How to Estimate Deck Materials
Estimating the materials and supplies needed to build a new deck can be time-consuming, but in the end it can save you big money. The more careless you are in your estimation, the more time and money you will waste when you begin the building process. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Create a scale drawing of your deck plans. Measure the length in the direction that is perpendicular to the joists. Round off the measurements upward to the next highest foot. Order your lumber in that rounded length or incremental combinations that will be enough to allow you cut and butt over a joist or beam in order to fit your length needs.
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Figure the number of planks you will need to complete your deck by measuring to scale and counting the number of boards that will be needed. To get a more accurate estimation of planks, you can use one of the formulas listed in the Resources section below. If your plans call for all your deck planks to be butted together, you will need to divide the width of your entire deck in inches by the width in inches in a single decking board.
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Estimate the total volume of concrete to be filled. If you are not going to be using ready-mix concrete, you will also need to estimate the individual amounts of cement, sand and gravel required. This mix of cement, sand and gravel together must total at least 1.5 times the volume of in-place concrete after it has cured and dried. Keep in mind that the basic formula for deck foundation concrete is one part cement to two parts sand and three parts gravel.
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Count the number of posts, beams and joists that will be using connectors to get an estimate of metal hardware. The only exception is in the estimation of nails. It may be impossible to get an accurate estimate of the nails you will use, but you can get an idea by counting up how many nails will be required for a single unit of decking and then multiplying by the total number of units. You can also figure on using one pound of nails for every 40 square feet. Since nails are relatively inexpensive compared to the price of gas to get to the hardware store, you may want to add another 10 percent just to cover any shortage.
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Add in any extras that you are planning on adding to the deck. For instance, if you are planning on wiring the deck, you will need to estimate the number and cost of adding electrical switches and outlets. Make a sample materials list in which you include the size, length, quantity and cost of each item, and then add them to get an accurate estimation of materials and cost for building your new deck.
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Tips & Warnings
Use the actual size of lumber rather than the nominal size when estimating need.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit deck image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
