Building a new deck can significantly enhance your outdoor living space. However, understanding the costs involved is crucial for proper budgeting. This calculator helps you estimate the total cost of your decking project, considering materials like decking boards and joists, as well as hardware and labor.
Key Cost Components:
Decking Boards: This is the visible surface of your deck. The cost depends on the material (wood, composite, PVC) and the price per square foot. Our calculator uses Length (ft) x Width (ft) to determine the total square footage needed.
Joists: These are the structural beams that support the decking boards. They are typically spaced at regular intervals (e.g., 16 inches or 12 inches on center). The calculator estimates the number of joists based on the deck's width and the chosen spacing, then calculates the total linear footage of joists required.
Fasteners & Hardware: This category includes screws, nails, hangers, bolts, and other connectors essential for assembling the deck. These are often estimated as a lump sum or a percentage of material costs.
Labor: The cost of hiring professional deck builders. This is typically calculated by multiplying an hourly labor rate by the estimated number of hours the project will take. Factors influencing labor time include deck complexity, accessibility, and crew size.
How the Calculator Works:
Our decking cost calculator breaks down the project into these key areas:
Decking Material Cost: Calculated as (Deck Length * Deck Width) * Decking Price per Square Foot.
Joist Material Cost:
Number of Joists = (Deck Width * 12 / Joist Spacing in Inches) + 1 (approximate for standard spacing).
Total Linear Feet of Joists = Number of Joists * Deck Length.
Joist Cost = Total Linear Feet of Joists * Joist Price per Linear Foot.
Hardware Cost: Directly entered by the user.
Labor Cost: Calculated as Estimated Labor Hours * Estimated Labor Rate per Hour.
Total Estimated Cost: The sum of all the above components.
Important Note: This calculator provides an estimate. Actual costs can vary based on specific material choices, regional pricing, unforeseen site conditions, permit fees, and contractor rates. Always get detailed quotes from multiple suppliers and contractors for accurate project pricing.
Example Calculation:
Let's consider a deck that is 12 feet long and 10 feet wide.
Decking is priced at $5.50 per square foot.
Joists are spaced at 16 inches on center and cost $2.00 per linear foot.
Fasteners and hardware are estimated at $150.
Labor is estimated at $50 per hour for 40 hours.
Calculations:
Decking Area: 12 ft * 10 ft = 120 sq ft
Decking Cost: 120 sq ft * $5.50/sq ft = $660.00
Number of Joists: (10 ft * 12 in/ft / 16 in) + 1 = 7.5 + 1 = 8.5 joists (round up to 9 for safety/full coverage)
Total Joist Length: 9 joists * 12 ft = 108 linear feet
Joist Cost: 108 linear ft * $2.00/linear ft = $216.00