Division 06 covers more ground than most packages on the street. It runs from 06 10 00 Rough Carpentry and 06 16 00 Sheathing through 06 17 53 shop-fabricated wood trusses, then into 06 20 00 Finish Carpentry and 06 40 00 Architectural Woodwork. If your bid is a lump sum per square foot, the first change order for connector hardware or FRT plywood erases the margin.
- Deliverable
- Excel estimate + marked-up PDF plans
- Organized by
- CSI MasterFormat section
- Turnaround
- 24–48 hours for most projects
- Pricing
- ZIP-code-adjusted material and labor pricing
- Software
- Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, RSMeans data
We take off the structural frame, the sheathing and WRB layer, and the finished millwork as three separate disciplines, because each one fails differently. A board-foot conversion error on an LVL beam is not the same risk as a missed plastic-laminate edge build-up on a nurses' station counter. You get an Excel workbook organized by CSI section, a PDF for review, and a marked-up plan set showing where every quantity came from. Most projects return in 24–48 hours, with rush available.
Our wood takeoff services and plastics takeoff services start with plan reading against the specifications, then a quantity takeoff in Bluebeam Revu or PlanSwift. We check span tables, grade stamps, pressure treatment notes, fire retardant treatment, and connection details before any material pricing goes in. For FRP composites and composite panels, we confirm resin type, panel thickness, and attachment method, since those drive both cost and structural performance. Board-foot conversions for glulam, laminated veneer lumber, parallel strand lumber, and wood I-joists follow the Wood Handbook conventions, and heavy timber is measured separately from light framing.
We price from ZIP-code-adjusted material and labor data in RSMeans, and we measure in Bluebeam Revu and PlanSwift. If your package touches cold-formed framing, siding, or vapor retarders inside the same wall assembly, those lines land in the estimate where they belong rather than getting carried by a framing sub who excludes them. Related scopes like Framing Estimating Services, Millwork & Casework Estimating, and Lumber Takeoff & Estimating follow the same format, so you can roll them into one bid tab.
What our wood estimating company covers in Division 06
We measure from the structural and architectural sheets together, because a wall section on A-301 often controls sheathing type and blocking that the framing plan does not show. The estimate separates rough carpentry, sheathing and WRB, and finish carpentry so you can see which scope you are carrying and which you are passing to a sub.
Rough Carpentry
Plates, studs, blocking, joists, rafters, and sheathing measured by wall type and floor or roof area.
LF · SF · EAEngineered Lumber
LVL beams, PSL columns, LSL rim, and I-joists priced per piece with layout and cutting allowance.
LF · EAWood Trusses
Shop-fabricated roof and floor trusses priced per truss with delivery and setting allowance.
EASheathing & WRB
Wall, roof, and subfloor panels with tape, housewrap, and flashing accessories by area.
SF · LFConnectors & Fasteners
Hangers, hold-downs, straps, mudsill anchors, and plate washers counted from schedules.
EAExterior Trim
Fascia, rake, soffit, corner boards, and frieze measured by linear foot of profile.
LFArchitectural Casework
Base, wall, and tall cabinets plus plastic-laminate counters priced per casework elevation.
LF · SF · EAInterior Trim & Stairs
Base, casing, crown, stools, aprons, stringers, treads, risers, and handrail by linear foot.
LF · EAWhat every wood, plastics & composites estimating takeoff includes
- 2x plates, studs, and blocking by wall type in LF or pieces per height
- Floor joists, rim board, bridging, and subfloor sheathing in SF
- Roof rafters, ridge, hip, and valley members, plus roof sheathing
- Engineered lumber: LVL beams, PSL columns, LSL rim, I-joists
- Shop-fabricated wood trusses priced per truss with setting allowance
- Wall and roof sheathing panels with tape and WRB where specified
- Pressure-treated sill plates, sill sealer, and anchor bolt plate washers
- Structural connectors: hangers, hold-downs, straps, mudsill anchors
- Exterior trim: fascia, rake, soffit, corner boards by LF
- Architectural casework: base, wall, and tall cabinets, plastic-laminate counters
- Interior trim: base, casing, crown, window stools, and apron by LF
- Stair systems: stringers, treads, risers, handrail, and balusters
How we run a plastics bid estimating and composites takeoff
- Plan and spec cross-checkWe read the structural framing plan against the architectural wall sections and the spec book. A note on S-201 may call out 7/16 in OSB, while A-501 shows a fluid-applied WRB over ZIP System. Both sheets control the same wall, so we resolve the conflict before measuring anything. We also check the life-safety sheet for fire-retardant-treated lumber requirements that may not appear on the framing plan. This step prevents costly assumptions that lead to change orders.
- Wall and floor framing takeoffWe trace each wall type on the framing plan, tag it by stud size and spacing, and measure plates, studs, and blocking in LF. Floor joists are measured by span and spacing, with rim board, bridging, and subfloor sheathing carried as separate lines. Openings for doors and windows are deducted from sheathing and added back as headers and trimmer studs. We also account for double top plates and any special blocking for grab bars or equipment supports shown on architectural sheets. This ensures the lumber list is complete for procurement.
- Roof and truss takeoffRafters, ridge, hip, and valley members are measured from the roof plan, with roof sheathing and underlayment in SF. Shop-fabricated trusses are counted per truss from the truss layout, then priced with delivery, crane pick, and temporary bracing as separate lines because the supplier quote often excludes them. We verify truss profiles and bearing conditions against the architectural roof plan to catch any discrepancies. This approach gives you a complete installed cost for the roof framing package.
- Connector and hardware countWe count hangers, hold-downs, straps, mudsill anchors, and SDS screws from the connector schedule and the framing plan. Each connector is tagged to the member it supports, so the count ties back to the joist and stud takeoff rather than being a lump-sum allowance. We cross-reference the connector schedule with the framing plan to ensure no hardware is missed, especially at shear walls and moment frames. This detailed count helps you avoid the common overrun on connector hardware.
- Finish carpentry and woodworkInterior trim, exterior trim, stairs, and casework are measured from the architectural elevations and cabinet schedule. Base, casing, and crown are measured in LF per room; cabinets are counted EA by type; countertops are measured in SF with edge build-up and cutouts priced separately. We also check for special trim profiles, radius corners, and decorative woodwork that may require custom millwork. This ensures the finish package is fully captured for your bid.
- Pricing and assemblyQuantities are priced with ZIP-code-adjusted material and labor from RSMeans, with waste factors applied as separate visible lines. The workbook is organized by CSI section, and the marked-up plan set shows the measurement path for every major quantity. We include a summary tab that rolls up rough carpentry, sheathing, and finish carpentry so you can see the total Division 06 cost at a glance. This format allows you to adjust waste factors and labor burdens to match your own field conditions.
What we need from you
- Architectural setFloor plans, elevations, wall sections, and interior elevations. These control finish carpentry, casework, and trim quantities.
- Structural setFraming plans, foundation plan, and roof framing plan. These control joist, rafter, beam, and connector takeoff.
- Spec bookDivision 06 sections and any Division 07 sections that specify sheathing, WRB, or siding inside the same assembly.
- SchedulesDoor, window, cabinet, and finish schedules. We count EA items from these rather than scaling from plans.
- Truss layoutSupplier truss drawings or a truss layout sheet. Without it, trusses are carried as an allowance, not a firm count.
- Addenda and RFIsAny issued addenda or answered RFIs that change sheathing type, connector schedule, or trim profile.
Sample takeoff format
This is how a Division 06 line item appears in the workbook. Each row carries a CSI code, a spec-level description, a quantity, a unit, and the sheet reference for the measurement.
| Section | Line item | Qty | Unit | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06 10 00 | 2x6 stud wall, 9 ft plate, 16 in o.c. | 2,840 | LF | S-201 |
| 06 10 00 | 2x10 floor joist, 16 in o.c., #2 DF | 3,200 | LF | S-202 |
| 06 16 00 | 3/4 in T&G subfloor sheathing, glued and screwed | 4,200 | SF | S-202 |
| 06 16 00 | 7/16 in OSB wall sheathing with taped seams | 6,800 | SF | A-501 |
| 06 17 53 | Shop-fabricated wood roof truss, 24 ft span | 38 | EA | S-301 |
| 06 20 00 | 5/8 x 3-1/4 in primed MDF base | 1,260 | LF | A-601 |
| 06 41 00 | Base cabinet, 24 in deep, plastic-laminate finish | 18 | EA | A-701 |
| 06 41 00 | Plastic-laminate countertop with 4 in backsplash | 210 | SF | A-701 |
| 06 10 00 | Pressure-treated 2x6 sill plate with sill sealer | 320 | LF | S-201 |
| 06 10 00 | LVL beam, 5-1/4 x 14 in, 20 ft length | 3 | EA | S-301 |
Units of measure we take off in
Mixing units on the same line is the fastest way to lose money on a Div 06 bid. These are the units we use and how each one is measured from the drawings.
| Item | Unit | How it's measured |
|---|---|---|
| Dimension lumber, timbers, and engineered wood | BF | Nominal thickness × width × length in inches ÷ 12, summed by member size and species |
| Plates, joists, studs, trim, fascia, and railings | LF | Centerline length along the member, with laps and openings deducted or added per plan |
| Sheathing, subfloor, underlayment, and decking | SF | Surface area of the framed plane, measured to outside of plates or framing |
| Trusses, columns, posts, beams, cabinets, and doors | EA | Counted from the framing plan, elevation, or cabinet schedule, one line per type |
| Countertops and edge profiles | SF / LF | Top surface in SF; edge build-up, backsplash, and radius corners in LF |
| Concrete in deck footings and slab-on-grade subfloor | CY | Volume from footing schedule or slab thickness × area ÷ 27 |
| Connector hardware and steel connectors | LB / EA | Counted from the connector schedule and multiplied by catalog weight per piece |
| Composite decking and cladding | LF / SF | Board length for decking and fascia; surface area for cladding panels |
Worked example: takeoff of a 40 ft interior bearing wall
This example shows how we take off a single 40 ft long, 9 ft high interior bearing wall with a 3 ft door opening. All dimensions are illustrative. The wall is framed with 2x6 studs at 16 in. on center, single bottom plate, double top plate, and 7/16 in. OSB sheathing on one side. We use a 5% waste factor for lumber and 10% for sheathing, applied as separate lines.
Step 1: Measure wall length and height
- Wall length: 40 ft
- Wall height: 9 ft
- Door opening: 3 ft wide, 7 ft high
Step 2: Calculate plates
- Bottom plate: 1 × 40 LF = 40 LF
- Top plates: 2 × 40 LF = 80 LF
- Total plate LF: 120 LF
- Convert to pieces: 120 LF ÷ 16 ft (standard length) = 7.5 pieces → round up to 8 pieces
- Board feet: 8 pieces × 16 ft × (2 in. × 6 in. ÷ 12) = 8 × 16 × 1 = 128 BF
Step 3: Calculate studs
- Studs at 16 in. o.c.: (40 ft × 12 in./ft) ÷ 16 in. = 30 spaces → 31 studs
- Add 2 extra studs for door opening (trimmers and king studs) = 33 studs
- Subtract 1 stud for the opening (no stud in the middle of the door) = 32 studs
- Stud length: 9 ft wall height minus 4.5 in. for plates (1.5 in. bottom + 3 in. double top) = 8 ft 7.5 in. → use 9 ft studs to allow for cutting
- Total stud LF: 32 × 9 ft = 288 LF
- Pieces: 288 LF ÷ 16 ft = 18 pieces
- Board feet: 18 pieces × 16 ft × 1 BF/ft = 288 BF
Step 4: Calculate blocking
- Assume 10% of wall area for blocking at mid-height and openings: 40 ft × 9 ft × 0.10 = 36 SF
- Blocking LF: 36 SF ÷ 0.5 ft (blocking width) = 72 LF
- Pieces: 72 LF ÷ 2 ft (typical block length) = 36 pieces
- Board feet: 36 pieces × 2 ft × 1 BF/ft = 72 BF
Step 5: Calculate sheathing
- Wall area: 40 ft × 9 ft = 360 SF
- Subtract door opening: 3 ft × 7 ft = 21 SF
- Net sheathing area: 360 - 21 = 339 SF
- Add 10% waste: 339 × 1.10 = 373 SF → round up to 375 SF
- Panels: 375 SF ÷ 32 SF per 4x8 sheet = 11.7 → 12 sheets
Step 6: Apply waste factors as separate lines
- Lumber waste 5%: (128 + 288 + 72) × 0.05 = 24.4 BF
- Sheathing waste 10%: already included in Step 5, but we show it as a separate line: 339 × 0.10 = 33.9 SF
Step 7: Summarize quantities
| Item | Quantity | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| 2x6 plates | 128 | BF |
| 2x6 studs | 288 | BF |
| 2x6 blocking | 72 | BF |
| Lumber waste (5%) | 24.4 | BF |
| 7/16 in. OSB sheathing | 339 | SF |
| Sheathing waste (10%) | 33.9 | SF |
This wall takeoff would be repeated for each wall type and combined with floor, roof, and finish carpentry takeoffs to build the full Division 06 estimate.
What moves the plastics cost estimating number
Relative impact on a typical estimate for this trade, based on estimator judgment. Select a bar for details.
Engineered vs. dimensional
LVL beams, PSL columns, LSL rim, and I-joists are quoted by the piece but priced by volume or LF. A 16 in deep LVL beam costs more per BF than a 2x10, and the board-foot conversion has to match the supplier's pricing basis or the bid misses by a wide margin.
OSB, plywood, ZIP System, and DensGlass carry different unit costs and different waste factors. A taped ZIP System wall adds tape, rollers, and a fluid-applied WRB line that a plain OSB wall does not carry. The spec book and wall section control which one is in the base bid.
LVL beams, PSL columns, LSL rim, and I-joists are quoted by the piece but priced by volume or LF. A 16 in deep LVL beam costs more per BF than a 2x10, and the board-foot conversion has to match the supplier's pricing basis or the bid misses by a wide margin.
Hangers, hold-downs, straps, and SDS screws are routinely the largest Div 06 overrun on a wood-frame job. A typical floor system can carry hundreds of hangers, and the count has to come from the connector schedule, not a square-foot allowance.
Truss supplier quotes often exclude crane pick, temporary bracing, and delivery beyond a certain radius. On a two-story plan with a 24 ft span, the setting allowance can run into five figures. We carry it as a separate line so you can see it before you bid.
Fire-retardant-treated lumber and plywood at rated assemblies, and pressure-treated material within 6 in of grade, carry a premium over standard material. These are often specified in a footnote on the life-safety sheet rather than in the framing plan, so they get missed in a plan-only takeoff.
A flat 1x4 casing and a built-up crown with a backband are both measured in LF but carry very different labor and material costs. Cabinet countertop edge profiles, radius corners, and sink cutouts are priced per LF or EA, so a per-SF countertop allowance understates the finish scope.
Waste factors for lumber, sheathing, and trim vary by material and installation method. Typical waste factors range from 5% for engineered lumber to 10-15% for trim and siding. We apply waste as a separate visible line so you can adjust it based on your crew's experience and site conditions.
Common scope gaps we catch
These are the Division 06 items that most often get excluded from a framing sub's quote and then come back as a change order. We carry each one as a visible line in the estimate.
- Blocking for grab bars, TV mounts, cabinet rails, and future handrail attachments is shown on architectural sheets but rarely on the framing plan. We scan the equipment and millwork elevations and add blocking by LF.
- Fire-retardant-treated lumber and plywood at rated walls and roof assemblies is often specified in a footnote on the life-safety sheet. We read the UL design and carry FRT material as a separate line.
- Sheathing upgrades such as ZIP System, taped seams, fluid-applied WRB, and drainage mat are frequently bid as alternates. If the base spec calls for them, they belong in the base bid, not in an alternate column.
- Truss delivery, crane pick, and temporary bracing are usually excluded from the truss supplier's quote. We add a setting allowance based on truss count, span, and site access.
- Connector hardware is the largest Div 06 overrun on most wood-frame jobs. We count hangers, hold-downs, and SDS screws from the connector schedule and price them by catalog weight.
- Pressure-treated material for sill plates, deck ledgers, and members within 6 in of grade is easy to miss when the framing plan shows a generic sill detail. We check the foundation plan and wall section for the treated zone.
- Moisture content and acclimation requirements for interior trim and cabinets are in the spec book but not on the plans. We note them so the schedule and temporary heat allowance are not left to the installer.
- Carpenter labor burden, per-diem, and travel for out-of-town crews on remote sites are not in RSMeans labor rates. We flag them when the project ZIP code is more than 50 miles from a major labor market.
- Countertop edge profiles, radius corners, and cutouts for sinks and cooktops are priced per LF or EA, not per SF. A per-SF countertop line without edge build-up understates the casework package.
- Shop drawings, submittals, and mock-up panels for architectural woodwork are a Div 06 cost under 06 40 00. They are often left to the millwork sub and then added as a change order.
- Stair code compliance — riser/tread dimensions and handrail height — depends on the locally adopted IRC or IBC edition. We flag the stair takeoff for confirmation with the local building department.
- Vapor retarders and air barriers inside the same wall assembly are Division 07 work, but the framing sub often assumes someone else is carrying them. We list them as an exclusion with a pointer to the thermal package.
Material selection: what changes the composites cost estimating number
The choice between OSB and plywood, dimensional and engineered lumber, or treated and FRT material affects unit cost, waste factor, and sometimes the framing layout itself.
| Material option | Unit cost basis | Typical waste factor | When it is specified |
|---|---|---|---|
| OSB sheathing | Per SF | 5-10% | Standard wall and roof sheathing where code allows. |
| Plywood sheathing | Per SF | 5-10% | High-moisture areas or where required for shear value. |
| ZIP System sheathing | Per SF (includes tape) | 5-8% | When a taped WRB is specified in lieu of housewrap. |
| Dimensional lumber (2x) | Per BF or LF | 5-10% | Standard framing for studs, plates, and joists. |
| LVL beams | Per BF or piece | 2-5% | Long spans or where dimensional lumber is not adequate. |
| I-joists | Per LF or piece | 3-5% | Floor systems with long spans or where dimensional lumber is not adequate. |
| Pressure-treated lumber | Per BF or LF | 5-10% | Sill plates, deck ledgers, and members within 6 in. of grade. |
| FRT lumber and plywood | Per BF or SF | 5-10% | Rated wall and roof assemblies per life-safety plan. |
| Composite decking | Per LF | 5-10% | Exterior decks and balconies where specified. |
Codes and standards that affect the takeoff
Model codes
The IRC prescriptive tables for stud spacing, header and joist spans, and bearing conditions set member sizes, so a 2x6 wall at 16 in. o.c. becomes 2x6 at 24 in. o.c. only where the table allows. The IBC routes engineered wood design to the NDS and sets fire-retardant-treated lumber requirements by occupancy and height. The IECC drives continuous insulation thickness, taped or sealed sheathing joints, and rim joist insulation, which adds line items beyond framing. For decks, guard and stair geometry come from the IRC. Confirm the adopted edition with the local building department.
Industry standards
ASTM D5456 governs structural composite lumber, D2559 covers adhesives for structural wood, and D7032 addresses wood-plastic composite deck boards and guardrails, which sets span ratings and stair stringer details. APA performance-rated panel marks on plywood and OSB tell you the span rating and exposure durability, which changes sheathing thickness and nailing schedule. AWC's WFCM and NDS supply design values and connection detailing. TPI quality criteria apply to metal plate connected trusses. These standards change panel thickness, connector counts, and waste factors in the takeoff.
Specification sections
In Division 06, read 06 10 00 Rough Carpentry for blocking, sheathing, and fasteners; 06 16 00 Sheathing for panel type, thickness, and attachment; 06 17 53 Shop-Fabricated Wood Trusses for design loads, bearing, and delivery; 06 20 00 Finish Carpentry for trim profiles and stair components; and 06 40 00 Architectural Woodwork for casework and countertops. Also read 06 05 23 for fastenings and connectors. Submittal, mockup, and quality assurance clauses add samples, testing, and inspection line items that carry cost.
Local amendments
Adopted editions range from the 2015 to the 2024 IRC and IBC, and amendments vary by state and municipality. Common changes include bracing methods, fire-retardant-treated lumber mandates, wildfire-zone exterior detailing, and energy code compliance paths that alter sheathing and insulation. Some jurisdictions require third-party inspection of connectors or specific deck ledger attachment details. Because these amendments shift material and labor, confirm the adopted edition and any local amendments with the local building department before you finalize the estimate.
Who uses this composites estimating company deliverable
General contractor
You need a Division 06 number you can carry in the bid without a framing sub's exclusions biting you later. The workbook separates rough carpentry, sheathing, and finish carpentry so you can see which scope you are holding and which you are passing down.
Framing subcontractor
You bid the structural frame and sheathing, and you want a board-foot lumber list and a connector count that ties to the plan. The estimate gives you quantities by member size and spacing, plus a separate line for hangers and hold-downs so you can price your own material markup.
Millwork subcontractor
You need cabinet counts by type, countertop SF with edge build-up, and trim LF by profile. The estimate carries each of these as a separate line, so you can check the architect's schedule against the plan quantities before you commit to a lump sum.
Developer or owner
You want to compare Div 06 bids on the same scope basis. The estimate shows the unit basis for each line — BF, LF, SF, EA — so a low bid that excludes connectors or FRT material is visible before you award.
Architect
You need a cost check on the wood, plastics, and composites package before the design is frozen. The marked-up plan set shows where quantities came from, so you can confirm that the sheathing type, trim profile, and cabinet schedule match the drawings.