Deck Material Calculator — Calculate Decking Materials and Cost

Deck Material Calculator

Calculate how much material you need for your deck project with our comprehensive calculator. Determine boards, fasteners, joists, and total costs for your deck construction.

Step 1: Deck Dimensions

Standard Deck Sizes

Most decks use 2×6 boards (5.5″ wide) with a ¼” gap between boards for drainage. Board length is typically 12, 16, or 20 feet.

Step 2: Material and Cost

10%

About Waste Factor

The waste factor accounts for cutting waste, damaged boards, and material that doesn’t meet quality standards. 10% is typical for most deck projects.

Deck Material Results

Summary
Material Comparison
Breakdown

Estimated Total Cost

$1,240
For a 20′ x 12′ deck with cedar decking
Deck Area
240 sq ft
Boards Needed
53 boards
Linear Feet
636 ft
Material Cost
$4.75/ft

Decking Material Comparison

Material Type Cost/ft Total Cost Durability Maintenance

Material Cost Breakdown

Deck Material Formula

Boards Needed = (Deck Width × 12) / (Board Width + Gap) × Waste Factor

To calculate materials: Convert deck width to inches, divide by board width plus gap, then multiply by waste factor. Multiply by deck length for linear feet needed.

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