Deck Material Calculator — Boards, Screws & Lumber
Work out the materials your deck takes — deck boards, screws and framing lumber — from its size and decking type. Change the decking material to see how the board count and budget shift.
Member sizes read from the IRC R507.6 (joists) and R507.5 (beams) tables for No. 2 Southern Pineat 40 psf live + 10 psf dead. Footings from tributary load ÷ soil bearing (R507.3); ledger fasteners per R507.9. Confirm with your local building department.
| Decking — Pressure-treated pine192 sq ft · ~28 × 16′ boards | $575–$1,730 |
| Substructure (joists, beam, posts, hardware)192 sq ft framing | $1,150–$2,495 |
| Footings (concrete piers)4 posts | $140–$360 |
| Railing / guard40 lin ft | $600–$2,400 |
| Stairs4 treads | $120–$380 |
| Permit + fasteners + miscallowance | $75–$500 |
| Total estimate | $2,660–$7,865 |
Low = DIY material budget; high = contractor-installed (labor included). Regional prices vary — treat as a planning range, not a quote.
Deck Material — what to know
- •Board count assumes 5/4×6 decking (5.5" wide) with a 1/4" gap and ~10% cutting waste; order full lengths to minimise seams.
- •Composite and hardwood need hidden fasteners or pre-drilling — budget more time and a specific screw or clip system.
- •Always order framing and decking from the same yard run so the lumber matches in moisture and size.
Want a permit-ready deck plan?
This estimate is built for planning. For your permit packet, DeckCalc HQ Pro turns these numbers into a stamped framing plan, footing schedule and material list as a printable PDF.
See Pro →