How to Get Planks in Project Zomboid

Planks are one of the most essential resources in Project Zomboid, being especially useful for reinforcing your base and blocking windows. There are a few methods to obtaining them which we'll break down as simply as possible!

We'll cover how to get planks without a saw, by dismantling, by looting, and some of the best uses for them in Project Zomboid.

Crafting

The most straight-forward way to obtain planks is to craft them, which requires that you input either a Log or a Large Branch.

When combined with the following types of objects/tagged tools, they will grant 1 plank (or 3 planks if you used the tool on a log):

• Saw (the most commonly used method)

• Crudesaw

• Meatcleaver

• Sharpknife

Dismantling

Alternatively, if you do not have a tool that can be used to craft planks, you can also obtain them by dismantling if you have another tool like a hammer. As long as you have a sufficient carpentry level, you can dismantle objects such as the following for a chance at planks:

• Beds

• Couches

• Tables

• Cabinets

• Doors

Although the above list isn't a complete list, the general expectation is that you can obtain planks from most furniture items.

Looting

If you don't have any tools to help you dismantle or craft Planks, or you don't have a high enough carpentry level for dismantling what you've found, you can also find both planks and saws in loot around the world!

The primary spots you can look that have a higher chance of dropping both are featured below. Since a saw is also a super easy way of getting you planks, we've included some spots to search for the tool itself as well:

Saws:

• Workshop Containers (Carpentry Workshop, Furniture Workshop, Whittler Workshop, etc.)

• Attics (The attic level of any houses can contain cardboard boxes or crates with a chance of containing a saw)

Planks:

• Workshop Containers (Cabinet Workshop, Furniture Workshop, Logging Workshop, etc.)

• Logging Containers (Logging Factories, Logging Trucks, Logging Warehouses, etc.)

• Closets & Sheds (Sheds or closets around the map that you discover will have a chance of containing planks)

Uses for Planks

Planks are one of the most valuable resources in the game, and are usable for a wide array of mechanics. Most commonly:

• Barricades & Defense: You can use planks to barricade/block doors and windows, which both defends against attacking zombies, and blocks line of sight in the case of windows.

• Fuel: You can use planks as a fuel source, as well. Although you can just use logs as fuel directly, cutting them down into planks first will give you some free carpentry experience before you start burning them.

  

• Crafting: Planks are used in a lot of crafting recipes, but some of the more prominent are handles, splints, traps, tools, and molds.

• Building: Planks are a staple for the entire building system in Project Zomboid. If you're looking to build structures like hutches, gates, barrels, fences, walls, and so much more, planks are going to be one of your most commonly used resources apart from nails.