The Material Order Checklist: Before You Buy Steel, Wood or Tile
Ten minutes of checking before the order saves a second trip to the supplier.
1. Optimize first, then count
Never order from a raw parts list. Run the cut list through the optimizer, see how many bars, sheets or boxes the plan actually needs, and order against that number. Material requirements can drop 10–15% versus a hand estimate.
2. Add a controlled buffer
Add 5–10% for re-cuts and handling damage — not more. A huge buffer hides planning errors and ties up cash. Put the buffer in the order, but keep it visible as a separate line so you can track how much you actually consumed.
3. Check what you already have
Offcut racks, leftover boxes from the last job, partial bars — enter them as stock in the calculator so new material covers only the remainder. The linear calculator accepts multiple stock lengths for exactly this case.
4. Confirm dimensions and standards
Bar length 6 m or 6.1 m? Sheet 2440×1220 or 2500×1250? US or metric rebar sizes? Gauge or mm? Every industry has regional standards — confirm the actual delivered size with your supplier before finalizing the plan.
5. Batch and match batches
Combine this week's jobs into one order for better prices and fewer deliveries. For tile and wallpaper, check that all boxes share the same batch or lot number — colour varies between production runs and shows visibly once installed.
Open the linear cutting calculator Open the sheet cutting calculator