Decking Calculator
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What is a Decking Calculator?
Our decking calculator is a free online tool to estimate the materials needed for deck projects.
With just a few simple inputs, you can quickly determine how much boards, screws, and other materials you will need to complete your decking project. Whether you are building a small or a large outdoor deck, our calculator takes the guesswork out of planning.
To use the decking calculator, you will typically need to provide information such as the dimensions of your deck, the type of decking material you plan to use. Once you enter this information, the calculator will generate an estimate of the quantities required, helping you to budget effectively and avoid any last-minute trips to the hardware store.
Using a decking calculator not only saves you time but also ensures that you purchase the right amount of materials, reducing waste and saving money in the long run. So, whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor, our decking calculator is an invaluable resource for your next project.
DIY Project Planning with a Decking Calculator
Planning a DIY project involves several stages of construction, and Canterbury Timber’s online calculator can assist you throughout the whole process.
The first step is crucial for understanding the scope of your project and setting a realistic budget. It helps you by providing an initial estimate on the materials required. You can then compare the amount of different materials needed based on the width of the board types you input and compare what options fit your budget range.
Once you have your initial calculations, you can refine your measurements based on a desired aesthetic by considering deck shape, patterns, and additional features like railings or built-in seating for your project. We also offer cutting and milling services to fit your new timber for any desired deck shape and aesthetic, plus same-day delivery in the Sydney Metro area.
How Much Does Decking Cost?
Planning a new deck for your outdoor space requires careful calculation of materials, costs, and labor. Whether you're choosing timber or composite, understanding how to accurately estimate your needs will save you time and money.
The cost of building deck varies significantly based on several factors:
- Material type: Cost varies on material type i.e. natural timber or composite . Generally, Natural timber is generally cheaper compared to Composite.However, Composite lasts longer with less maintenance.
- Board dimensions: Board dimensions are available in various sizes starting from 64mm to 184mm width. Wider boards(184mm) cover more area per board compared to narrow one(64mm). Wider boards often cost more compared to narrower ones.
- Spacing requirements: The cost also varies with width of spacing. Wider spacing between boards means fewer boards are needed reducing material costs.
- Wastage factor: The standard industry wastage factor is 10% which accounts for cuts, damaged pieces and design. Complex deck design typically produce more wastage than simple deck designs. Higher wastage would directly increase your deck cost.
Our calculator includes both natural timber and composite decking calculator that estimates materials for your specific project dimensions. It also recommends number of screws as well as klips based on your project dimensions as industry standard. You can easily compare the cost with many recommended deck products and select preferred one based on your specific project.
How many decking screws per metre square?
When planning your deck project, calculating the right number of screws is crucial for both budgeting and ensuring structural integrity. Here's a guide on how many screws you'll need per square meter for different types of deck board.
The number of screws needed varies based on board width and its type:
90mm boards with 4mm spacing: Approximately 50-60 screws per m²
140mm boards with 5mm spacing: Approximately 30-40 screws per m²
How to Calculate Decking Boards
Calculating the correct number of boards involves several measurements:
1. Total Area Calculation
Length × Width = Total m²
Example: 2m × 4m = 8m²
2. Linear Meter Calculation
Convert board width to meters: 90mm ÷ 1000 = 0.09m
Add spacing: 0.09m + 0.004m = 0.094m
Calculate LM needed: (Area ÷ Total Width) × (1 + Wastage)
Example: (8m² ÷ 0.094) × 1.1 = 93.6 LM
3. Number of Boards
For a 8m² wide deck with 90mm boards + 4mm spacing + 5480mm length board
1. Number of Boards needed= Calculated LM / Length of Board
=93.6/ 5.48
Approximately 18 boards needed
4. Consider Board Direction
Running boards lengthwise or width-wise affects calculations
To simplify these steps, we have created a solution that does all the work for you. Use our calculator to automatically determine the number of boards needed approximately for your project dimensions.