Hardwood Lumber Prices Per Board Foot
Part of Interior & Finishes
Quick answer
Common hardwoods run about $4–$8 per board foot (poplar, red oak, soft maple), while premium species like walnut and genuine mahogany run $12–$20. Poplar is usually the cheapest hardwood; walnut is among the priciest.
Hardwood is priced per board foot, and the rate swings widely by species, grade, and thickness. These are typical 2026 retail prices for 4/4 (1-inch) FAS-grade boards; buying rough, in bulk, or direct from a mill costs less.
Price per board foot by species (4/4)
| Species | Price per board foot |
|---|---|
| Poplar | $4–$6 |
| Soft maple | $5–$7 |
| Red oak | $5–$8 |
| Ash | $5–$8 |
| Hickory | $6–$9 |
| Hard maple | $7–$10 |
| White oak | $7–$12 |
| Cherry | $8–$12 |
| Genuine mahogany | $12–$18 |
| Walnut | $12–$20 |
What moves the price
- Thickness: 8/4 (2 in) stock costs more per board foot than 4/4.
- Grade: FAS (best) costs more than #1 Common.
- Width: wide, clear boards command a premium.
- Region and species rarity — walnut and quartersawn white oak run high.
Enter your board dimensions and a price per board foot in the board foot calculator to price out a full order.
FAQs
What is the cheapest hardwood?
Poplar is usually the cheapest hardwood at $4–$6 per board foot, followed by soft maple. It paints well, which is why it's popular for trim and built-ins.
Why is lumber so expensive?
Prices reflect mill and kiln capacity, transport costs, species availability, and demand. Slow-growing or figured species like walnut cost far more than fast-growing poplar.