In DayZ, if you need a resource, you need it fast. With that in mind, here's how to craft one of the most underrated materials in DayZ - planks. With that, here's how to craft planks in DayZ.

How to Craft Planks in DayZ

Before collecting planks in DayZ, you must find a Hacksaw. Search for this tool inside residences and industrial establishments. It may also sometimes spawn in military institutions or even inside supermarkets. Note: The Hacksaw can also be used for other purposes, such as freeing captives from their Handcuffs. However, you can’t use it to cut Combination Locks as of patch 1.08. Search for lumber piles once you have a Hacksaw. You’ll typically find these wood stacks in the industrial areas of Chernarus. Place the Hacksaw in your hands and use it on a lumber pile. Doing so will yield 3x Planks. Note: Lumber piles don’t respawn over time and will only respawn after a server restart. Also, lumber piles may not spawn in the same location. Alternatively, obtain an Axe, such as the Firefighter Axe or Splitting Axe. The former can be found in fire stations, while the latter usually spawns in similar areas as the Hacksaw. After obtaining an Axe, walk up to any tree in the world. Next, place the Axe in your hands, and a prompt to use the Axe on the tree should appear. Hold the Action or Use button until the task is complete, yielding a Wooden Log. Then, use the Hacksaw on the Wooden Log to craft 4x Planks. Warning: Avoid cutting trees with an Axe at night, or the noise might alert nearby zombies. Or worse, other players.

Using Planks in DayZ

You can use 8x Planks with 16x Nails to craft a Wooden Crate. This container can house various items with its 10x5 inventory space. You may also bury the Wooden Crate underground, making it more difficult for other players to raid your stash than usual. Beyond this, planks are used in DayZ as a building material to construct fences, walls, and towers. Players can construct their own bases this way or simply use these materials to expand on existing buildings to make their bases. Tip: Place items in a Wooden Crate to prevent them from despawning during server shutdowns.