https://deckmaterialestimator.com/ Estimate deck board linear footage, screw counts, and practical planning assumptions for your next deck build. en-us https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/deck-board-spacing-how-to-choose-the-right-gap/ How much space should you leave between deck boards? Here is a practical guide to gaps, moisture, material type, and how spacing affects your material estimate. Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/deck-board-spacing-how-to-choose-the-right-gap/ https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/how-to-choose-deck-board-width-before-estimating-materials/ Deck board width affects linear footage, screw count, waste, and the finished look. Here is how to choose a practical width before ordering. Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/how-to-choose-deck-board-width-before-estimating-materials/ https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/hidden-deck-fasteners-when-to-use-clips/ Hidden deck fasteners can create a clean surface with no visible screw heads, but they are not right for every project. Here is what to check before you buy. Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/hidden-deck-fasteners-when-to-use-clips/ https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/deck-board-waste-allowance-how-much-extra-material-to-buy/ Waste allowance is one of the simplest ways to avoid running short on deck boards. Here is a practical way to plan extra decking without overbuying. Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/deck-board-waste-allowance-how-much-extra-material-to-buy/ https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/deck-screw-spacing-guide/ Not sure how many screws each deck board needs? Use this practical guide to plan screw placement, estimate totals, and avoid common fastening mistakes. Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/deck-screw-spacing-guide/ https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/which-way-should-deck-boards-run/ Board direction affects drainage, joist layout, cuts, and how balanced the deck looks. Here is a practical way to decide before you start building. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/which-way-should-deck-boards-run/ https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/what-joist-spacing-should-you-use-for-a-deck/ Trying to choose the right joist spacing for a deck? Here is a practical starting point for on-center spacing and the main things to check before you build. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/what-joist-spacing-should-you-use-for-a-deck/ https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/can-you-build-a-deck-without-a-permit/ Whether you need a building permit for a deck depends on height, size, and where you live. Here are the typical thresholds in the US, UK, and Canada — and what to check before you build. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/can-you-build-a-deck-without-a-permit/ https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/ground-level-deck-planning-guide/ A ground-level deck is a low platform built right on the ground – simpler to build and often exempt from permits. How to estimate deck boards and screws, with a table for common platform sizes. Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/ground-level-deck-planning-guide/ https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/deck-board-linear-feet-how-to-estimate-quantity/ How many linear meters of deck board per m²? About 8.3 lm with 120 mm boards – roughly 2.5 linear feet per sq ft. Conversion tables for 95, 120, and 145 mm boards, a worked example, and waste allowance. Sat, 21 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/deck-board-linear-feet-how-to-estimate-quantity/ https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/deck-calculator-or-decking-calculator-what-do-you-need/ Which deck calculator do you really need? The difference between calculators for ground-level platforms, raised decks, and materials – what our deck board calculator estimates, and what it does not. Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/deck-calculator-or-decking-calculator-what-do-you-need/ https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/roof-over-a-deck-key-planning-questions/ Planning a roof over your deck? Here are the types of deck covers, what they roughly cost, the permit rules you need to know, and the snow load and drainage requirements – before you start building. Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/roof-over-a-deck-key-planning-questions/ https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/deck-trends-worth-paying-attention-to-in-2025/ The deck is no longer just a deck — it is an extension of the home. Here are the strongest deck design trends: sustainable materials, integrated lighting, zoning, and organic shapes. Sun, 15 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/deck-trends-worth-paying-attention-to-in-2025/ https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/the-tools-you-actually-need-for-a-smoother-deck-build/ Building a deck takes the right tools and equipment to get a solid result and an efficient build. A practical checklist of hand tools, power tools, specialty gear, and safety equipment. Sun, 16 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/the-tools-you-actually-need-for-a-smoother-deck-build/ https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/deck-maintenance-throughout-the-year/ A deck is a key gathering spot for relaxing outdoors. Keeping it looking good and lasting long takes regular care — here is a season-by-season guide to cleaning, oiling, and weather protection. Wed, 12 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/deck-maintenance-throughout-the-year/ https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/why-drainage-under-a-deck-matters-more-than-people-think/ Effective drainage protects a deck against water damage and extends its life. A practical guide to slope, draining base layers, drainage products, and maintenance under the deck. Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/why-drainage-under-a-deck-matters-more-than-people-think/ https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/how-to-build-a-deck-step-by-step/ How to build a deck yourself, step by step: planning and rules, footings, framing, laying deck boards, stairs and finishing – with concrete measurements and numbers for every stage, plus a deck board calculator. Sun, 02 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/how-to-build-a-deck-step-by-step/ https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/decking-accessories-and-outdoor-details-that-make-the-space-better/ How to make your deck cozy and inviting: inspiration for outdoor furniture, textiles, planters, zones, lighting, and heating – small touches that lift the whole outdoor space. Mon, 27 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/decking-accessories-and-outdoor-details-that-make-the-space-better/ https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/how-to-expand-a-deck-with-a-clean-transition/ Expanding an existing deck? How to plan the extension, get a seamless transition between old and new boards, and estimate the materials for the added section alone. Thu, 23 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/how-to-expand-a-deck-with-a-clean-transition/ https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/how-to-lay-deck-boards-for-a-clean-professional-result/ Laying deck boards correctly is the key to a good-looking, durable deck. A step-by-step guide to laying patterns, board spacing, and fastening methods for a professional result. Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://deckmaterialestimator.com/articles/how-to-lay-deck-boards-for-a-clean-professional-result/