The Nifty App
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Deck Board Calculator

Deck boards are counted in rows across the width, each row running the full length of the deck. Nominal 5/4×6 and 2×6 lumber both lay at 5.5 inches actual width — the maths uses actual, not nominal.

Preset: 10 ft wide (120 in) by 16 ft long deck, 16 ft boards, ¼ inch gap, 10% waste. Screws default to 2 per board per joist crossing.

Use controls below for deck size, board length, and joist spacing.

ItemAreaSizeBuy
Deck boards369.6 linear ft24 boards
Deck screws546 screws546 screws (~6 lb boxes)

Assumptions

  • Deck size: 120 in wide × 16 ft long
  • Board: 5/4×6 or 2×6 (lays at 5.5 in actual), 16 ft long
  • Gap between boards: 0.25 in (composite/dry lumber; lay pressure-treated tight if wet)
  • Waste factor: 10%
  • Rows across width: 21
  • Joist spacing: 16 in on center (13 joists)
  • Screws: 2 per board per joist crossing
  • Estimates only. Check the coverage figure on your product before buying.

Supplies checklist

  • Joist hangers and hardware
  • Ledger board and lag bolts (attached decks)
  • Concrete footings or post anchors
  • End-cut sealer (pressure-treated)
  • Chalk line and spacer blocks

Estimates only. Check the coverage figure on your product before buying.

The Nifty App · theniftyapp.com

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