Aximos
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Lumber takeoff software compared (2026)

Six tools estimators use for framing and lumber takeoffs, compared on what matters: who does the counting, what you get back, and how you check it. We make Aximos, so we say where another tool is the better pick.

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How to choose

Lumber takeoff tools fall into three groups. Manual tools help you measure faster but you still trace every wall. Multi-trade AI tools detect and measure across many scopes. Framing-specific AI tools draft the lumber takeoff itself. Which group fits depends on what you hand to the customer.

Start from your output. If you send a piece-level lumber list on your own products, look at tools built around that list. If you take off many trades, a general platform may matter more than framing depth.

Then look at checking. Every takeoff gets reviewed before it goes out. A tool that shows where each number came from turns review into looking; one that does not turns it into re-measuring.

The six tools

  • Aximos: AI drafts the whole framing takeoff

    Upload a plan set and the AI traces the framing and builds the material list by size and length on your SKUs, typically in 2–6 hours. Every quantity links to its trace and formula, with built-in checks. Monthly or annual billing. Wood framing only. Best for lumber yards, LBM dealers and framing contractors.

  • LumberJack AI: AI framing takeoff with a marked PDF

    Reads plan sets and delivers a reviewable framing lumber takeoff, then carries reviewed openings onto a marked floor-plan PDF for builders, suppliers and the field. Built for framers and estimators.

  • Togal: multi-trade AI takeoff

    AI that detects, measures and compares from drawings, used by general contractors and many specialty trades including framing. You run its automated takeoffs on the drawings and build the material list from the results. Cloud-based, sold per user and billed yearly. Best when one team covers many scopes.

  • STACK: cloud takeoff with framing assemblies

    Cloud takeoff and estimating with pre-built assemblies for studs, joists, beams and sheathing, plus an AI assistant. You measure on the plans with AI help; assemblies turn measurements into materials. Per user, on 12-month terms. Best for teams that want takeoff and estimating for many trades in one platform.

  • PlanSwift: desktop takeoff with custom assemblies

    Windows desktop software built around reusable, highly customizable trade assemblies, with framing tools for studs, headers, joists and rafters. Point-and-click measuring. Best for estimators who want full control of their assemblies.

  • Bluebeam Revu: PDF markup with measurement

    The industry PDF tool, with measurement and quantity features. Framers can build formulas that turn a traced wall into plates and studs, but it has no built-in lumber product database. Best if you already live in Bluebeam.

Compared

Side by side

  • Who does the counting

    Aximos: AI drafts the takeoff; you check it

    PlanSwift: You, with assemblies

    STACK: You, with assemblies

    Togal: AI detection you build on

    LumberJack AI: AI framing takeoff you review

  • Built for

    Aximos: Wood framing and lumber lists

    PlanSwift: Many trades

    STACK: Many trades

    Togal: Many trades

    LumberJack AI: Framing

  • Runs on

    Aximos: Web

    PlanSwift: Windows desktop

    STACK: Web

    Togal: Web

    LumberJack AI: Web

  • Main output

    Aximos: Material list by piece on your SKUs

    PlanSwift: Quantities and estimate

    STACK: Quantities and estimate

    Togal: Measurements by trade

    LumberJack AI: Framing list and marked PDF

  • Checking a number

    Aximos: Click it: trace, formula and built-in checks

    PlanSwift: Look at your markups

    STACK: Look at your markups

    Togal: Review on the drawings

    LumberJack AI: Review flagged items

Other tools described from their public websites and listings as of October 2026. Aximos wrote this page. Product names are trademarks of their owners, used here only to identify the products. Features change, so check each vendor for current details and pricing.

FAQ

Lumber takeoff software questions

What is the best lumber takeoff software?

It depends on your output. For a piece-level framing list you can check against the plan, framing-specific AI tools like Aximos fit best. For many trades in one place, a general platform like Togal or STACK. For full manual control of assemblies, PlanSwift.

Can AI do a lumber takeoff?

AI can draft one. Aximos first drafts are typically 80–95% accurate to final quantities, and every number links to its trace on the plan, so an estimator checks it instead of counting from scratch.

Do I need desktop software for lumber takeoffs?

No. Most current tools run in the browser. PlanSwift is the main desktop option on this list.

Which tool is best for lumber yards?

Lumber yard desks usually need a quotable list on their own SKUs, fast, from builders’ plans. Aximos is built around exactly that: the AI drafts the list on your catalog and the desk checks it.

Is this comparison biased?

We make Aximos, so read it with that in mind. We describe other tools from their own public positioning and say when another tool is the better pick.

Read next

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