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What Is a Board Foot (BF)?

By United States Pallets Editorial Team · Reviewed by industry operators · Last updated: June 24, 2026

By Mark Gabrielli, Pallet Industry Specialist — Updated 2026

A board foot is the lumber industry standard measurement of 144 cubic inches of wood, used for pricing pallet lumber (typical 1 inch x 12 inch x 12 inch = 1 BF).

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Quick Answer: A board foot is the lumber industry standard measurement of 144 cubic inches of wood, used for pricing pallet lumber (typical 1 inch x 12 inch x 12 inch = 1 BF).

New pallets in bulk warehouse stock yard

Detailed Answer

1 BF = 144 cubic inches. Pallet board foot calculation: thickness (in) x width (in) x length (in) / 144. Custom pallets priced per BF based on lumber species and grade. Mixed hardwood: $0.78/BF. SYP: $0.65/BF. Oak: $1.15/BF.

Sources

NHLA
Forest Service

Companion Resources

What credit terms does United States Pallets offer national customers?

Net-30 credit terms standard after the first 1-3 prepaid or COD loads while credit is being established. Submit a credit application with three trade references; approval typically processes within 48 hours. Volume accounts can negotiate net-45 or net-60.

How fast does United States Pallets deliver to national, United States?

Same-day shipping in our Southeast/Mid-Atlantic core (FL, GA, AL, TN, MS, SC, NC, KY, VA) and scheduled weekly delivery elsewhere. Express options available for national rush orders. Quote response under 2 business hours, dispatch within hours of order confirmation.

Can United States Pallets handle pallet answer for high-volume national operations?

Yes. Standing-order programs for national operations running 500+ pallets/week lock in tiered pricing, reserve delivery slots, and run on autopilot in the background. Custom contract terms available for accounts running 2,000+/week.

Does United States Pallets supply pallet answer for export from national?

Yes, with ISPM-15 heat-treated pallets carrying IPPC stamps and full ISPM-15 documentation. Required for international shipments to all WTO member countries. Common for national customers with port access via United States's major export gateways.

Does United States Pallets ship pallet answer to all of United States?

Yes. We deliver to every commercial address in United States, with same-day shipping standard in our Southeast/Mid-Atlantic core and scheduled weekly delivery elsewhere. national-area accounts are typical - submit a quote with your dock location and we route accordingly.

Operational details for Florida

Compliance specification

All pallets stamped IPPC HT for ISPM-15 export compliance to 180+ countries; documentation includes treatment temperature logs and the registered facility number.

Florida regulatory context

Florida Sales Tax Exemption Form DR-46NT applies to pallets purchased for resale or for use in manufacturing of tangible personal property; we provide the form with every commercial invoice.

FDA registered facilities in Lakeland and Jacksonville require pallets that meet FDA 21 CFR 178.3520 indirect food additive specification; our food-grade stock is tested for compliance every 90 days.

Pallet specification detail

Pallet weight: new GMA averages 38-42 lb per unit; recycled Grade A averages 35-39 lb; lighter chemical-industry 40x40 pallets weigh 28-32 lb; freight estimation should use 40 lb/pallet for inbound planning.

ISPM-15 export pallets receive heat treatment to 56C core temperature for 30 minutes; stamping shows IPPC logo, country code 'US', registered facility number, and treatment code 'HT'.

Delivery and logistics

Flatbed delivery handles oversized loads or pallets with overhanging product; tarping included; preferred for export crates and bulk lumber shipments.

Customer use case

Restaurant supply distributors move pallets between regional warehouses and individual restaurants on small-truck (26-foot box truck) routes; we offer mini-pallet 24x24 and 32x32 builds for restaurant kitchen door access.

Pricing context

Pricing structure: new 48x40 GMA stock ranges $14-18 per pallet in 500+ lot pricing; recycled Grade A runs $7-10 per pallet; recycled Grade B at $5-7; custom builds priced per spec on a quote basis.

Sustainability

Pallet pooling reduces lifecycle waste 40-60% vs single-use models; our pool program manages inventory between participating customers with quarterly reconciliation.