Cut Lists in SketchUp

SketchUp can produce a cut list with the free OpenCutList extension, as long as every part is modelled as a separate component. It is a good workflow if you design one-off pieces in 3D. For standard furniture such as cabinets, wardrobes and bookshelves, starting from a resizable plan is much faster. Search for a SketchUp cutlist and that extension is the usual answer.

Getting a cut list from SketchUp

1. Model every board as a component, not a group, and give it a name (Side, Shelf…).
2. Draw boards along the axes, with thickness on one axis, so length, width and thickness are read correctly.
3. Install OpenCutList from the Extension Warehouse.
4. Assign materials (MDF 18 mm, plywood…) so parts are grouped by board.
5. Generate the cut list, then the cutting diagram for your sheet size.

Common pitfalls

• Groups instead of components: parts are missed or not counted.
• Scaled components: the size reported is the original size.
• Rotated parts: length and width are swapped, which matters for grain.
• Changing a size means remodelling every affected part, then regenerating the list.

The faster way for standard furniture

If what you build is a cabinet, a wardrobe or a bookshelf, you do not need to model it. Pick a plan, type the width, height and depth, and every part is recalculated, together with the 3D view, the cut list and the sheet layout. When the client changes the size, you change one number.