Before you buy lumber for any plan, you want to know three things: what to buy, how to cut it, and whether it will fit your budget. Cut lists, materials lists and cutting diagrams each answer a different one of those questions. This guide explains what they are, what we can and cannot confirm about how Ted's plans handle them, and how to use them without wasting wood.
The Three Documents, Plainly Defined
Materials list
This is the shopping list. It usually covers lumber or sheet goods, plus hardware like screws, hinges, glue and finish. It tells you what to bring to the store.
Cut list
This is the parts list. Each part gets a name, a quantity and dimensions (length, width, thickness). It tells you what comes out of the stock once you start cutting.
Cutting diagram
This is a layout showing how the parts fit onto standard boards or sheets, which helps cut down on waste. Many plans skip it, and it is the item most worth checking for before you assume it exists.
What We Can and Cannot Verify About Ted's Plans
Ted's plans are described publicly as including materials lists and cut lists, along with drawings and instructions. We cannot verify that every plan in the library includes all three documents, or that cutting diagrams appear consistently. Plans vary by project and likely by author, so treat any claim of uniform coverage with caution. For a broader look at contents, see What's Inside Ted's Woodworking Plans, and confirm current details on the official site before purchasing.
How to Use Them: A Practical Sequence
- Read the whole plan first. Check that the cut list matches the drawings. Our guide on checking a plan before you build walks through this.
- Total the materials list yourself. Add up the cut list's board footage or sheet area and compare it to the shopping list. A mismatch is a flag.
- Convert nominal sizes. A "2x4" is not 2 by 4 inches. Confirm whether the plan lists actual dimensions or nominal ones, and measure the lumber you buy.
- Add a waste margin. A common shop habit is to buy extra, often around 10 to 15 percent, for defects and mistakes. That is a rule of thumb, not something from the plans.
- Mark and label parts. Label each piece with its cut-list name as you cut. It saves confusion at assembly.
- Cut in order of risk. Cut the parts that matter most for fit first, and verify them against the drawings before cutting the rest.
- Cross-check with the build steps. See how detailed the instructions are and how to read the drawings and exploded joint views.
Comparing What Each Document Does for You
| Document | Main job | Saves you from | Check for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials list | Shopping | Missing hardware, second trips | Quantities, hardware sizes, finish |
| Cut list | Cutting | Guessing part sizes | Matches drawings, actual vs. nominal sizes |
| Cutting diagram | Layout | Excess waste | Whether it exists, board length assumptions |
Recommended for youInside the Ted's Woodworking Plan Library: Categories, Keyword Search and Difficulty SortingHonest Tradeoffs
Lists save time, but not judgment
A cut list assumes standard stock. If your lumberyard sells different lengths, or you use reclaimed wood, you will need to adapt. Wood is also variable: grain, knots and warping can change which board each part should come from.
No diagram means doing it yourself
If a plan lacks a cutting diagram, you can sketch one on paper or use a free layout tool. It takes maybe twenty minutes and can save a board or a sheet.
Budget estimates need real prices
Material lists don't give you a cost. Lumber prices change by region and season, so price your list at a local yard before committing. We do not list prices here, and you should check current plan pricing and terms on the official site.
Tips by Project Type
- Beginners: Start with simple projects with short cut lists. See beginner projects to start with.
- Outdoor builds: Confirm the list specifies exterior-rated lumber and fasteners, or choose them yourself. See outdoor and small-space plans.
- Tool limits: A cut list assumes you can make the cuts. Check what tools you need.
Format and Finding Plans
Whether you can print or view the lists on a shop device depends on the file format. See whether the plans are a PDF download. Video is a separate question, covered in video instructions. To find projects before you commit, use the library search, categories and difficulty sorting. If you need a project that isn't in the library, read what to realistically expect from new plans and custom requests.
Safety Note
A cut list does not tell you how to make cuts safely. Small parts, narrow rips and sheet goods can be hazardous on a table saw. Use guards, push sticks and eye and hearing protection, and follow your tool manuals. If you are unsure about a technique, ask an experienced woodworker or take a local class.
Bottom Line
Treat the lists as a strong starting point and verify them before spending money. If you are still deciding whether the plan library suits you, compare it against your project needs in our review, and confirm what is included on the official site first.
Keep reading
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