A Decking Area Calculator helps homeowners, contractors, and DIY builders determine the total area required for decking. This tool provides an accurate estimation of the number of decking boards needed, taking into account dimensions, board sizes, and wastage. Proper calculations help prevent material shortages, excess purchases, and unnecessary costs.
Using a Decking Area Calculator ensures that deck construction is efficient, structurally sound, and cost-effective. It is especially useful when planning outdoor spaces such as patios, pool decks, and backyard entertainment areas.
Formula for Decking Area Calculation
To calculate the required decking materials, the following formulas are used:
Total Decking Area = Deck Length × Deck Width
Where:
Deck Length = Total length of the deck (feet)
Deck Width = Total width of the deck (feet)
Total Decking Boards Needed = (Deck Area) / (Board Width × Board Length)
Where:
Board Width = Width of a single decking board (feet)
Board Length = Length of a single decking board (feet)
Accounting for Gaps & Wastage:
Total Boards Needed = Number of Decking Boards × (1 + Wastage Percentage)
Where:
Wastage Percentage = Typically 5-10% for cutting and fitting adjustments
These calculations ensure that there is enough decking material to cover the intended area while accounting for cuts and fitting adjustments.
Decking Area Reference Table
The following table provides estimated decking material requirements based on standard deck sizes and board dimensions.
| Deck Size (ft) | Deck Area (sq ft) | Board Size (ft) | Estimated Boards Needed (5% Wastage) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 | 100 | 6 × 12 | 15 |
| 12 × 12 | 144 | 6 × 12 | 22 |
| 16 × 16 | 256 | 6 × 12 | 39 |
| 20 × 12 | 240 | 6 × 12 | 36 |
| 24 × 20 | 480 | 6 × 12 | 72 |
This table provides quick estimates, allowing users to plan decking material purchases more efficiently.
Example Calculation
A homeowner is building a 12 ft × 16 ft deck using decking boards that measure 6 ft × 12 ft each.
Deck Area = 12 × 16 = 192 square feet
Number of Decking Boards = 192 / (6 × 12) = 192 / 72 = 2.67 (round up to 3 boards per row)
With an estimated wastage of 5%, the total number of boards required is:
Total Boards Needed = 3 × (1 + 0.05) = 3.15 (round up to 4 boards per row)
For a 16 ft deck, the total number of rows required is:
16 ft / 6 ft (board width) = 2.67 rows (round up to 3 rows)
Total decking boards required = 4 boards per row × 3 rows = 12 boards
Most Common FAQs
It is recommended to order an additional 5-10% of decking materials to account for cutting, waste, and fitting adjustments.
Underestimating materials can lead to shortages and project delays, while overestimating can result in unnecessary costs and excess materials.
Yes, the calculations apply to any board size by adjusting the board width and length accordingly.