Decking Calculator
How to Use the Decking Calculator
1. Deck Length: Enter the total length of your deck in meters. For example, if your deck is 6 meters long, enter 6.
2. Deck Width: Enter the total width of your deck in meters. For example, if your deck is 4 meters wide, enter 4.
3. Board Length: Enter the length of each decking board in meters. For example, if each board is 3 meters long, enter 3.
4. Board Width: Enter the width of each decking board in meters. For example, if each board is 140 mm wide (0.14 meters), enter 0.14.
5. Spacing Between Boards: Enter the spacing between each board in meters. For example, if the spacing is 5 mm (0.005 meters), enter 0.005.
6. Joist Spacing: Select the spacing between the joists from the dropdown. If unsure, select “Don’t know” to use the default 400 mm spacing.
7. Click “Calculate” to see the results, including the number of boards needed, approximate number of fixings needed, and recommended joist spacing.
8. Click “Download Text” to download the detailed results and instructions for setting up your decking frame.
How to Use the Decking Calculator: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding the Importance of Proper Deck Planning
Planning a decking project can be an exciting yet challenging task. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional builder, ensuring you have the right materials and tools is crucial for a successful project. This is where a decking calculator becomes invaluable. By accurately calculating the number of decking boards, joists, and fixings needed, you can save time, reduce waste, and ensure your deck is built to last.
Overview of the Decking Calculator
The Decking Calculator on this page is designed to help you estimate the materials required for your decking project. This tool takes into account the dimensions of your deck, the size of the decking boards, the spacing between the boards, and the spacing of the joists. It also provides a detailed report that you can download for future reference.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Using the Decking Calculator
Step 1: Enter the Deck Length
Start by entering the total length of your deck in meters. This measurement is the longer side of your deck. For example, if your deck is 6 meters long, you should enter 6.
Step 2: Enter the Deck Width
Next, input the total width of your deck in meters. This is the shorter side of your deck. For instance, if your deck is 4 meters wide, enter 4.
Step 3: Enter the Board Length
Specify the length of each decking board in meters. Decking boards come in various lengths, but a common length is 3 meters. Enter the length that matches your boards.
Step 4: Enter the Board Width
Now, enter the width of each decking board in meters. Decking boards are typically measured in millimetres, so you’ll need to convert this to meters. For example, if your board is 140 mm wide, you should enter 0.14 meters.
Step 5: Enter the Spacing Between Boards
Input the spacing between each decking board in meters. This spacing is essential for water drainage and allowing the wood to expand and contract. A common spacing is 5 mm, which translates to 0.005 meters.
Step 6: Choose the Joist Spacing
Select the spacing between the joists from the dropdown menu. The common options are 300 mm, 400 mm, and 600 mm. If you’re unsure, you can select “Don’t know,” and the calculator will use the default spacing of 400 mm.
Step 7: Calculate the Results
Click the “Calculate” button to see the results. The calculator will display the number of boards needed, the approximate number of fixings required, and the recommended joist spacing.
Detailed Explanation of the Calculations
Calculating the Number of Boards
The total area of your deck is calculated by multiplying the length and width. The area of one decking board is determined by multiplying the length of the board by its width plus the spacing. The number of boards needed is then the total deck area divided by the area of one board.
For example:
- Deck Area: 6 meters (length) x 4 meters (width) = 24 square meters.
- Board Area: 3 meters (length) x (0.14 meters (width) + 0.005 meters (spacing)) = 0.435 square meters.
- Number of Boards Needed: 24 square meters / 0.435 square meters ≈ 55.17 boards.
Since you can’t have a fraction of a board, you’ll need 56 boards.
Calculating the Number of Fixings
Each board needs two fixings at each joist intersection. The number of joists is calculated by dividing the deck length by the joist spacing and adding one more for the starting joist. The total number of fixings is the number of boards multiplied by the fixings per board.
For example:
- Number of Joists: 6 meters / 0.4 meters (400 mm spacing) + 1 ≈ 16 joists.
- Fixings per Board: 16 joists x 2 fixings per joist = 32 fixings.
- Total Fixings: 56 boards x 32 fixings = 1792 fixings.
Calculating the Number of Joists
The number of joists is calculated by dividing the deck length by the selected joist spacing and adding one more for the starting joist.
For example:
- Number of Joists: 6 meters / 0.4 meters (400 mm spacing) + 1 ≈ 16 joists.
Downloading the Results
After calculating the decking requirements, you can download a detailed text report. This report includes all the input values, results, and instructions for setting up your decking frame. Simply click the “Download Text” button to save the report for future reference.
Additional Tips for Using the Decking Calculator
Accuracy of Measurements
Ensure all measurements are as accurate as possible. Even small discrepancies can significantly impact the number of materials needed.
Understanding Joist Spacing
Joist spacing is crucial for the structural integrity of your deck. Common joist spacings are 300 mm, 400 mm, and 600 mm. The choice depends on the type of decking material and the load it needs to support. If you’re unsure, the default 400 mm spacing is a safe choice for most residential decks.
Considering Material Waste
Always account for a small percentage of material waste. Cutting and fitting decking boards often result in some waste. Adding an extra 10% to your total material calculations is a good practice to ensure you have enough materials.
Advanced Features of the Decking Calculator
Customizable Joist Spacing
The calculator allows you to choose different joist spacings to accommodate various decking materials and structural requirements. This feature ensures you can customize the calculation to match your specific project needs.
Detailed Downloadable Report
The downloadable report provides a comprehensive overview of your decking project. It includes all the calculations, input values, and instructions for setting up the decking frame. This feature is particularly useful for keeping track of your project and ensuring you have all the necessary materials.
Conclusion
The Decking Calculator is an essential tool for anyone planning a decking project. By providing accurate calculations for the number of decking boards, joists, and fixings needed, it helps ensure your project is efficient and successful. With detailed instructions, customizable options, and a downloadable report, this calculator is designed to make your decking project as smooth and straightforward as possible. Use the calculator today to start planning your perfect deck.