A decking calculator is one of the best ways to understand how much a deck will cost. I’ve done a little digging to find four tools that can get you in the ballpark of what you might have to pay. Of course, when you add in labor and factor in the fluctuating costs of materials, the results may vary. But these calculators give you a good sense of what to expect.
Home Depot Calculator
Go to the Home Depot Calculator
I really like the setup of the Home Depot Calculator. It starts you off with the part you definitely need, the surface materials, and gives you the option to add in railing or stars.
From there, the process is pretty straightforward:
- Select Your Board Direction: Too easy. Choose whether your boards will go “Away from House” or “Along the House.”
- Enter Deck Dimensions: Enter the length, width, and height of your deck in feet to proceed. The calculator uses your measurements to calculate the total square footage needed for material estimates. Add the number of stair openings if required.
- Select Decking Material: Select your decking material. Are you going with wood or composite/ PVC? If you’re going for Trex, it will add the option to choose grooved or square edges.
- Choose your hardware: If you go with wood, you’ll have the option to pick the nails or your choice. For composite, you can choose to add on hidden fasteners.
The Home Depot decking calculator is an easy-to-use tool that’s great if you’re going to buy from their store. Try out different materials and get started on the deck of your dreams.
Trex Deck Cost
The Trex Decking Calculator is an easy-to-use online tool that helps users calculate necessary materials and costs for Trex product-based deck projects. Users who provide project data into the system obtain a customized materials list that helps streamline planning and budgeting processes.
Like the Home Depot decking calculator, you put in your dimensions. But the difference is that you then move to enter whether you have an existing substructure. This allows the Trex calculator to determine how much material you’ll need more accurately and the total cost depending on whether you’re replacing your deck or just resurfacing.
Users then choose from their product lines: Signature, Transcend Lineage, Transcend, Select, Enhance Naturals, or Enhance Basics. These decking options provide unique aesthetics and features. Once you select your desired collection, choose a decking color.
From there, you can check the price of adding railing to your deck.
After receiving all the required information, the calculator generates a complete materials list containing decking boards, railing components, and substructure elements. By altering input values within the calculator, you can observe how modifications affect material needs and overall project expenses.
The Trex Decking Calculator is the most accurate for those looking to use Trex’s materials. It’s not great if you’re looking to price-shop different materials.
Mr. Handyman Calculator
Go to Mr. Handyman’s Deck Material Calculator
The Mr. The Handyman Deck Material Calculator provides homeowners with an easy-to-use online tool that helps calculate necessary materials for building a ground-level deck without stairs or railings.
It’s a great first step to planning out your deck. This calculator differs from the others because you put in your dimensions, and it tells you the amount of materials you need to get it done. From joists to bearer bolts to stain, it includes the complete list.
For example, I put in a typical 12- by 18-foot deck, which is 216 square feet. It broke down the amount of each material I would need.
- Decking (8′ 0″, 2×6): 68
- Bearers (18’0″, 2×8): 16
- Joists (12’0″, 2×8): 14
- Footings (8′ 0″, 6×6): 12
- Bearer Bolts: 24
- Joist Hangers: 28
- Deck Screws: 756
- Joist Screws: 56
- Concrete (50 lbs): 48
- Stain: 1 gallon
Of course, you’re limited by this decking calculator only using standard 2X6 pressure-treated lumber on its material list. But if that’s the route you’re taking, it’s perfect.
Decks.com Decking Calculator
Go to the Decks.com calculator
The Decks.com Decking Calculator helps users determine the material quantities needed to build a deck. When users enter specific project information, a detailed list of required materials is generated. This is really helpful for planning and budgeting.
This decking calculator works like some of the others:
Input your dimensions: Input the deck’s complete square footage or specify length and width dimensions to determine the area. The calculator processes the entered dimensions to determine the total area.
Select Board Size: When selecting dimensions, choose standard decking board sizes such as 1×6 or 5/4×6. The number of boards required depends on the selected board size.
Specify Joist Spacing: Enter the spacing between joists, which typically measures 12 inches, 16 inches, or 24 inches.
Determine Decking Angle: Installation requires selecting either a 90° horizontal orientation or a 45° diagonal orientation for decking boards. The diagonal installation of decking boards results in greater material waste and requires extra material purchases.
Input Total Length of Perimeter: Input the complete perimeter measurement of your deck in feet to determine the necessary fascia or edge boards.
Review Material Estimates: Users receive a complete materials list from the calculator when they enter the necessary information.
Quick Summary
I’ve shared four decking calculators you should know about before starting a deck build. Each is pretty straightforward. Home Depot’s is nice if you’re going to buy your materials there. All you have to do is send your materials to the online checkout.
If you’re going with Trex for your deck, which I always recommend, their calculator will give you everything you need to build a composite deck with their material. The Mr. Handyman deck materials calculator is great for contractors or DIYers trying to understand how much materials they’ll need to complete a project. The Deck.com calculator rounded out the list, but it’s a great tool. It factors in everything. Keep these four decking calculators in mind to get a head start on planning and budgeting for your next deck.
