Deck dimensions in, an order-ready board list out — rows, board count by length, fasteners, and material cost. Then send it straight into a quote.
Ballpark, not gospel. This estimates decking surface materials from your dimensions — framing, footings, and railings are separate line items, so build those into the quote too.
Straight answers, no fluff. Then run your own numbers above.
Divide the deck width (in inches) by the board width plus your gap spacing to get the rows, then multiply by the number of boards per row for your deck length. A 16×12 deck with 5.5″ boards and a ¼″ gap needs 26 rows — with 16-foot boards that's 26 boards. The calculator above runs it for any size.
¼ inch is the standard for pressure-treated lumber, which shrinks as it dries. Composite and PVC often spec ⅛ inch. Never butt boards tight — trapped water rots joists.
Pressure-treated decking runs about $2.50 per square foot in materials; composite $6–$7; PVC $8–$9. Framing lumber, footings, and railings are on top of those numbers.
Run boards perpendicular to the house along the longest span — it looks better, drains better, and wastes less lumber. Boards must cross joists every 16 inches, which is why your board length choice changes the count.
Related guides: Cost to Install Deck Boards · Composite Deck Cost · Deck Repair Cost · Deck & Fence Calculator
Got your board count? Turn this estimate into a professional deck quote and send it before you leave the job site.