Deck board chart
Rows, boards and screws for a rectangular deck in 5/4x6, boards running the long way with a 3/16" gap and 10% waste.
| Deck | Square feet | Rows | Boards to buy | Last row rip | Screws |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8' × 10' | 80 | 17 | 19 × 10' | 5" | 300 |
| 10' × 12' | 120 | 22 | 25 × 12' | 9/16" | 485 |
| 12' × 12' | 144 | 26 | 29 × 12' | 1 13/16" | 572 |
| 12' × 16' | 192 | 26 | 29 × 16' | 1 13/16" | 744 |
| 14' × 20' | 280 | 30 | 33 × 20' | 3 1/16" | 1056 |
| 16' × 20' | 320 | 34 | 38 × 20' | 4 5/16" | 1197 |
Reading it
- 3/16" is the usual gap for kiln-dried and composite boards. Pressure-treated stock installed wet goes down tight and shrinks apart on its own.
- The last row nearly always needs ripping. If it leaves an awkward sliver, take it off the last two rows instead of one.
- Decking only. Joists, beams, posts, footings, railing and stairs are all separate, and the framing is where the structural decisions are.
For the case this table does not cover
- Deck and fence takeoff
Boards, joists, posts, pickets, screws and bags of concrete, with the gaps between boards properly counted.
- Fastener calculator
Screws or nails for a sheet good on an edge-and-field pattern, with the box count to buy.