Deck Material & Board Calculator (Free Online Tool)
Sam Wood Worker
Deck Material & Board Calculator Estimate deck boards, linear feet, waste allowance, and fasteners for a rectangular deck. Deck length (feet) Deck width (feet) Board direction Boards run along the…
Decking
Is My Deck Rotting or Weathered? How to find the Difference
A gray deck is not automatically a rotten deck. Sun and rain can remove color from the surface while the wood below remains firm. Small checks and a rough texture…
Deck Repair vs Replacement: Which One Your Deck Need?
A few cracked deck boards do not always mean the whole deck needs replacement. On the other hand, new decking cannot make a weak ledger, rotten beam or failing footing…
How to Clean a Wood Deck Without Damaging It
A wood deck can look dirty long before it needs replacing. Leaves leave dark marks. Shaded boards turn green. Food and grease collect near the grill. In a few months,…
PVC Decking Guide: Pros, Cons and Buying Tips
PVC decking is one of the most moisture-resistant deck-board options available. It does not contain wood fiber, so the boards do not rot, splinter or attract wood-eating insects in the…
Composite Decking Pros and Cons: Is It Worth the Cost?
Composite decking looks like an easy choice at first. It does not need regular staining. It resists rot and insects. Many products come with long residential warranties. Then you see…
Ipe Deck Guide: Pros, Costs, Care for Brazilian Walnut Decks
Ipe is one of the strongest and most durable woods used for outdoor decks. It has a rich brown color, a fine grain, and impressive resistance to wear. It can…
Deck Stairs: Guide to Layout, Cutting, and Installation
Deck stairs look simple, but small errors can make them uncomfortable or unsafe. One riser that is taller than the others can create a trip hazard. Weak stringer connections can…
Deck Beams Guide: Sizing, Building & Installing Them
Deck beams carry loads from the joists to the posts and footings. They are a major part of the deck’s structural frame, even though fascia or skirting may hide them…
Deck Joists Guide: Sizing, Spacing, Layout Basics
Deck joists are easy to overlook because the decking hides them. Yet they do most of the everyday work. They support the deck boards, carry people and furniture, and move…