How to Make Oak Planks in OSRS A Step by Step Guide

How to Make Oak Planks in OSRS A Step by Step Guide

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), oak planks are a valuable resource used primarily in the Construction skill to craft furniture and level up efficiently. They’re also a decent money-making method for players looking to turn a profit. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making oak planks, from gathering materials to optimizing your runs for maximum efficiency. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned veteran, you’ll find actionable tips to streamline the process.

Oak planks are essential for training Construction, offering 60 experience per plank when used to build furniture like oak larders or dining tables. They’re also tradeable on the Grand Exchange, making them a viable money-making option for players who can efficiently convert oak logs into planks. With relatively low requirements and a straightforward process, this method is accessible to both free-to-play and member players, though members have faster options.

Key Uses of Oak Planks

Requirements for Making Oak Planks

Old School RuneScape OSRS How to Make Planks Gamer Empire

Before you start, ensure you meet the basic requirements and have the right setup to make oak planks efficiently. While the process is simple, preparation can save you time and increase your profits.

Skill Requirements

  • Woodcutting 15 (Optional): To chop oak logs yourself. If buying logs, no Woodcutting level is needed.
  • Firemaking 40 (Recommended): To unlock the Varrock balloon route for faster travel to the Sawmill.
  • Magic 86 (Optional): For the Plank Make spell, which requires completion of Lunar Diplomacy and Dream Mentor quests.

Quest Requirements

For the fastest method using the balloon transport system, you’ll need:

Items Needed

  • Oak Logs: One log per plank. Buy from the Grand Exchange or chop oak trees (e.g., near Varrock bank).
  • Coins: 250 coins per oak log at the Sawmill, or 175 coins with Plank Make spell (plus rune costs).
  • Willow Log: One per balloon trip to Varrock.
  • Ring of Dueling: For teleporting to Castle Wars to bank.
  • Weight-Reducing Gear (Optional): Boots of Lightness, Spottier Cape, or Graceful outfit to carry more logs per trip.

Step by Step Guide to Making Oak Planks

OSRS Quick Guide How to Make Teak Planks Ironman YouTube

The most efficient way to make oak planks involves using the Sawmill near Varrock, accessible via the balloon transport system. Below is a detailed breakdown of the process, optimized for speed and profit.

Step 1: Prepare Your Inventory

Start at the Castle Wars bank:

  • Withdraw 27 oak logs (or 25 with Spottier Cape and Boots of Lightness, 20 without weight-reducing gear).
  • Withdraw one willow log for the balloon trip.
  • Withdraw at least 6,750 coins (250 coins per plank x 27).
  • Equip a Ring of Dueling for quick teleports back to Castle Wars.

Step 2: Travel to the Sawmill

From Castle Wars:

  1. Run north to the balloon just outside the Castle Wars lobby.
  2. Use one willow log to travel to the Varrock balloon, which lands steps away from the Sawmill.
  3. Run north to the Sawmill operator, located northeast of Varrock.

Step 3: Convert Logs to Planks

At the Sawmill:

  • Speak to the Sawmill operator and select “Buy-plank.”
  • Choose “Buy All” under oak logs to convert your entire inventory (27 logs = 27 planks).
  • Pay 250 coins per log (6,750 coins for 27 planks).

Step 4: Return and Repeat

After converting:

  • Use the Ring of Dueling to teleport back to Castle Wars.
  • Bank, restock your inventory with oak logs, a willow log, and coins.
  • Repeat the process, aiming for 1,000–1,500 planks per hour with practice.

Alternative Methods for Making Oak Planks

If the balloon method isn’t for you, or you’re looking for other ways to make oak planks, consider these alternatives. Each has its own pros and cons, depending on your account type and goals.

Plank Make Spell

For high-level players with 86 Magic, the Plank Make spell (Lunar spellbook) is a viable option:

  • Requirements: 86 Magic, Lunar Diplomacy, Dream Mentor, 15 Earth Runes, 2 Astral Runes, 1 Nature Rune per cast.
  • Cost: 175 coins per oak plank (70% of Sawmill cost), plus rune costs.
  • Pros: Can be done anywhere, trains Magic (up to 166,000 XP/hour), slightly cheaper per plank.
  • Cons: Slower (1,000–1,850 planks/hour), high Magic requirement, rune costs reduce profits.

Tip: Use a staff to supply Earth Runes and cast manually for faster rates, or auto-cast for AFK training at 90,000 XP/hour.

Player-Owned House (POH) Butler Method

For Ironmen or players training Construction simultaneously:

  • Hire a Demon Butler in your POH (10,000 coins every 160 planks).
  • Chop oak logs near Rimmington or the Woodcutting Guild.
  • Teleport to your POH, send the butler to the Sawmill with logs, and build furniture (e.g., oak larders).
  • Pros: No balloon transport needed, combines Construction training.
  • Cons: Slower (1,400 planks/hour), requires 50 Construction for Demon Butler.

Woodcutting Guild Sawmill

The Sawmill in the Woodcutting Guild (Hosidius) is another option:

  • Requirements: 60 Woodcutting, 75% Hosidius favor.
  • Chop oak logs in the guild, convert them at the nearby Sawmill, and bank with a Skills Necklace.
  • Pros: Convenient for Ironmen, no quest requirements.
  • Cons: Slower than balloon method (1,100 planks/hour), requires favor grinding.

Tips for Maximizing Efficiency and Profit

To make the most of your oak plank runs, follow these tips to save time, reduce costs, and boost profits.

Optimize Your Gear

Wearing weight-reducing gear allows you to carry more logs per trip:

Item Weight Reduction Logs Carried
No Gear 0 kg 20
Boots of Lightness + Spottier Cape -6.7 kg 25
Full Graceful + Spottier Cape -12 kg 27

Stock Up on Logs

Buy oak logs in bulk from the Grand Exchange when prices are low (around 40–50 coins each). Alternatively, chop oaks near Varrock bank for free logs if you have 15 Woodcutting. Store up to 100 willow logs in the balloon crate at Castle Wars for faster trips.

Check Grand Exchange Prices

Before investing, check live prices for oak logs (around 40 coins) and oak planks (around 500 coins). A typical profit for 1,000 planks is:

  • Cost: 27,000 (logs) + 250,000 (Sawmill fees) = 277,000 coins.
  • Revenue: 1,000 planks x 500 coins = 500,000 coins.
  • Profit: 500,000 – 277,000 = 223,000 coins.

Note: Prices fluctuate, so use the Grand Exchange tracker to confirm profitability.

Use a Looting Bag for Extra Planks

In the Wilderness (near the Sawmill), fill a looting bag with planks to carry an extra 25 per trip. Bank them later at Edgeville. This method boosts efficiency but carries a minor risk of PKers.

Conclusion

Making oak planks in OSRS is a reliable way to train Construction or earn gold, especially for low-to-mid-level players. The balloon transport method, combined with weight-reducing gear and smart banking, can yield up to 1,500 planks per hour and decent profits. For Ironmen or Magic trainers, alternatives like the Plank Make spell or POH butler offer flexibility. Always check Grand Exchange prices before starting, and optimize your setup to save time. Now, grab those oak logs and start planking!