What Does S3S Lumber Mean? A Practical Guide for Woodworkers

If you have ever compared hardwood lumber at a retailer, you must be familiar with phrases like S2S, S3S, and S4S. In simple terms, these indicate the amount of treatment that has been done to the lumber prior to purchase.

So, when you come across S3S lumber, you need to understand that it stands for “Surfaced Three Sides.” This indicates that two broad faces, as well as one side or edge of the board, have been machined. But the other side is still in its rough form.

This article will assist you in selecting the appropriate material, determining usable quantities of lumber, and saving money ultimately.

What Does S3S Mean in Lumber?

Well, S3S means Surfaced Three Sides. In lumber milling, two faces and one side edge are normally planed on the board. The two planed surfaces create a uniform thickness on the board, while the edge allows for a straight reference edge when measuring and cutting.

However, the other side remains rough.

The rough side can prove helpful when there is a need to get a particular width for the board. So, you can place the board against the fence of a table saw and cut only a specific part to get the dimensions you need.

S3S vs. S2S Lumber

So, how S2S and S3S lumber differ depends upon the number of surfaced edges and faces. Let’s look at the key differences between the two.

Let’s take an example of how to perfectly choose between S2S and S3S lumber,

In the case of a table-top made of various hardwood boards, S3S will save your time since you will have one straight edge to use as a guide in ripping the board to the final dimension.

S3S vs. S4S Lumber

By now, we know that S4S lumber is wood that has been surfaced on all four sides. The top, bottom, and both long sides of the wood have undergone machining.

So, S3S provides better control over width, while S4S provides better convenience.

However, if you own a table saw and would like to customize your lumber with regard to its width, then it is advisable to go for S3S.

What Are the Benefits of S3S Lumber?

Undoubtedly, S3S lumber may prove to be especially handy if you do not require fully dressed lumber but only want a bit of preparation.

The strengths of this lumber are:

• 2 smooth surfaces
• 1 straight edge
• Fewer milling operations compared to rough sawn lumber
• More control over the final width
• Handy for furniture and cabinet making
• Less preparation required compared to S2S lumber for edging

Moreover, the usage of S3S may save your time since there is no need to joint both edges before cutting.

What Are the Limitations of S3S?

Nevertheless, S3S is not entirely ready-to-use wood. There is an unfinished edge that also requires your attention.

S3S lumber requires:

• Slicing the unfinished edge
• Making changes to the final width
• Suspecting any defects on the board
• Some additional cuts to the board for the project
• The board finishing process

Further, never expect a board marked by a certain nominal thickness to have the same actual thickness. Surfacing always results in loss of thickness; therefore, you should always verify the supplier’s actual size.

How Do You Calculate S3S Lumber?

So, when you need to estimate the volume of hardwood lumber, you can benefit from using a Board Foot Calculator that will enable you to find out exactly how much lumber you will require. It is useful when you need to compare prices of various boards or estimate the materials required for building furniture.

For instance, when you need various boards with different sizes of width and length, the estimation of board feet will allow you to compare the amount of lumber you need without taking into account how many boards you require.

When you need lumber to be estimated according to its length, you will need a linear foot calculator. You should use the measure that is used by your supplier for selling the lumber. Also, you might want to use a Log Board Foot Calculator.

Is S3S Lumber Good for DIY Projects?

Well, S3S will be a good option for DIY woodworkers who have basic cutting equipment but do not wish to cut the rough side of lumber.

So, S3S is especially handy for items such as shelves, tables, cabinets, boxes, trim, and other work that requires uniform thickness while having to measure the width manually.

In case you don’t have a table saw or other tools to make the edge straight, then S4S would be easier.

Conclusion: S3S Lumber

Wrapping up, S3S lumber is a halfway point between partly dressed and totally dressed lumber. So, its two faces are smooth, and one edge is straight, but the other side is rough, which allows you to adjust the width of the edge as per your needs.

The boards can serve as a good compromise for many woodworking purposes. In the end, remember to check the actual dimensions of the boards before purchasing the lumber.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is S3S lumber for woodworking?

S3S indicates that both sides and one edge have been surfaced. The other edge will remain rough, making it easier to tailor the board size to your needs.

Which is better, S3S lumber or S4S lumber?

When comparing S3S and S4S lumber for woodworking projects, neither of the two types is necessarily better. S3S allows you greater control over the finished product, whereas S4S allows you to save time in preparation, as all sides have been surfaced.

Is there a Board Foot Calculator for S3S lumber?

Yes. A Board Foot Calculator for S3S hardwood lumber is very helpful in determining how much material you need for your project. Simply use the actual thickness, width, and length as given by your lumber supplier.