Switch between deck and fence mode. Dimensions in, full material list and labor estimate out — then send it straight into a quote.
Ballpark, not gospel. This estimates boards, joists, pickets, posts, and costs from the numbers you punch in — always check against your supplier's specs and your own measurements before ordering or quoting.
Straight answers, no fluff. Then run your own numbers above.
Divide your deck width in inches by (board width + gap). A 12-foot-wide deck with 5.5-inch boards and a 1/4-inch gap needs about 25 boards across — each the full length of the deck. The calculator above does the exact math including your gap and stock board lengths.
16 inches on center is the standard for residential decks. Use 12 inches on center for diagonal decking patterns, composite boards that need tighter support, or heavy-load areas like hot tubs.
Multiply your total linear feet by 12, divide by the picket width in inches, and add 5% waste. A 150-foot fence with 5.5-inch pickets needs about 345 pickets. The calculator also works out posts, rails, and concrete bags.
One bag per post is the rule of thumb — an 80 lb bag fills a typical 8–10 inch diameter hole about 2 feet deep. For 4×4 posts set 2 feet deep, one 50 lb bag is usually enough; in soft soil, plan on more.
Got your material list? Turn this estimate into a professional deck or fence quote and send it before you leave the job site.