF is a 2D (sheet nesting) problem, which is not yet available — see the 2D roadmap.

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Practical considerations for timber

Board length, not board footage

The optimizer works on the same linear-length model as any other 1D material: required lengths and quantities against available board lengths. It doesn’t account for board footage, grade, or defect-avoidance cutting around knots — those remain a manual step.

Kerf on wood-cutting blades

Kerf on a table saw or mitre saw varies by blade — thin-kerf blades remove noticeably less material than standard blades. Measure your actual blade’s kerf rather than assuming a default.

Reusable offcuts

Timber offcuts above a useful length are commonly kept for blocking, trim, or smaller parts on a later job — set your minimum useful offcut to whatever length is realistically worth keeping in your shop.

TIMBER FAQ

Timber cutting optimization, explained

Can I optimize a timber cutting list?

Yes, for linear timber stock cut by length — dimensional lumber, studs, decking and moulding. Enter your required lengths and available board lengths, set kerf, and optimize.

Does this cover cutting plywood or sheet goods?

Not yet. Sheet and panel material (plywood, MDF, board stock cut into rectangular parts) is a 2D nesting problem, which is in development — see the 2D cutting optimizer page for what’s planned. This page covers linear timber stock only.

Can I mix different board lengths?

Yes — enter every board length you have on hand, each with its own quantity or left unlimited, and the optimizer decides which lengths to use.