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Deck Board Calculator

Enter deck dimensions, board width, and board length to get an exact count of deck boards, pounds of screws, and full material cost. Works for 5/4×6, 2×6, composite Trex, and other board sizes.

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How to Use This Calculator

  1. 1Enter your measurements in the fields above. Use the units shown next to each field (ft, in, etc.).
  2. 2Click Calculate to get your material estimate instantly.
  3. 3Review the highlighted result — it shows the key quantity you need to order.
  4. 4Use Copy Results to save your estimate, or bookmark the URL — your inputs are encoded in the link.

Pro tip: Always add 10% to your material order to account for waste, cuts, and defects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many deck boards do I need for a 12×16 deck?

A 12×16 deck using 5/4×6 boards (5.5" wide) with 1/4" gaps needs about 26 rows across 12 ft. With 16 ft boards, that's 26 boards plus 10% waste = approximately 29 boards.

Should I use 5/4×6 or 2×6 for deck boards?

5/4×6 (actual 1"×5.5") is lighter, cheaper, and the most common choice for residential decks with joists at 16" OC. Use 2×6 (1.5"×5.5") if joists are at 24" OC or for heavier-use commercial decks.

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