How to Get Planks in DayZ and What to Build With Them

Planks are easy to overlook in DayZ until you suddenly need storage, walls, or a proper base and realize that wood does not politely cut itself. Here is how to get planks, what tools you need, and why they are worth hauling back to camp.

How to Craft Planks in DayZ

The simplest method starts with a Hacksaw. Look for one in residential buildings and industrial locations. It can also appear in military areas and sometimes in supermarkets.

A Hacksaw has uses beyond woodworking. It can free players from Handcuffs, but it cannot cut Combination Locks as of DayZ patch 1.08.

Once you have a Hacksaw, search for lumber piles. These are commonly found around industrial parts of Chernarus. Put the Hacksaw in your hands, interact with the lumber pile, and you will receive 3x Planks.

Note: Lumber piles do not gradually respawn. They return after a server restart, and they may not appear in the exact same place.

You can also make planks with an Axe, such as a Firefighter Axe or Splitting Axe. Firefighter Axes are found in fire stations, while Splitting Axes usually spawn in areas similar to Hacksaws.

With an Axe equipped, walk up to a tree and use the action prompt. Hold the Action or Use button until the tree is cut and you receive a Wooden Log. Then use the Hacksaw on that Wooden Log to craft 4x Planks.

Warning: Cutting trees at night is loud. Infected can hear it, and other players can hear it too. The tree will not be the only thing getting chopped if you are unlucky.

What Planks Are Used For

Planks are a core base-building material in DayZ. Combine 8x Planks with 16x Nails to craft a Wooden Crate, which provides a 10x5 inventory space for storing gear. Wooden Crates can also be buried, making a hidden stash harder for other players to raid.

Planks are also used for fences, walls, towers, and base expansions. Whether you are building a fresh hideout or reinforcing an existing structure, planks are one of the materials you will keep needing.

Tip: Storing items in a Wooden Crate can help prevent them from despawning during server shutdowns.