Deck Calculator

Estimate decking boards and screws needed for your deck.

Boards needed

29× 16 ft boards

Deck area: 192sq ft
Rows of boards: 26
Deck screws (approx.): 672

Boards needed29

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Quick answer

A 16×12 ft deck with 5.5" boards and 1/8" gaps needs about 26 rows → 29 boards with 10% waste.

How it works

Boards run along the deck's length, so we divide the width by board spacing (width + gap) to get rows, then add your waste allowance for cuts and defects.

Formula

Rows = Deck width ÷ (board width + gap); Boards = rows × (1 + waste)

Assumptions & limitations

Boards run the full length of the deck
Screw estimate assumes joists 16" on center, 2 screws per joist crossing

Frequently asked questions

What about joists and posts?

This covers surface boards. Joists are typically 16" on center — a separate framing plan is recommended.