Deck Boards Calculator
Find how many deck boards needed and total material cost.
Deck Boards Calculator
What This Calculator Does
The Deck Boards Calculator computes the number of deck boards, rows, and total board footage needed for a wood or composite deck. Enter the deck dimensions and board width to get a complete material takeoff for your deck surface.
Deck boards are the visible surface of your deck and represent one of the largest material costs in deck construction. Standard pressure-treated 2x6 deck boards (actual 5.5 inches wide) are the most common and economical choice. Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech) uses 5.25-inch or 6-inch wide boards at 2-3 times the cost of wood.
Boards are typically available in 12, 16, or 20-foot lengths. The calculator assumes 16-foot boards and adjusts the count accordingly. For curved or angled decks, add additional waste beyond the 8% included.
How to Use
- Measure the deck length and width in feet.
- Select your board width: 2x4 (3.5 in), 2x6 (5.5 in), or 5/4x6 (5.25 in).
- Enter dimensions and select board width in the calculator above.
- Click "Calculate" to see the number of boards, rows, and total area.
- Order boards by the piece - bundle pricing typically offers 5-10% savings vs individual boards.
Reference Table
| Deck Size | 2x6 Boards | 5/4x6 Boards | Composite | Total Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 10 ft | 21 boards | 22 boards | 21 boards | 100 |
| 10 x 12 ft | 25 boards | 26 boards | 25 boards | 120 |
| 12 x 16 ft | 28 boards | 29 boards | 28 boards | 192 |
| 12 x 20 ft | 35 boards | 36 boards | 35 boards | 240 |
| 16 x 20 ft | 46 boards | 48 boards | 46 boards | 320 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
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