Turn deck area into a board layout
This is a rectangular material estimate. Board direction, available stock lengths, required gaps and butt-joint positions determine the cutting list. The calculator does not design the deck's structure or verify the suitability of its joist spacing.
A 12-by-16 deck with 16-foot boards
If boards run along the 16-foot direction and their actual face width is 5.5 inches, a 12-foot width without gaps needs 144 ÷ 5.5 = 26.18 rows, rounded to 27. At 16 feet each, that is 432 linear feet before an extra-board allowance.
| Extra allowance | Order | Linear feet at 16 ft each |
|---|---|---|
| None | 27 boards | 432 |
| 5% | 29 boards | 464 |
| 10% | 30 boards | 480 |
| 15% | 32 boards | 512 |
Those allowances are comparison inputs. Use a drawing and the selected product's installation requirements to choose your order; a percentage alone cannot account for a diagonal pattern or irregular border.
Do not confuse price per board and per foot
A hypothetical $32 price for a 16-foot board is $2 per linear foot. Entering $32 into a per-foot field would multiply the decking cost by sixteen. Check the field label and retailer's selling unit before comparing alternatives.
Framing is a separate design decision
Joist dimensions and spacing must come from the applicable design and product requirements. The displayed framing lengths do not select beams, footings, ledger attachments, connectors, guards or stairs. Have the plan checked before turning those lengths into a purchase order.
Add compatible fasteners, hidden fixing systems where required, edge treatment, delivery and finishing products to the materials checklist.