Recovery and kerf

Recovery is the share of log volume that leaves as sawn lumber: recovery % = lumber volume / log volume × 100. If 100 m³ of logs give 48 m³ of lumber, recovery is 48 %.

Kerf is the width of the saw cut. In a stack of boards, the share lost to kerf is kerf / (board + kerf) × 100. With a 3.5 mm kerf and 25 mm boards that is 3.5 / 28.5 = 12.3 %.

Slabs, edgings, trimming and defects also reduce recovery.