Does the deck calculator check spans?

Yes. It compares your species, size and spacing against IRC-style span tables and flags anything outside them. Treat it as a planning aid, not an engineering approval.

Can I estimate a composite deck?

Yes. Choose your board width and gap and the takeoff recalculates board count, fastener count and cost for composite pricing.

Are stairs and railings included?

Stringers, treads, posts, rails and infill are itemized separately so you can see what the access adds.

Do I need a permit for a deck?

Most jurisdictions permit decks above a height or area threshold. Check the permit lookup for the rules commonly attached to your address, then confirm with your building department.

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Free takeoff

Deck calculator: joists, beams, decking and cost

Deck framing is where estimating and structure collide. Joist spacing sets your board count, your hanger count, your fastener count and whether the finish surface feels solid underfoot — so it is worth resolving before you price anything else.

Enter footprint, framing species, spacing and decking type, and the takeoff returns framing members, footings, hangers, boards and fasteners with a span check that flags any joist or beam outside standard span tables. It is a planning aid, not a stamped design; loaded, elevated or roof-covered decks should be reviewed locally.

Estimates only — not a quote.

Open the deck builder

What you get

Included in the takeoff

Joist, beam, post and footing counts
Decking board count at your width and gap, with waste
Hanger, hardware and fastener quantities
Span check against IRC-style tables
Stair stringer and railing components

What it asks for

Inputs

Deck length, width and height above grade
Framing species and joist spacing
Decking material, board width and gap
Stair count and railing style

How to plan it

Plan it in 5 steps

1
Fix the footprint
Square the outline and confirm it clears setbacks and any easement. The footprint drives every quantity that follows.
2
Choose spacing before material
Composite and diagonal patterns often need 12-inch centers. Set spacing first, then price boards.
3
Run the span check
Confirm your joist and beam spans sit inside the table for your species and size before ordering lumber.
4
Plan footings for your frost line
Footing depth is local. Look it up for your address; it changes concrete volume noticeably.
5
Price two decking options
Run the same frame with pressure-treated and composite decking to see the real delta before you decide.

Planning guidance only. Every quantity and price is an estimate — confirm dimensions and local requirements before you buy or build.

Run your own numbers

Enter your dimensions and get a material list, cut list and regional cost estimate in a couple of minutes. No account needed to see the takeoff.

Start estimating

For contractors & trades

Bidding deck builder work for clients?

Contractors and handymen run this deck builder to build the material takeoff, nest the cut list, check permits by ZIP and hand the client a branded proposal — same visit, before the estimate goes cold.

Takeoff priced to your ZIP in minutes
Cut list that trims the lumber order
Branded proposal and invoice PDFs

Set up my contractor account See contractor pricing

Material and cost output is an estimate, never a quote. Permit content is guidance to verify with your local building department.

Frequently asked questions

Keep planning

Related pricing and planning pages

Materials & cut list →How-to-build guide →Permit & setback lookup →Fence Calculator (free takeoff) →

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