Creating a Cut or Buy List of Framing Materials


Reference Number: KB-00095
Last Modified: June 6, 2023

The information in this article applies to:

Premier



QUESTION

The materials list displays my framing using linear length. How can I change this to a cut or buy list?


ANSWER

The Structural Member Reporting Defaults dialog allows you to specify the method used to calculate framing members, as well as make modifications to each type of calculation.

You can also change the reporting method using the Structural Member Reporting Control drop-down toolbar when a Materials List is active, or by accessing the Materials List Specification dialog.


To modify the structural member reporting defaults

  1. While in a plan file, select Edit> Default Settings Default Settings iconfrom the menu.


  2. In the Default Settings dialog, select Structural Member Reporting, then click Edit.

    You can also navigate to Tools> Materials List> Structural Member Reporting .


  3. In the Saved Structural Member Reporting Defaults dialog that opens, use the drop-down option under the Currently Active Structural Member Reporting Defaults heading to choose your desired reporting method.

    Saved Structural Member Reporting Defaults dialog with the drop-down menu of options

    • Select Buy List to calculate the framing materials by counting individual pieces and matching them to items in the list of Buy List Board Sizes.

    • Select Cut List to calculate framing materials by counting the individual pieces present in the model.

    • Select Linear Length to calculate framing materials in linear feet.

    • Select Mixed Reporting to calculate framing materials using a combination of lineal lengths and piece counts. 

    To learn more about the other options located in this dialog, such as the importing and exporting of this data, please click on the Help button at the bottom to open your program's documentation.


  4. If you would like to make any changes to any of the reporting methods, select the option that you would like to modify, then click Edit to open an additional dialog where board information can be edited.

    Structural Member Reporting - Default dialog showing Mixed Reporting, Total Linear Length, Cut List and Buy List options


  5. Click OK on any and all dialogs to confirm your changes.


When a Materials List is active, use the Structural Member Reporting Control drop-down toolbar to choose which reporting method the Materials List uses.

Changing the reporting method to Cut List using the Lumber Reporting Method Control drop-down


This information can also be adjusted on the Options panel of the Materials List Specification dialog. This can be accessed by navigating to Tools> Active View> Edit Active View while a Materials List is active, or by right-clicking on a Materials List from the Project Browser  and choosing Edit View.

Options panel of the Materials List Specification dialog