1. What is the Decking Calculator?

The Home Depot Decking Calculator helps you estimate the number of decking boards needed for your project based on the total area and the coverage of each board.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• Area — Total deck area in square feet
• Board Coverage — Square footage covered by one board

Explanation: This calculation divides your total deck area by the area that one board covers to determine how many boards you'll need.

3. Importance of Accurate Calculation

Details: Proper calculation ensures you purchase the right amount of materials, avoiding waste or project delays from insufficient materials.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your deck area accurately in square feet. Check the coverage of your chosen decking boards (standard is 5.5 sq ft per board). Always add 10% extra for waste and cutting.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the standard coverage for deck boards?
A: Most 5.5-inch wide deck boards cover about 5.5 square feet per 12-foot board, but check your specific product.

Q2: Should I add extra for waste?
A: Yes, it's recommended to add 10-15% to your total for cutting waste and mistakes.

Q3: How do I measure my deck area?
A: Multiply length by width for rectangular decks. For complex shapes, break into rectangles and add the areas.

Q4: Does this include joists and framing?
A: No, this only calculates decking boards. You'll need separate calculations for framing materials.

Q5: Can I use this for composite decking?
A: Yes, as long as you know the coverage per board of your chosen composite material.