Calculated result
29boards
Deck boards to order
Formula
FRM-DECK-001rows = ceil(deck width ÷ (board width + gap)); boards = ceil(rows × run × (1 + waste) ÷ stock length)
26 rows
Board rows
416 ft
Net linear footage
192 ft²
Deck area
Lumber & framing calculator
Deck board calculator
Deck-board count and linear footage from deck size, board width, gap and stock length.
By Feroz Sheikh · Formula FRM-DECK-001 v1.0.0 · Tested formula
Formula
FRM-DECK-001v1.0.0Project inputs
Enter your measurements. Switching units converts the same project, including coverage and unit rates. Package yields keep the unit printed beside each field.
Refine measurements and rates at any time. Your current values are included in the material-list PDF.
Planning estimate, not engineering advice. Confirm site measurements and product specifications. Calculation limits.
This calculator returns deck-board count and linear footage from deck size, board width, gap and stock length. Formula FRM-DECK-001 v1.0.0. Stain and railing stay companion takeoffs. Add the boards to an estimate. It does not size joists or posts.
- Decide which way the boards run, then enter that run as board length.
- Use actual face width and the planned gap, not nominal 2x6 size alone.
- Confirm picture-frame borders, hidden fasteners and stair treads as separate lines.
Size chart
Deck board chart (5½ in face, ⅛ in gap, 16 ft stock, 10% waste)
Joists, posts and railing stay companion counts.
| Deck | Primary | Check |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 16 boards | 22 rows |
| 12 × 12 ft | 22 boards | 26 rows |
| 16 × 12 ft | 29 boards | 26 rows |
| 20 × 12 ft | 36 boards | 26 rows |
Metric example — 4.8 × 3.6 m deck. A 4.8 × 3.6 m deck of 5½ in boards with 10% waste returns 29 boards.
- Board face. Count uses actual board width plus gap. Joists and posts stay companion lines. Deck board takeoff
Add your project costs
Enter supplier prices and any labour, equipment or delivery costs. Pick a currency — badges, inputs, and totals follow.
Costs use the stick or sheet rate you type. Construclytic does not fetch lumber-yard prices. Hangers, hardware and labour stay companion lines. For GCC projects, select QAR, AED, SAR, KWD, OMR or BHD and enter local supplier rates.
How this calculator works
A transparent deck board calculator takeoff.
Feroz SheikhWritten by Feroz Sheikh · founder
This calculator counts deck boards across the deck width using actual board width plus gap, then converts the rows into stock-length boards after a visible waste allowance.
Deck boards are area ÷ (board width + gap), then waste. Picture-frame borders and picture-frame mitres eat more than a straight run. Hidden fasteners and picture-frame boards are extras.
Worked example. Example: a 16 ft × 12 ft deck with 5.5 in boards and 0.125 in gaps needs 26 board rows. At 16 ft stock and 10% waste, the order rounds to 29 boards and 464 linear feet.
See the example inputs and calculated result
This separate example uses the calculator's starting values in imperial units. It stays unchanged when you edit the tool above. Example rates, yields and dimensions are assumptions, not recommendations for your project.
| Input | Example value |
|---|---|
| Board run length | 16 ft |
| Deck width | 12 ft |
| Board width | 5.5 in |
| Board gap | 0.125 in |
| Stock board length | 16 ft |
| Waste factor | 10 % |
Example result: Deck boards to order — 29 boards.
rows = ceil(deck width ÷ (board width + gap)); boards = ceil(rows × run × (1 + waste) ÷ stock length)
Use the labelled units above when reproducing this example. To work in metric, switch the calculator to Metric; applicable measurements are converted, while product-specific units remain labelled.
- 1. Decide which way the boards run, then enter that run as board length.
- 2. Use actual face width and the planned gap, not nominal 2x6 size alone.
- 3. Confirm picture-frame borders, hidden fasteners and stair treads as separate lines.
Field notes that change the number
- Use actual board width, not nominal 6 in if the decking is 5.5 in.
- Gap is an input. Composite and wet wood do not share a gap.
- Stairs and fascia are separate takeoffs.
Common mistakes
- Using nominal lumber width on composite boards.
- Ignoring the picture-frame waste.
- Treating this as a joist design.
Need the broader workflow? Read the lumber & framing planning guide.
How-to: Deck stain gallons: separate the floor, rails and stairs · How to count deck boards
Questions
Questions about deck board calculator
Does this include joists or posts?
No. Use the joist and lumber calculators for framing. This tool estimates decking boards only.
Why not use nominal 6 in boards?
A 5/4 × 6 deck board typically faces about 5.5 in. The actual width changes the board count.
How many deck boards for a 16x12 deck?
A 16 × 12 ft deck of 5½ in boards with a ⅛ in gap, 16 ft stock and 10% waste returns 29 boards. Joists are a different count.
Does this include picture-frame boards?
Picture-framing is extra length. Put it in the waste field or count the border as its own line.
What is the formula ID?
This deck board calculator publishes formula FRM-DECK-001, version 1.0.0. The ID stays on the result and on the estimate line.