Planning Your Deck Project
Choosing the Right Deck Size
Deck Shape & Design Considerations
💡 Pro Tip: Before buying a single board, use our free decking calculator to get an exact material list for your planned dimensions. It takes less than 60 seconds and could save you hundreds in wasted material.
Permits & Local Building Codes
What Inspectors Check
HOA Considerations
Choosing Your Decking Material
Pressure-Treated Lumber
Cedar & Redwood
Composite Decking
Tropical Hardwoods (Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood)
PVC & Vinyl Decking
Calculating How Much Material to Buy
DECKING FORMULA
Boards Needed = (Deck Length ÷ Board Width + Gap) × (Deck Length ÷ Board Length) × Waste Factor
Or skip the math — use our free decking calculator for an instant, accurate estimate.
Accounting for Waste
Calculating Joists & Framing
Save time and avoid errors — our free decking calculator handles all of this automatically and gives you a printable shopping list.
Open Decking Calculator →Tools You'll Need
Essential Power Tools
- Circular saw or miter saw —
- Drill / impact driver —
- Post-hole digger or auger —
- Jigsaw —
Essential Hand Tools & Accessories
- Speed square / framing square —
- Chalk line —
- Level (4-foot) —
- Tape measure (25+ ft) —
- Deck board spacers —
🛠️ Rental Tip: Power augers and concrete mixers are worth renting from your local equipment rental store. A half-day rental typically costs $80–$150 and saves hours of manual labor.
Setting Posts & Footings
Determining Footing Size & Depth
Laying Out Footing Locations
Pouring Concrete
Building the Frame & Joists
Attaching the Ledger Board
Installing Beams & Posts
Installing Joists
Laying & Fastening Deck Boards
Board Layout & Spacing
Fastening Methods
Cutting the Final Edge
📐 Remember: Use the decking calculator to plan exactly how many boards and fasteners you need before your trip to the lumber yard.
Finishing, Sealing & Staining
Cleaning Before Finishing
Choosing the Right Finish
Application Tips
2026 Deck Cost Estimates
| Deck Size | PT Wood (materials) | Composite (materials) | Labor (typical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10×10 (100 sq ft) | $1,500–$2,500 | $3,500–$6,000 | $1,500–$3,500 |
| 12×16 (192 sq ft) | $2,880–$4,800 | $6,720–$11,520 | $2,880–$6,720 |
| 16×20 (320 sq ft) | $4,800–$8,000 | $11,200–$19,200 | $4,800–$11,200 |
| 20×24 (480 sq ft) | $7,200–$12,000 | $16,800–$28,800 | $7,200–$16,800 |
| Custom / 600+ sq ft | $9,000+ | $21,000+ | $9,000+ |
Get a precise material cost estimate for your specific deck size using our free decking calculator.
Calculate My Deck Cost →