Decking Board Calculator

CAMO Marksman Pro Tool

The Pro Secret: Drills screws into the SIDE of the board so you see zero screw heads.

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Starborn Deck Screws (Epoxy)

Don't use drywall screws. These coated screws prevent rust stains on your new wood.

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Anchorseal End Grain Sealer

Mandatory: Apply to every cut end. Prevents the boards from splitting and rotting.

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How to Estimate Decking Material

Calculating decking is trickier than standard square footage because you must account for the gap between boards. This free decking calculator determines exactly how many linear feet of lumber you need, including a 10% waste factor for cuts and mistakes.

Why the “Gap” Matters

Most DIYers forget the gap. Standard decking boards (5.5″ wide) are installed with a 1/8″ to 1/4″ gap for drainage. Over a 12-foot wide deck, this gap adds up to nearly 6 inches of space that you don’t need to buy wood for. Our tool subtracts this automatically to save you money.

16ft vs 12ft Boards

We provide counts for both 12-foot and 16-foot boards.

• Use 16ft boards if your deck is 16ft wide (seamless look).
• Use 12ft boards if you are driving a small truck or building a smaller patio deck.

Hidden Fasteners vs Face Screws

If you want a smooth surface with no screw heads, use the CAMO system (linked above). It drives screws diagonally into the side of the board. If you face-screw, ensure you use coated deck screws to prevent rust stains.