Decking Calculator
Calculate the number of deck boards, fasteners, and materials needed for your deck construction project
Calculate Decking Materials
Deck Dimensions
Deck Area: 0.0 sq ft (0.0 m²)
Decking Board Specifications
Board Area: 4.000 sq ft (0.3716 m²)
Fasteners & Waste
Standard fasteners for deck boards
Account for cutting waste and damaged boards
Cost Information (Optional)
Decking Material Results
Calculation: 0.0 sq ft ÷ 4.000 sq ft/board × 1.10 (waste factor)
Fastener ratio: 3.5 screws per sq ft
Boards without waste: 0 boards
Waste added: 10% = 0 extra boards
Deck Size Analysis
Example Calculation
Standard Deck Example
Deck size: 20 ft × 13 ft = 260 sq ft
Board size: 8 ft × 6 in (0.5 ft) = 4 sq ft per board
Waste factor: 10% additional boards
Fasteners: Screws (3.5 per sq ft)
Calculation Steps
1. Boards needed: 260 sq ft ÷ 4 sq ft/board = 65 boards
2. With 10% waste: 65 × 1.1 = 71.5 → 72 boards
3. Screws needed: 260 sq ft × 3.5 = 910 screws
4. Pack size: 1000 screws = 1 pack needed
Total: 72 boards + 1 pack of screws
Common Decking Board Sizes
Standard Pressure-Treated
8 ft × 6 in (5/4" thick)
Most economical option
Cedar/Redwood
8 ft × 4 in or 6 in
Natural rot resistance
Composite
12 ft × 5.5 in
Low maintenance option
Deck Building Tips
Add 10% waste for cutting and damaged boards
Use 3.5 fasteners per square foot for standard boards
Hidden fasteners require grooved-edge boards
Consider joist spacing (16" or 24" on center)
Check local building codes for permits
Plan for proper ventilation and drainage
Understanding Decking Calculations
How the Calculator Works
The decking calculator determines the number of boards needed by dividing the total deck area by the area of each board, then adding a waste factor to account for cutting and damaged materials. Fastener calculations follow industry standards for proper deck construction.
Material Types
- •Pressure-treated: Most economical, requires maintenance
- •Cedar/Redwood: Natural resistance, lightweight
- •Composite: Low maintenance, more expensive
- •PVC/Plastic: No maintenance, premium price
Fastener Guidelines
Screws/Nails: 3.5 per sq ft
Hidden Clips: 1.75 per sq ft
- Screws: Easier to remove, better holding power
- Nails: Faster installation, lower cost
- Hidden clips: Smooth surface, requires grooved boards
Pro Tip: Order 10-15% extra materials to account for waste, future repairs, and color matching.