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Calculate deck boards, joists, and fasteners needed with waste factor.
A deck board calculator estimates the number of deck boards, joists, and screws needed for a deck based on dimensions, board size, and joist spacing.
| Material | Cost/Linear Ft |
|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Pine | $2 – $4/lf |
| Cedar | $4 – $6/lf |
| Composite | $5 – $10/lf |
| Tropical Hardwood (Ipe) | $8 – $15/lf |
| PVC/Cellular | $7 – $12/lf |
Formula
Boards = (Deck Width ÷ (Board Width + Gap)) × (Deck Length ÷ Board Length) × (1 + Waste%)Deck Width = total deck width in feet
Board Width = width of each deck board in feet
Gap = spacing between boards in feet
Worked Example
16 × 12 ft deck with 5.5″ boards, 1/8″ gap, 10% waste
Did you know? The average cost to build a new deck in the U.S. is $7,700, with most homeowners spending between $4,400 and $11,000 (source: HomeAdvisor 2024).
Sources
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