{{ summary.heading }}
{{ summary.primary }}
{{ summary.detail }}
{{ badge.label }}
Boards Joists Posts {{ visualStage.markerLabel }}
Use a preset to seed dimensions, framing, railing, and stair assumptions before fine tuning.
Switch units without changing the underlying deck plan.
Use the finished outside dimension in the direction of the long ledger or main beam.
{{ lengthUnit }}
For attached decks, this is usually the projection away from the house.
{{ lengthUnit }}
Choose the closest board family, then adjust width, waste, and prices if your supplier differs.
Use the direction the decking boards run, not the joist direction.
Typical 5/4 deck boards expose about 140 mm or 5.5 in before gaps.
{{ smallUnit }}
Use the planned dry gap or the manufacturer's installed-gap requirement.
{{ smallUnit }}
Set this to the length you expect to buy, such as 4.8 m or 16 ft.
{{ lengthUnit }}
Straight runs keep waste low; diagonals, borders, and herringbone layouts require more spare stock.
{{ formatPercent(wastePercent) }}
The selected layout adds {{ formatPercent(patternWastePercent) }} more on top of this base allowance.
This affects beam rows, ledger hardware, and the post/footing count.
Common starts are 400 mm or 16 in on center, with tighter spacing for diagonal or composite layouts.
{{ smallUnit }}
Attached decks count from the ledger; freestanding decks add a support line on both sides.
{{ lengthUnit }}
Use your preliminary span plan, then verify footing, beam, and post sizes with local requirements.
{{ lengthUnit }}
Use the diameter required for your load, frost, and soil conditions.
{{ smallUnit }}
Use frost-depth and local code guidance; the calculator only estimates concrete quantity.
{{ smallUnit }}
Three exposed sides is common for attached decks; choose none for low platforms that do not need guardrails.
Use 0 when stairs are out of scope or handled separately.
The tread-board count uses two deck boards per step across this width.
{{ lengthUnit }}
{{ lengthUnit }}
{{ lengthUnit }}
{{ lengthUnit }}
{{ lengthUnit }}
{{ volumeUnit }}
$ / {{ lengthUnit }}
$ / {{ lengthUnit }}
$ / {{ lengthUnit }}
$ / bag
$ / box
%
CategoryItemEstimateBuyBasisCopy
{{ row.category }} {{ row.item }} {{ row.estimate }} {{ row.buy }} {{ row.basis }}
Stock groupCut targetBuyPlanning noteCopy
{{ row.group }} {{ row.cut }} {{ row.buy }} {{ row.note }}
HardwareQuantityCounting ruleCopy
{{ row.item }} {{ row.quantity }} {{ row.rule }}
CheckStatusNoteCopy
{{ row.check }} {{ row.status }} {{ row.note }} 

        

      

    

  

                

                

                    

                        

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A deck materials takeoff turns a sketch into purchasable quantities. The surface boards are only the visible part. A usable list also has joists, rim or ledger stock, beams, support posts, concrete footings, rail components, stair material, fasteners, connectors, waste allowance, and cost assumptions.


    
Board count starts with the platform dimensions, the exposed board width, the gap, the running direction, and stock length. Framing count starts with joist spacing, beam spacing, post spacing, support style, and stock length. Railing and stairs add edge-based quantities that can change the shopping list even when the platform area stays the same.


    

      Top-down deck takeoff diagram showing boards, joists, beam lines, posts, length, and width.
    


    
Waste allowance is not just a mistake buffer. It covers offcuts, sorting, damaged boards, pattern complexity, stair treads, and the reality that suppliers sell fixed lengths. A straight rectangular platform may use a modest allowance, while diagonal, picture-frame, herringbone, or breaker-board layouts need more spare material and tighter verification.


    
Quantity estimating does not replace structural design. Local span tables, lumber species, snow load, frost depth, guard height, lateral load path, ledger flashing, connector corrosion resistance, and permit rules still control the final build. A takeoff is useful for planning and pricing, but it should be checked against local code and product installation instructions before purchase.


    
The most reliable deck estimate keeps dimensions, stock lengths, and units consistent from sketch to quote. Mixing nominal board sizes with exposed widths, or metric layout dimensions with imperial stock lengths, can make the count look precise while hiding the actual rounding problem.

  






  

    
How to Use This Tool:


    
Build the estimate from the platform outward: deck surface, framing, support, edges, stairs, hardware, then cost.


    
    
      
  1. Choose a Deck preset or start with a custom plan. Set Unit system before entering length, width, stock length, spacing, and cost values.
    2. 
      
  2. Enter Deck length and Deck width, then choose Decking material, Board direction, Exposed board width, Board gap, Deck-board stock length, Decking layout, and Waste allowance.
    3. 
      
  3. Set Support style, Joist spacing, Beam line spacing, Post spacing, Footing diameter, and Footing depth for the broad framing takeoff.
    4. 
      
  4. Add Railing coverage, Stair sets, Stair width, and Steps per stair set when edges or access change the material list.
    5. 
      
  5. Open Advanced for framing stock length, deck height, railing post spacing, rail panel length, fastener mode, concrete bag yield, unit costs, fastener box cost, and tax or delivery percentage.
    6. 
      
  6. Review Material Takeoff, Cut Plan, Hardware Checklist, Cost Allocation, and Layout Checks before ordering.
    7. 
    


    
If Layout Checks reports Review or Tight, treat that as a stop-and-check cue. Joist spacing, beam spacing, post spacing, footing count, and structural/code review can all require adjustment outside the quantity estimate.

  






  

    
Interpreting Results:


    
Material Takeoff is the shopping-list summary. It separates surface boards, stair treads, joists, rim or ledger boards, beams, posts, footings, railing, and stringers. Buy values are rounded to stock lengths, bags, boxes, or sections, while Estimate values describe the underlying count or length.


    

      

        
        
          

            Result view
            What it shows
            Review cue
          

        
        
          

            Material Takeoff
            Category, item, estimate, buy quantity, and counting basis.
            Use for supplier quotes after checking product-specific requirements.
          

          

            Cut Plan
            Stock groups, cut targets, buy counts, and planning notes.
            Check long rows against stock length and splice rules.
          

          

            Hardware Checklist
            Fasteners, hangers, post bases, beam connectors, joist tape, and ledger hardware.
            Confirm connector types and corrosion rating locally.
          

          

            Cost Allocation
            Estimated cost split across decking, framing, posts, concrete, railing, and hardware.
            Use as a budget split, not as a supplier invoice.
          

          

            Layout Checks
            Joist spacing, beam and post spacing, footing concrete, waste, stair scope, and code review notes.
            Resolve Review, Tight, Heavy, or Plan delivery statuses before buying.
          

        
      

    


    
The Owner review badge is intentional because the page is disabled and the estimate is still a planning draft. The rows can support early pricing, but structural spans, permits, ledger attachment, guard details, stair geometry, and footing depth must be verified outside the quantity model.


    
A low total cost can be false confidence when default costs do not match the local supplier, treatment class, railing system, hidden-fastener brand, tax, delivery, or waste policy. Edit unit costs before comparing wood, cedar, composite, or hardwood profiles.

  






  

    
Technical Details:


    
The takeoff uses normalized metric values internally, even when imperial inputs are displayed. Length and spacing controls are converted before counts are rounded, then outputs are formatted back to the selected unit system. That keeps board rows, joists, beams, posts, and concrete volume tied to one measurement base.


    
Surface boards are counted across the span perpendicular to the board run. If boards run lengthwise, row count is based on deck width; if they run crosswise, row count is based on deck length. Each row is then split into stock lengths, and the total is rounded upward after waste and layout pattern adders.


    
Formula Core:

    
The core quantities are rounded up because lumber, bags, boxes, and rail sections are bought as whole units.


    

      
        
          
            board module
            =
            exposed board width+board gap
          
          
            board rows
            =
            ⌈board spanboard module⌉
          
          
            deck boards to buy
            =
            ⌈board rows×pieces per row×waste multiplier⌉
          
          
            footing volume
            =
            π⁢r2⁢d⁢post count
          
        
      
    


    
Joists use the board run and joist spacing, then add one boundary joist. Beams are counted as double-ply beam lines across the joist span. Attached decks count at least one beam line and include ledger-related hardware; freestanding decks add another support line. Posts are counted per beam line, then post stock is based on deck height, footing embedment, and a trim allowance.


    

      

        
        
          

            Material area
            Counting rule
            Boundary to verify
          

        
        
          

            Deck boards
            Rows times stock pieces per row, then waste and layout adders.
            Exposed board width, gap, splices, and board direction.
          

          

            Joists
            Board run divided by joist spacing, rounded up, plus one.
            Product span tables and patterned decking requirements.
          

          

            Beams
            Beam rows across the joist span, two plies, rounded to framing stock length.
            Beam span, lumber species, load, and connection detail.
          

          

            Posts and footings
            Posts per beam line times beam rows; round footings use cylinder volume.
            Soil bearing, frost depth, uplift, lateral restraint, and footing inspection.
          

          

            Fasteners
            Screws count two per board-joist crossing; hidden clips count one per crossing, with stair allowance.
            Manufacturer spacing, coating, stainless or galvanized requirements.
          

          

            Railings and stairs
            Selected railing edges, panel length, post spacing, stair count, stair width, and tread count.
            Guard height, baluster spacing, handrail rules, landings, and rail returns.
          

        
      

    


    
Cost allocation multiplies purchased linear lengths, bags, boxes, and allowances by the entered unit costs, then applies tax and delivery percentage after the subtotal. The chart is a budget breakdown; actual quotes can shift because decking, railing kits, hidden clips, treatment class, and delivery charges are often priced by supplier-specific pack sizes.

  






  

    
Limitations:


    
This is a materials and budget draft. It is not a stamped structural design, permit review, or substitute for local code requirements.


    
    
      
  • Verify joist, beam, post, and footing sizes against local span tables, soil conditions, frost depth, and loads.
    • 
      
  • Check ledger attachment, flashing, lateral restraint, guard loads, and connector corrosion resistance before building.
    • 
      
  • Use manufacturer installation guides for composite decking, hidden clips, railing kits, and joist spacing limits.
    • 
      
  • Adjust waste and unit costs for real stock lengths, defects, pattern cuts, delivery minimums, and local taxes.
    • 
    

  






  

    
Worked Examples:


    
Small attached platform. A 4.8 m by 3.6 m attached pressure-treated deck with lengthwise boards, 140 mm exposed boards, 5 mm gaps, 4.8 m stock, 400 mm joist spacing, 1.8 m beam and post spacing, three railing sides, and no stairs returns Material Takeoff rows for deck boards, joists, rim and ledger boards, double-ply beams, support posts, concrete footings, and railing. Layout Checks should still show structural and code review as a required external check.


    
Raised deck with stairs. A 6.0 m by 4.2 m raised deck with one stair set, 5 treads, 1.2 m stair width, railing on three sides, and 1.0 m footing depth adds Stair tread deck boards, Stair stringers, more railing components, and more fastener allowances. Cut Plan is the better place to review whether stock lengths suit the long board runs and stair treads.


    
Composite profile with hidden clips. Choosing composite boards changes the exposed gap, stock length, fastener mode, waste assumptions, and unit costs. Hardware Checklist switches the deck surface count from screws to hidden clips, and Cost Allocation usually shifts more of the budget toward decking and fastener boxes.

  






  

    
FAQ:


    

      Should I enter nominal or actual board width?
      
Enter the actual exposed board width in Exposed board width. Nominal lumber size can overstate the visible face and undercount board rows.

    


    

      Why do board counts change with board direction?
      
Board direction decides which deck dimension is the board run and which dimension is counted into rows. Rows are then split by Deck-board stock length.

    


    

      Does the footing estimate prove the footings are code compliant?
      
No. The footing row estimates concrete volume from diameter, depth, and post count. Local soil bearing, frost depth, load, inspection rules, and post-base requirements still control the final footing design.

    


    

      Why are there always layout review notes?
      
Decks are structural work. The Layout Checks table intentionally keeps a structural and code review row even when the material counts look complete.

    


    

      Can I use the JSON output as an order list?
      
Use it as a planning record. Supplier pack sizes, board grades, connector models, railing kits, concrete bag yield, and local code checks should be confirmed before ordering.

    

  






  

    
Glossary:


    

      
Takeoff

      
A materials list built from measured dimensions, spacing, stock lengths, and rounding rules.

      
Exposed board width

      
The visible face width used to count deck-board rows.

      
Joist spacing

      
The on-center distance between joists supporting the decking.

      
Beam line

      
A support line carrying joists through beams and posts.

      
Ledger

      
An attached board connecting one side of a deck to the building structure.

      
Waste allowance

      
Extra material for offcuts, defects, layout complexity, sorting, and mistakes.

    

  






  

    
References: