Estimate deck boards, joists, screws, and total cost for your deck project.
Board Spacing: Wood expands and contracts. Leave a gap (typically 1/8" to 1/4") to allow for drainage and movement.
Joist Direction: Joists should run perpendicular to the house to ensure proper drainage away from the structure.
Screws: Use coated screws designed for exterior use to prevent rust. Two screws per joist per board is standard.
Yes. A 10% waste factor is highly recommended to account for angled cuts at the edges, warped boards that must be discarded, and mistakes during installation.
The calculation assumes 2 screws per joist intersection per board. This is a standard rule of thumb for securing decking. Always buy extra screws, as they are easy to drop or strip.