Material List Tutorial - Part 1

Tutorial Guide - Part I

Introduction

This video demonstrates the timber/material list creation process in Dietrichs 3D building software - a key workflow for generating accurate material takeoffs and ordering lists for timber construction projects. Dietrichs provides powerful material list capabilities that allow you to extract detailed component information from your 3D building model, customize the output format, and export to various formats for ordering and cost estimation.

Learning Objective

Learn to generate accurate timber/material lists from 3D building models in Dietrichs software for construction takeoffs and ordering.

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Steps

Step 1: Select Materials by Slice

1. Navigate to your building model with completed wall, roof, and floor components

2. Select materials from desired slice:

   • Choose "Slice Zero" for primary structural elements

   • Other slices contain different materials (OSB sheathing, insulation, etc.)

   • Tip: Wall buildup materials are organized in separate slices by layer

Step 2: Activate Components for List

1. Review available materials in your selected slice

2. Activate desired components:

   • ✅ Timbers from position B7

   • ✅ Profile beams (for TJIs)

   • ✅ All structural elements from slice zero

   • ❌ Deactivate sheeting if not needed for this list

Step 3: Generate Material List

1. Go to: 1-9-3

2. Skip the sorting screen. Choose the defaults.

3. Configure list parameters:

   • Select "Active objects from position B7"

   • Choose "All Slice Zero" materials

   • Apply sorting rules (covered in advanced topics)

4. Click OK to generate the list

Step 4: Open Project Data Program

1. Access the Project Data Program (separate module)

2. Select or create template:

   • Use existing templates or copy/modify for custom needs

   • Templates control which data appears in final output

3. Configure output columns (check/uncheck as needed):

   • ✅ Line number

   • ✅ Building part location

   • ✅ Item designation

   • ✅ Piece count

   • ✅ Dimensions (width × height × length)

   • ✅ Weight reference

   • ❌ Sorting number (not needed for ordering)

Step 5: Customize List Settings

1. Review generated data:

   • Identical pieces may appear on separate lines if from different building areas

   • This separation is useful for installation planning

2. Add cutting allowances:

   • Select all items → Add 2" to all lengths

   • Round to nearest 16" or 24" as needed

3. Apply sorting rules:

   • Sort by item number, width, height, length

   • Choose ascending or descending order

Step 6: Output Final List

1. Go to Output module

2. Select template: Timber List/Lumber List

3. Choose document format:

   • PDF for printing

   • RTF for editing

   • Excel for further sorting/analysis

4. Configure filters:

   • Select specific floors, walls, or building areas

   • Choose delivery location (workshop vs. on-site)

   • Filter by item numbers or packages

5. Generate final output with totals for:

   • Total pieces

   • Board footage

   • Weight

   • Pricing (if in database)

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Export to Excel (Optional)

• Click Export instead of Output

• Choose Excel format

• Save with descriptive filename

• Note: Excel format allows custom sorting but has limitations with fractional inches

Key Benefits

• Accurate takeoffs from 3D model data

• Flexible filtering by building area or component type

• Professional formatting with company templates

• Multiple output formats for different uses

• Comprehensive totals for ordering and cost estimation

Next Steps

• Part II: Advanced sorting rules and custom templates

• Part III: Integration with ordering systems and inventory management