How the calculation works

Boards = deck width ÷ (board width + gap), rounded up and adjusted for waste.

Example

A 16×12-foot deck using 5.5-inch boards with 1/8-inch gaps needs about 29 sixteen-foot boards with 10% waste.

When to use this calculator

Use it for straight full-length layouts; diagonal patterns and picture frames require more waste.

Results are planning estimates. Verify critical dimensions, machine settings, material specifications, and local code requirements before work begins.