Deck Board Calculator — Calculate Deck Materials & Costs

Deck Board Calculator

Calculate the materials and cost for building a deck. Determine how many deck boards you need based on deck dimensions, board size, spacing, and material costs.

Step 1: Deck Dimensions

sq ft

Measuring Your Deck

Measure the length and width of your deck area in feet or meters. For irregular shapes, break the area into rectangles and add them together. Don’t forget to account for stairs or railings.

Step 2: Board Details

0.25″

About Board Spacing

Proper spacing (typically 1/8″ to 1/4″) allows for wood expansion and drainage. Composite decking may require different spacing. Check manufacturer recommendations for your specific material.

Deck Materials & Cost Results

Summary
Material Comparison
Cost Analysis

Total Estimated Cost

$1,250.00
For a 240 sq ft deck
Boards Needed
100
Total Board Length
1,200 ft
Cost per Sq Ft
$5.21
Waste Factor
10%

Deck Material Cost Comparison

Material Type Cost per Board Total Cost Lifespan Maintenance

Deck Cost Analysis

Deck Board Calculation Formula

Boards Needed = (Deck Width × 12) ÷ (Board Width + Spacing)

The number of boards is calculated by converting deck width to inches, then dividing by the combined width of one board plus spacing. Always add 10-15% for waste and cutting.

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