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//// Construction · Decking

Deck Materials Calculator

Deck dimensions + board specs → exact board count, joists, posts, and balusters.

Where this fits

📦 Business & Seller OpsGoing 1099FreelancersFounders

This tool lives inside Going 1099 and is most useful for freelancers and founders.

Corp Tax Rate21%
SE Threshold$400
FICA Cap 2024$168,600

Deck Dimensions

Railing

Decking boards
60
192 sq ft
Joists
13
16" OC
Railing posts
9
6 ft apart
Balusters
132
≤4 in gap (code)
1

Deck area

area = length × width

= 16 × 12

= 192 sq ft

2

Decking boards

boards = rows × (length ÷ boardLength) × waste factor

= 60 boards (5.5" wide × 12 ft)

10% waste included for cuts and defects

3

Joist count

joists = (deckLength × 12) ÷ spacing + 1 (rim joist)

= (16 × 12) ÷ 16 + 1

= 13 joists

16" on center — standard for deck framing

4

Railing posts

posts = (railingFt ÷ postSpacing) + 1

= (44 ÷ 6) + 1

= 9 posts

5

Balusters

balusters = railingFt × 12 ÷ 4 (code: max 4 in gap)

= 132 balusters

IRC requires ≤4 inch gaps between balusters

Key insight

Add 10% waste for straight boards on a simple rectangle, 15% for diagonal patterns or lots of cutwork around stairs. Framing lumber is typically priced per linear foot — run the joist count by your supplier for an accurate quote.

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