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Deck Material Calculator
Just have a couple of quick questions. Jump to more Mr. Handyman quick answers about Deck Material Calculator.
How does a deck material calculator work?
Why should I use a deck material calculator before building?
What information do I need to use the deck calculator?
Does the calculator include fasteners, joists, or railing materials?
Can I use a deck calculator for composite and wood decking?
How accurate are deck board calculator results?
Does the deck calculator help with pricing or just materials?
What’s the difference between a deck board calculator and a deck material calculator?
How do I factor in stairs or special features when using a deck calculator?
Can Mr. Handyman help me build my deck once I’ve used the calculator?
Where can I find a reliable deck material calculator?
Will a deck material calculator give me an exact price?
Are deck board sizes customizable in a deck material calculator?
Can Mr. Handyman build me a deck?
How can I schedule my deck project with Mr. Handyman?
Why should I choose Mr. Handyman for my home renovation, remodeling, and maintenance needs?
Our deck material calculator will help you to build your next deck. Take the guesswork out of purchasing the materials to build a deck by getting a deck estimate before you start your project. This can help you adjust your expectations and save time and money on your project.
- Deck Material Calculator
- What Do You Need to Consider When Building a Deck?
- Professional Deck Building
- FAQs: Deck Material Calculator
- Transform Your Deck with Mr. Handyman
Building a Deck? Our Deck Material Calculator Makes It Easy
There are many ways to build a deck. You can keep it simple with a ground-level deck or build a fancy deck with stairs and multiple levels.
To keep things simple, our deck material calculator estimates materials for a ground-level deck without stairs or a railing. If you need both, you can still use the calculator to estimate how much material you’ll need for the deck itself.
The variety of decking materials and variables can be overwhelming, which is why many people seek professional assistance. Our deck material calculator uses standard 2 x 6 pressure-treated lumber for decking available at most hardware stores. It also assumes floor joists are 16 inches apart and 6 x 6 footers, also called stumps, are 8 feet apart, and that the deck is ground level.
What Do You Need to Consider When Building a Deck?
When using our deck material calculator, there are a few other important factors to keep in mind. These factors include:
- Joist Board Size.Our deck material calculator will tell you the size of the joist boards necessary based on the square footage of the deck.
- Footer Depth.Footers should be set 6 inches deeper than the frost line for your area. This depth will determine how much concrete you need and how long your footers should be.
- Frost Line.For cold climates, the frost line is around 42 inches. For warmer climates, it’s around 12 inches. Always refer to local building codes to be exact, or ask your handyman.
- Footer Height.If your deck is elevated more than 12 inches, you’ll need to adjust the height of your footers to accommodate for the extra height.
- For bearers, this deck material calculator uses two 2 x 6 boards glued together with construction adhesive.
- Flashing and Anchors.If your deck is attached to your home, don’t forget to calculate the necessary flashing and anchors you’ll need to secure it. Your handyman or local hardware store should point you in the right direction based on the deck measurements in this calculator.
- Railing and Stairs.In many cases, any deck over 18 inches will require a railing and stairs to meet code. To avoid delays later on in the project, decide now to either keep your deck low to the ground or make a plan to construct a railing and stairs.
We’ve found this method to be the easiest and most reliable way to build a deck for our customers. Keep in mind, that building codes vary state-by-state. If building permits are necessary for your town, be sure to secure them before starting construction on your deck.
Due to variables out of our control, Mr. Handyman wants to remind you that this calculator produces deck estimates only. You should be prepared for any changes or adjustments that come up during the construction process.
Professional Deck Building
If you’d rather spend your free time relaxing on your deck than building it, we can help!
Mr. Handyman will build the deck of your dreams with the decking materials of your choice. Choose a simple yet functional ground-level deck or add fancy features such as lighting, swinging benches, fire pits, and more! Our experts will also take care of any necessary deck staining or painting to ensure your new deck looks great for years to come.
Give us a call or click here to request service online. Let the experts at Mr. Handyman transform your backyard with a beautiful new custom deck!
Transform Your Deck with Mr. Handyman
You don't need to build your deck alone. Find your local Mr. Handyman to schedule with us. We want you to love your home!
This article is intended for general guidance only and is not applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and situation. Mr. Handyman is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of advice and/or guidance derived from its blog content. Some Mr. Handyman services vary by location. Contact your local Mr. Handyman franchise for more information.
FAQs About Calculating Deck Materials
For over 25 years, Mr. Handyman professionals have been helping homeowners and businesses repair, maintain, and enhance their space. We are a one-stop solution for everything on your to-do list. This includes answering your questions about home repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about our deck material calculator.
How does a deck material calculator work?
Our deck material calculator estimates the quantity of materials you’ll need to build your deck, including deck boards, joists, posts, and fasteners. Simply input your deck dimensions (length, width, height), board size, and spacing preference. The deck calculator then generates a materials list. Our goal is to help you avoid overbuying or coming up short mid-project.
Why should I use a deck material calculator before building?
Using a deck material calculator gives you a clear idea of how much material your project requires, helping you plan your budget, reduce waste, and ensure structural consistency. It's especially helpful for homeowners looking to save time and stay within budget without guesswork.
What information do I need to use the deck calculator?
To get accurate results from a deck board calculator, you'll need:
- Deck length and width
- Preferred board width
- Board spacing
- Joist spacing
- Orientation (horizontal, diagonal)
Some calculators, like Mr. Handyman’s, even offer advanced options like stairs or multi-level deck input.
Does the calculator include fasteners, joists, or railing materials?
Yes, most comprehensive deck material calculators include framing materials, fasteners, and optional railing components based on your input. Be sure to check if your selected calculator accounts for everything or if you’ll need to add custom items manually.
Can I use a deck calculator for composite and wood decking?
Absolutely. Whether you're building with pressure-treated lumber, cedar, or composite materials, a deck calculator can help you accurately estimate board counts. Just make sure to choose the right board size and type when entering your dimensions.
How accurate are deck board calculator results?
While deck board calculators are highly useful, the results are still estimates. They don’t account for human error, off-cuts, or complex architectural features. For precision, always add a 10–15% buffer and consult a professional for a full assessment, especially for multi-level or curved decks.
Does the deck calculator help with pricing or just materials?
Many deck material calculators provide both a material list and rough cost estimates based on current average pricing. Keep in mind that actual costs vary by region and material type. For tailored pricing and installation advice, contact your local Mr. Handyman location.
What’s the difference between a deck board calculator and a deck material calculator?
A deck board calculator focuses specifically on the number of decking boards you’ll need, while a deck material calculator covers the full scope—boards, posts, beams, joists, fasteners, and more. For full builds, we recommend using a deck material calculator.
How do I factor in stairs or special features when using a deck calculator?
Most online deck calculators allow you to add features like stairs, railings, and multi-level platforms. If not, those elements will need to be calculated separately. For custom features, it’s best to speak with a professional for an on-site estimate.
Can Mr. Handyman help me build my deck once I’ve used the calculator?
Yes! Once you’ve used our deck calculator to get a ballpark idea of what you’ll need, our experienced service professionals can step in to bring your deck to life. With an average of 10 years of trade experience, we’ll get the job done right—with quality craftsmanship you can trust.
Where can I find a reliable deck material calculator?
You’re already in the right place. Mr. Handyman offers a user-friendly deck material calculator right here on our blog. It’s free, fast, and designed to make your next home project feel simple and stress-free.
Will a deck material calculator give me an exact price?
No. A deck material calculator is meant only to give you a deck material cost estimate, not a final price. Use it as a starting point to help build your budget.
Are deck board sizes customizable in a deck material calculator?
Yes. You should enter all of your specific deck measurements to get the most accurate estimate possible.
Can Mr. Handyman build me a deck?
Yes! The experts at Mr. Handyman will work with you to select the materials and confirm the deck measurements. Once those decisions have been made, we will get to work building you a beautiful deck that you can be proud of.
How can I schedule my deck project with Mr. Handyman?
To schedule your project or get a more detailed estimate, please reach out to your local Mr. Handyman team. You can also click here to submit your request online. We can’t wait to get started on your new deck project!
Why should I choose Mr. Handyman for my home renovation, remodeling, and maintenance needs?
For decades, Mr. Handyman has been helping homeowners around the country transform their homes into spaces they love. We stand by our work every step of the way and back all projects with the Neighborly Done Right Promise® to ensure your satisfaction.
Ready to get started on your deck? Explore more expert tips on the Mr. Handyman blog or contact your local Mr. Handyman location for trusted help with your next home improvement project.
