Decking Calculator

Total Square Feet:

OR

DIMENSIONS

Length (ft):

Width (ft):

Board Size:

Joist Spacing:

Decking Angle:

Total Length of Perimeter (ft):

Formula Details

Total Area: (Length (ft) * 12 + Length (in)) * (Width (ft) * 12 + Width (in)) / 144

Boards Required: Total Area / (Board Width in inches)

Waste Factor: Boards Required * 10%

Perimeter: Sum of all sides of the deck shape

Explanation FAQs

How Many Deck Boards Do I Need?

To determine the number of deck boards, first calculate the area of the deck in square feet. Then, divide the total area by the width of the chosen board size to get the number of boards required. Don’t forget to factor in waste, usually around 10%.

What Are Common Deck Board Sizes?

Common sizes for deck boards are 2×4, 2×6, 5/4×4, and 5/4×6. Each of these has different widths, and the board size will affect the number of boards you need for your deck.

What Materials Do I Need for Decking?

You will need deck boards, joists, screws or fasteners, and potentially other materials such as posts, railings, and sealants. Joist spacing is crucial to providing structural support for the deck.

How Do I Measure a Deck?

To measure a deck, get the length and width dimensions, both in feet and inches. Multiply these dimensions to get the total square footage. You can also measure the perimeter by adding together the lengths of all sides.