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Deck Cost Calculator
Planning a new deck? Enter your dimensions, material choice, and railing needs to get board counts, material costs, and a total project cost estimate.
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How This Calculator Works
This calculator estimates deck costs by computing the total area, calculating board counts for standard 5.5" deck boards, adding railing costs per linear foot, and applying a labor multiplier for total project cost.
Formula: Area = Length × Width. Boards = (Width ÷ Board Width) × 1.05 waste. Material Cost = Area × $/sq ft + Railing × $25/ft. Total = Material × 1.8 labor multiplier.
Assumptions & Limitations
- • Board width is standard 5.5" (nominal 6").
- • 5% waste factor for cuts and defects.
- • Railing cost estimated at $25 per linear foot.
- • Labor multiplier of 1.8× material costs (national average).
- • Stairs add a flat $500 to material costs.
- • Costs vary significantly by region and contractor.