A cut list is one of the most important parts of any woodworking plan, and one of the most misunderstood by beginners. Here is exactly what it is and how to use it correctly.
What a Cut List Is
A cut list is a table that shows every individual piece of wood in a project, with three dimensions: thickness, width, and length. It tells you exactly what to buy at the lumber yard and exactly what to cut in your workshop.
How to Read a Cut List
Dimensions are always listed as Thickness x Width x Length. A piece listed as 3/4″ x 3.5″ x 24″ is three-quarters of an inch thick, three and a half inches wide, and twenty-four inches long — which is a standard 1×4 pine board cut to 24″.
The Most Important Rule
Cut all pieces on your cut list before you assemble anything. Lay them all out and check each one against the plan. Fixing a wrong measurement before assembly takes 2 minutes. Fixing it after takes 2 hours and often means buying new wood.
Pro Tip: Add 10% to Your Lumber Order
Always buy 10% more lumber than the cut list requires. Mistakes happen, boards have defects, and grain direction matters. Having extra wood costs $5–$10 and saves a frustrating mid-project hardware store trip.
