Estimate decking boards, joists, and posts for your deck project with structural planning.
Deck Dimensions
sq ft
in
in
Material Breakdown
Building a new deck?
Enter the total area of your planned deck to estimate the quantity of boards, joists, and support posts required.
About this calculator
Overview
Decks are composed of a structural frame (posts, beams, and joists) and a surface layer (decking boards). This calculator provides a starting point for estimating materials for a simple rectangular deck. Boards, joists, and posts must be sized correctly to support the desired weight and resist the elements.
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Pro Tips
For diagonal decking, you must space your joists closer (usually 12 inches on center instead of 16).
Ensure you use corrosion-resistant screws or hidden fasteners specifically rated for your decking material.
Check local building codes for required rail heights and post depth below the frost line.
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Fun Facts
"Decks can increase the value of a home by almost the entire cost of the deck installation."
"The word "deck" refers to the floor-like structure of a ship, which is where the architectural term originated."
"Pressure-treated pine is the most popular decking material, but composite decks require much less maintenance."
