Calculating Decking Material

Planning a deck project? This calculator helps estimate the amount of decking material (like wood or composite boards) you'll need based on your deck's dimensions and the specifics of your chosen boards.

How to Use the Calculator

1. Deck Dimensions: Enter the overall Length and Width of the area you plan to cover with decking. Select the unit (meters or feet).
2. Decking Board Details:
   • Enter the Actual Board Width. Measure a board yourself or check the manufacturer's specifications, as this can differ slightly from the nominal size (e.g., a "140mm" board might actually be 135mm wide). Select the unit (mm or inches).
   • Enter the desired Gap Between Boards. This is crucial for drainage and allows for expansion/contraction. Common gaps are 3-6mm or 1/8-1/4 inch. Select the unit.
   • Single Board Length (Optional): If your decking boards come in standard lengths (e.g., 3.6m, 4.8m, 12ft, 16ft), enter one length here. This allows the calculator to estimate the total number of boards. Leave blank if you are buying random lengths or calculating only linear footage/meterage.
3. Waste Factor: Enter a percentage to account for cuts needed at the ends of rows, around obstacles, angled cuts, or potential mistakes (typically 5-15%).
4. Click "Estimate Decking."

Interpreting Your Results

• Total Deck Area: The simple square meterage or footage of your deck.
• Effective Board Width: The actual width of one board plus the gap width. This is used to determine how many rows of boards are needed.
• Total Linear Decking Needed: This is the crucial figure if you are buying decking by the linear meter or foot. It represents the total length of board material required, including the waste factor.
• Estimated Number of Boards Needed: If you entered a standard