Estimate decking boards, joists, posts, and hardware needed for your deck project with cost breakdown.
| Material | Cost/sq ft | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated pine | $5-8 | 10-15 years | Stain every 2-3 years |
| Cedar | $7-12 | 15-20 years | Seal every 2-3 years |
| Composite (Trex) | $10-18 | 25-30 years | Minimal (wash only) |
| Ipe hardwood | $15-25 | 40-75 years | Oil annually |
For residential decks, 2×8 joists span up to 10 ft at 16" spacing. 2×10 joists span up to 14 ft. Always check local building codes.
Most areas require a permit for decks over 30 inches above grade or larger than 200 sq ft. Check with your local building department.
Try this related calculator.
Open →Try this related calculator.
Open →Try this related calculator.
Open →Enter your deck dimensions (length, width), select the decking material, and board width. The calculator estimates boards needed, screws/fasteners, and joist count.
Boards = (Deck Area / Board Width) × 1.10 waste factor. Joists = (Length / Joist Spacing) + 1. Screws ≈ 350 per 100 sq ft.
Deck 16 ft × 12 ft = 192 sq ft using 5.5" composite boards: ~50 boards (12 ft), 10 joists (16" O.C.), ~672 screws.
Composite decking costs more but requires no staining and lasts 25+ years vs 10-15 years for pressure-treated wood. Always leave a 1/8" gap between boards for expansion. Check local building codes for railing requirements.