1. What is a Decking Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the volume, area, and cost of decking materials needed for construction projects.

Purpose: It helps homeowners and builders determine how much decking material is required and its estimated cost.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these formulas:

Where:

• \( V \) — Volume of decking material (cubic meters)
• \( L \) — Length of decking area (meters)
• \( W \) — Width of decking area (meters)
• \( T \) — Thickness of decking boards (meters)
• \( Area \) — Surface area (square meters)
• \( Price \) — Cost per unit (either per m² or per m³)

Explanation: The calculator first determines the volume and area, then calculates cost based on whether pricing is by volume or area.

3. Importance of Decking Calculation

Details: Accurate calculations ensure proper material purchasing, minimize waste, and help with budget planning for decking projects.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the deck dimensions (length, width, thickness) in meters, the price per unit, and select whether pricing is by volume (m³) or area (m²).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Should I use volume or area pricing?
A: Most decking is priced by area (m²), but some materials may be priced by volume (m³). Check with your supplier.

Q2: What's a typical decking board thickness?
A: Common thicknesses are 28mm (0.028m) or 32mm (0.032m) for softwood, 20mm (0.02m) for composite decking.

Q3: How do I account for waste?
A: Consider adding 10-15% to your calculated material quantities to account for cutting waste and errors.

Q4: Should I include joists in this calculation?
A: No, this calculates only decking boards. You'll need a separate calculation for joists and structural elements.

Q5: How do I convert mm to meters for thickness?
A: Divide mm by 1000 (e.g., 28mm = 0.028m).