How to Read a Scaling Stick For Hardwood Lumber

The best tool to use if you want to know how many board feet you can cut from one log is a scaling stick. You must take measurements of the log before you can effectively use the scaling stick. Many people in the lumber field use this instrument.

Materials Needed

• Pencil


• Paper


• Scaling stick

1. Use a tape measure to measure how long the log is. Also measure the diameter of the log on both ends of the log. Write both of them down because they will be needed when you use the scaling stick.


2. Locate the narrow end of the log. Place the scaling stick cross that end. Locate the place where the bark and wood intersect. You want to make sure the lower part of the scale is even with that point. The scaling stick should go over the middle of the log.


3. Look on the other end of the scaling stick where it meets the point at the bark and wood. It will have scales on this part of the stick, which will name the lengths of the log. Locate the scale that matches the length you took earlier.


4. The measurement will be on the area where the scaling stick joins the other end of the log. For example, if the log measures 13 feet long, you will read the measurements for the 13-foot logs. The number found on the boundary of the wood and bark intersection will indicate the board feet for that specific piece of log.