Hands reviewing a deck plan with composite decking samples, a calculator, tape measure, and hammer on a wood table.

How to Create a Deck Material List

Thursday, October 29th

How to Create a Material List for Your Deck Build

Planning your material order is one of the most important steps in any deck project. Order too much and you’re stuck with expensive leftovers. Order too little and your build stalls while you wait for more product to arrive.

To help homeowners get it right the first time, licensed contractor Adam Trenter walked us through how he uses build plans to create a precise, efficient material list, and how Deckstore.com makes the entire process faster, clearer, and more accurate than ever.

 


Start With Your Build Plans

Before calculating quantities, you need a clear, scaled drawing of your deck. Once your plans are complete, they become the foundation for your material takeoff.

Today, homeowners no longer need to call suppliers or wait on email quotes. Deckstore.com lets you choose products, compare options, and see your running total instantly as you build your cart.

Stacked dark composite decking boards on pallets with a worker in an orange shirt standing behind them.

Calculate Your Decking First

Decking is typically the largest portion of your material order, so it’s the best place to start.

For this build:

  • The deck is 33 feet wide
  • It extends 25 feet out from the house
  • Decking runs the full 25‑foot depth

To determine how many boards are needed:

Convert 25 ft to inches:

  1. 25×12=300 inches

Divide by the width of a deck board (5.5 in):

  1. 300÷5.5=54 boards per side

Because the deck uses 16‑ft boards with a center breaker board, both halves require decking:

  1. 54×2=109 boards
  2. Add the breaker boards (4 boards)
  3. Add 5% extra for trimming and waste

Final decking quantity: 118 boards

This ensures full coverage with enough extra for clean cuts and minor adjustments.

 

Worker measuring dark composite decking boards on a deck frame with a tape measure.

Plan Your Framing Lumber

Next, calculate the joists (stringers) that support the decking.

Key details:

From the build plans, the deck requires 26 joists across its width.

Each joist uses two 16‑ft pieces:

  •  26×2=52 pieces minimum
  • Add a small buffer for cuts or adjustments

Final framing quantity: 66–68 stringers

Using synthetic structural framing gives you consistent board sizes, which helps prevent over‑ordering

Worker kneeling on a deck installing gray composite decking boards.

What “On Center” Means

“On center” refers to the measurement from the center of one board or post to the center of the next.

This method keeps spacing consistent and ensures the structure is properly supported.

Workers setting black posts in sandy ground beside a blue house, one holding a level.

Determine How Many Posts You Need

Posts form the foundation of the deck, so spacing them correctly is essential.

For this build:

  • Posts sit 1 foot inside the deck perimeter
  • The deck spans 33 feet, placing the outer posts around 32 feet on center
  • Dividing the span into equal sections results in posts spaced roughly 6.5 feet on center

Because the drawing is to scale, you can simply count the posts shown.

Final post quantity: 29 total

Worker in a bucket hat installing a black railing section on a covered deck.

Calculate Your Railing Sections

Railing is sold in 6‑ft and 8‑ft sections, and can be cut to size.

For a 25‑ft run:

  • 25÷6=4.1

This means five 6‑ft sections will cover the length.

If your deck includes stairs, remember that stair railing is a separate product with a built‑in angle. Deckstore.com makes it easy to view specs and pricing so you order the correct components.

Tips for Creating an Accurate Material List

  • Draw your deck to scale so you can count components directly
  • Use standard lumber lengths (12, 16, 20 ft) to reduce waste
  • Order decking slightly longer to allow for trimming and clean edges
  • Keep posts no more than 8 ft on center for proper support
  • Remember joists are 16 in on center
  • Add 5–7% extra decking for waste, trimming, and damaged boards

Once your plans and material list are complete, you’re ready for the next step, safely demoing your existing deck.

Ready to Order Your Deck Materials?

Deckstore.com makes it simple to choose your products, compare options, and track your total in real time. Whether you’re building with wood, composite, or PVC, you’ll find everything you need: decking, framing, railing, fasteners, and expert guidance.

Start planning your project or build your cart today at Deckstore.com.

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