When it comes to construction estimating, lumber takeoff is one of the most essential—and complex—components of a successful project bid. Whether you’re framing a new house, building a roof structure, or working on a large-scale commercial project, an accurate lumber takeoff ensures proper budgeting, efficient procurement, and minimal material waste.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what lumber takeoff entails, the CSI Division it falls under, and how True Bid Data can help streamline your estimating process.
What Is a Lumber Takeoff?
A lumber takeoff, also known as a wood takeoff or framing material takeoff, is the process of identifying and quantifying all wood-related materials needed for a construction project. This includes:
- Dimensional lumber (e.g., 2x4s, 2x6s, 2x12s)
- Engineered wood products (e.g., LVLs, Glulams)
- Sheathing (OSB, plywood)
- Blocking and bracing
- Roof trusses and joists
- Studs, plates, headers
- Trim and fascia boards
Takeoffs are typically done from architectural, structural, and framing drawings using either manual methods or digital takeoff software.
Why Lumber Takeoff Is Important
Accurate lumber takeoffs are critical for:
- Cost Estimation: Overestimation inflates the budget; underestimation leads to delays and reorders.
- Procurement: Knowing exact quantities helps with ordering the right amount of material at the right time.
- Scheduling: Ensures crews have what they need on-site without unnecessary downtime.
- Waste Reduction: Minimizes leftover or unused materials, supporting sustainable construction practices.
Where Lumber Takeoff Fits in the CSI Divisions
The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) has established a 50-division format to organize construction-related information. Lumber takeoff primarily falls under Division 06 – Wood, Plastics, and Composites.
Division 06 Overview:
- 06 10 00 – Rough Carpentry
- Dimensional framing lumber
- Structural sheathing
- Roof and floor framing systems
- 06 11 00 – Wood Framing
- Stud walls, plates, and headers
- 06 13 00 – Heavy Timber Construction
- Timber beams and columns
- 06 16 00 – Sheathing
- OSB, plywood, underlayment
- 06 20 00 – Finish Carpentry (occasionally included in lumber takeoffs for trim packages)
- Fascia, soffits, moldings
Understanding which CSI section your scope belongs to ensures consistency in bids, contracts, and project documentation.
What’s Included in a Lumber Takeoff by True Bid Data?
At True Bid Data, we provide comprehensive, ready-to-use lumber takeoffs for general contractors, roofers, framers, and homebuilders. Each takeoff includes:
- Detailed lumber counts (by type, size, and grade)
- Cut lengths and quantities
- Sheeting and panel square footage
- Fastener and connector quantities (as needed)
- Organized by CSI Division
- Editable Excel spreadsheets and PDF reports
We use advanced software and manual review to ensure each takeoff is accurate and bid-ready.
Lumber Takeoff Challenges We Solve
Lumber takeoff requires experience, attention to detail, and familiarity with construction standards. Our team helps you avoid:
- Misreading structural framing plans
- Overlooking blocking, bracing, or subcomponents
- Errors in board footage calculations
- Non-compliance with local building codes or specifications
Why Choose True Bid Data?
We’ve helped dozens of construction companies across the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia win more bids and reduce material waste through our expert takeoff services.
- Industry-standard formats (CSI MasterFormat, Uniclass, etc.)
- Competitive turnaround times
- Support for residential, commercial, and industrial projects
- Clear pricing with no hidden fees
Get a Lumber Takeoff Quote Today
Need a reliable lumber takeoff for your next project? Contact True Bid Data today for a free consultation or sample. Let our experts handle the quantity work so you can focus on building.