DeckCalc: Decking Estimator

DeckCalc estimates the materials for a deck build from a few measurements, so DIYers and contractors can order the right amount of decking, framing and hardware.

Decking
• Enter deck length and width, board width and board gap to get the board rows, the boards to buy in 8, 12 or 16 ft stock lengths and the total board length
• Cut-off pieces are reused on other rows, plus your own waste allowance
• Screws or hidden clips are counted from the real board-and-joist crossings

Framing
• Joist count, joist pieces, rim boards, ledger, beam pieces and posts
• Joist, beam and footing size hints from the AWC DCA 6 deck guide (2015 edition, three lumber groups), with the maximum 6x6 post height
• Joist hangers, joist ties, post base and cap sets and ledger bolts
• Clear warnings when your spans fall outside the tables. Sizes are reference values: confirm them with your local building department or an engineer. Guards and stairs are not included

Cost and sharing
• Optional unit prices for boards, framing, beams, posts, footings, screws, clips, connectors and bolts add a cost estimate
• Imperial or metric units
• Share the full estimate as text

Also
• Small Patio, Standard Deck and Large Deck presets
• Save projects with notes, load them again and undo a delete