Deck Material Calculator
Deck boards, joists, footings, and screws from your deck dimensions — with board length, joist spacing, and waste factored in.
FAQ
- How many deck boards do I need?
- Divide the deck width by the board face width plus the gap to get the number of rows, multiply by the deck length for linear feet, add ~10% waste, then divide by your board length. This calculator does all of that and rounds up to whole boards.
- What does the calculator NOT include?
- It estimates field material — decking, field joists, footings, and screws. It does not include the ledger board, rim/band joists, beams, post anchors, footing concrete, stairs, or railing. Add those separately so you don't under-order structural lumber.
- How far apart should deck joists be?
- 16 inches on center is standard. Use 12 inches for a stiffer feel or diagonal decking, and 24 inches only where your decking and local code allow it. The joist count includes a closing joist at each end.
Rooms you can plan with this tool
Real-room inspiration that uses this tool's outputs.
kitchen
Farmhouse kitchen — shaker cabinets, soapstone, exposed beams done correctly
farmhouse, traditional
kitchen
Industrial loft kitchen — concrete floor, blackened steel cabinets, oak island
industrial, modern
kitchen
Modern kitchen — slab cabinets, waterfall island, integrated appliances
modern, minimalist