How Many Deck Boards for a 16x12 ft Deck?
A 16×12 ft deck using 5.5-inch face-width boards with a 0.25-inch gap needs approximately 28 boards with 10% waste.
How to use this tool
- Enter the deck length and width in feet.
- Enter the actual face width of your decking boards in inches.
- Set the gap size (typically 1/4 in) and a 10% waste factor.
- The calculator returns total area and number of boards to buy.
Calculate the exact number of 5/4×6 deck boards needed to cover a standard 16×12 foot deck with a standard gap and waste factor.
Frequently asked questions
- How many deck boards do I need?
- Divide the deck width by (board width + gap) to get the number of rows, then multiply by the deck length to see total board linear footage. Add 10% for waste.
- What is the standard gap between deck boards?
- A 1/4-inch gap between boards is standard for composite and pressure-treated lumber. This allows drainage and accounts for wood expansion.