Deck Material Calculator

Decking boards, joists, posts, and fasteners for a residential deck.

Inputs

5/4×6 actual: 5.5".

Result

Decking + framing
419 LF deck + 13 joists
192 ft² deck.
  • Deck area192 ft²
  • Decking LF419
  • Joists (along length)13 × 12' = 156 LF
  • Posts (estimate)14
  • Fasteners (~50/board)~2650

Step-by-step

  1. Deck area = 12 × 16 = 192 ft².
  2. Decking LF = area × 12 / board-width = 419 LF.
  3. Joists running along length: ⌈16/1.3333333333333333⌉ + 1 = 13.

How to use this calculator

  • Enter deck dimensions and board width.
  • Read deck LF, joist count, and rough post count.

About this calculator

A typical deck: 16-in O.C. joists, 5/4×6 decking boards, posts every 6-8 ft on the perimeter. Use pressure-treated lumber for ground-contact components; cedar/composite for visible decking. This is a starting estimate; verify against local code.

Frequently asked

5/4×6 (1×6 nominal, 5.5" actual) is the standard. 2×6 is heavier, more rigid, but more expensive. Choose based on joist spacing.

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