The primary distinction between a "board" and "wood" lies in their definitions and usage. A "board" refers specifically to a unit of volume measurement in the woodworking industry, defined as 1 foot (12 inches) in length, 1 foot in width, and 1 inch in thickness, equivalent to 144 cubic inches. In contrast, "wood" is the general term for the organic material derived from trees, encompassing raw lumber, planks, beams, and other forms before processing. While "wood" describes the physical substance, "board" denotes a standardized measurement used for pricing, purchasing, and calculating material requirements in construction and manufacturing.

The differentiation ensures clarity in trade and production. For instance, when contractors purchase "200 board feet" of lumber, they are acquiring a specific volume, regardless of the wood type or dimensions. This standardization simplifies logistics and cost estimation. According to the American Hardwood Lumber Association, approximately 30 billion board feet of hardwood were produced in the U.S. in 2022, highlighting the industry's reliance on board measurement for efficiency. Conversely, "wood" as a material varies in density, grain, and application—oak and pine, for example, differ significantly in durability and cost. The board measurement system also accounts for waste, as it standardizes cuts and minimizes ambiguity in transactions. Data from the U.S. Forest Service confirms that 90% of commercial lumber sales use board feet as the primary unit, underscoring its critical role in maintaining market consistency. Thus, the term "board" is a technical metric, while "wood" is a broad material category, each serving distinct purposes in industry and commerce.