Occasionally I get e-mail letters from people who lurk on this board. I am happy to answer them when I have the time.

Here is one that I would like to share, partly because I'd rather the topics were aired here, where more people could benefit from the discussion, and partly because the e-mail address of the person who sent it to me was messed up and I couldn't send the answer directly to them.

PGJ

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A 1x6 is actually 5 1/2 inches wide. I figure 3/8 inch of wood is needed for each 1/4 inch strip. I get that number by adding the width of the strip to the kerf of the saw blade, which is most cases is 1/8 inch. With a thin kerf blade you might actually get 1 more strip from each board than I do, but let's stay conservative in our estimating here.

I'll do the ath simply by changing the width of that 5 1/2 inch board into eighths. It is 44/8s. The number I'm using is 3/8 per strip, so 44 divided by 3 gives me almost 15. I can assume I'll get 14 strips from this -- plus 2/8 waste -- but wait! That 2/8 waste is possibly going to be a usable 1/4 inch strip, too.

You can use this estimating method with any width of wood. Comvert its actual measured size ( not the niminal size) to eighths of an inch, and divide by three. Any remainder represents a very thin sliver which is probably too thin to be used as a strip, although, with a thin kerf saw blade, or a band saw, you might get another strip or two from each board -- but don't rely on it.

So, you get 14 strips from each 1x6. Each strip is 8 feet long, so you have 112 lineal feet of woodstrips. 10 boards would give you 1120 feet of strips, which is what you were seeking., and if that is within your budget, then that is what you should buy.

However, if you can get an extra strip from each board, you will have 15 strips at 8 feet each or 120 lineal feet. 9 boards would give you 1080 lineal feet, which is close enough to your desired 1100.

You are best off getting 10 boards, as you will certainly have enough materials that way, but considering that you have a thin kerf sawblade, if the budget doesn't allow for 10 boards, then get 9 and you can make up the difference with strips from common pine or redwood, or whatever you have handy if necessary. Use these woods on the deck as accent colors.

Hope this helps

Paul G. Jacobson