Deck material list estimator

Deck Material Calculator

Build a quick deck material list from deck length, width, board width, gap, stock length, joist spacing, post spacing, waste, and unit costs.

Units

Deck length (ft)Deck width (ft)Board width (in)Board gap (in)Deck board stock length (ft)Joist spacing (in OC)Post spacing (ft)Post rows / beam lines Waste / cuts (%)Cost per deck board ($)Joist cost per length ($/ft)Cost per post ($)Screws per box Cost per screw box ($)

Deck boards to buy

Joists and posts

Screws to buy

Rough cost

Deck material count is not structural design

This is a planning material list only. Joist spans, beams, footings, post size, guard loads, lateral bracing, ledger attachment, fasteners, permits, and local deck code must be verified before ordering or building.

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Deck Board Calculator

Focus on board rows and linear footage for the walking surface.

Deck Joist Calculator

Count joists, blocking, and rim boards in more detail.

Deck Post Calculator

Plan support posts and post-hole concrete after the deck size is set.

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Deck material formula

Board rows = ceiling(deck width ÷ (board width + gap))

Deck boards = board rows × boards per row × (1 + waste %)

Joist rows = ceiling(deck length ÷ joist spacing) + 1

Posts per row = ceiling(deck length ÷ post spacing) + 1

Sample takeoff

A 16 ft by 12 ft deck with 5.5 in boards, 0.25 in gaps, 16 ft stock, 16 in joist spacing, two post rows, and 10% waste needs about 29 deck boards, 13 joists, 8 posts, and 744 screws.A 4.8 m by 3.6 m deck with 140 mm boards, 6 mm gaps, 4.8 m stock, 400 mm joist spacing, two post rows, and 10% waste needs about 28 deck boards, 13 joists, 8 posts, and 715 screws.

Deck Material Calculator FAQ

How do I estimate deck materials?+

Start with board rows across the deck width, count stock boards per row, add joists from spacing along the length, then estimate post rows and screw boxes.Start with board rows across the deck width, count stock boards per row, add joists from spacing along the length, then estimate post rows and screw boxes.

Does this replace deck plans?+

No. It gives a rough shopping list. Deck plans, spans, footing sizes, ledger details, guards, stairs, permits, and inspections still control the build.No. It gives a rough shopping list. Deck plans, spans, footing sizes, ledger details, guards, stairs, permits, and inspections still control the build.

Why not use only square feet?+

Square feet helps with pricing, but ordering needs board rows, stock lengths, joist spacing, post rows, waste, and fasteners.Square feet helps with pricing, but ordering needs board rows, stock lengths, joist spacing, post rows, waste, and fasteners.