TimberTech Decking Calculator
Building a beautiful, durable deck with TimberTech materials can greatly enhance your outdoor living space. However, one of the biggest challenges homeowners and contractors face is accurately estimating how many decking boards are needed and what the total cost will be. Buying too few boards can delay your project, while purchasing too many leads to unnecessary expenses.
This is where the TimberTech Decking Calculator becomes an invaluable tool. It takes the guesswork out of decking calculations by helping you quickly and precisely estimate the number of boards required for your project, factoring in board sizes, waste, and cost per board.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this handy calculator — how to use it, examples to illustrate its benefits, and FAQs to clarify common doubts. Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor, this guide will help you make informed decking decisions with confidence.
What is the TimberTech Decking Calculator?
The TimberTech Decking Calculator is a user-friendly online tool designed to estimate the materials needed for building a deck using TimberTech boards. You simply enter the dimensions of your deck, select the size of boards you plan to use, specify the waste factor to account for cutting and mistakes, and input the cost per board. The calculator then provides:
- The total deck area in square feet
- The number of boards required
- The number of boards including waste factor
- The total cost estimate
This quick calculation helps you budget accurately and avoid costly overbuying or underbuying of decking materials.
How to Use the TimberTech Decking Calculator: Step-by-Step Guide
Using the TimberTech Decking Calculator is straightforward. Here's how:
1. Enter Deck Dimensions
- Deck Length (feet): Input the length of your deck in feet. This should be the full length you want to cover.
- Deck Width (feet): Input the width of your deck in feet.
2. Select Board Size
- Board Length: Choose from predefined board lengths, typically 12, 16, or 20 feet.
- Board Width: Select the width of the decking boards, usually 3.5 or 5.5 inches.
3. Add Waste Factor (%)
- Waste Factor: Enter the percentage of extra material to account for waste due to cutting, errors, or damage. A typical value is 10%, but you can adjust it based on your project needs.
4. Enter Cost Per Board
- Cost Per Board: Input the price of a single board. This helps the calculator provide a total cost estimate.
5. Calculate and Review Results
- Click the Calculate button to get instant results.
- The calculator will display the deck area, boards needed, boards including waste, and the total estimated cost.
6. Reset If Needed
- Use the Reset button to clear all inputs and start a new calculation.
Example: Calculating for a 20x15 Feet Deck with 16-Foot Boards
Let’s say you want to build a deck that is 20 feet long and 15 feet wide. You plan to use TimberTech boards that are 16 feet long and 5.5 inches wide. You want to factor in 10% waste, and each board costs $45.
Input Values:
- Deck Length = 20 feet
- Deck Width = 15 feet
- Board Length = 16 feet
- Board Width = 5.5 inches
- Waste Factor = 10%
- Cost Per Board = $45
Calculator Output:
- Deck Area: 300 sq ft (20 x 15)
- Boards Needed: Calculated by dividing deck area by the area covered by one board (board length x board width in feet).
- Boards with Waste: Boards needed + 10% waste
- Total Cost: Number of boards with waste x $45
This example helps you know exactly how many boards to order and your expected material cost upfront, saving you time and preventing budget surprises.
Benefits of Using the TimberTech Decking Calculator
- Accuracy: Precise calculation based on real measurements and board sizes.
- Time-saving: Instant results save hours of manual measuring and math.
- Budget-friendly: Helps avoid over-purchasing or underestimating materials.
- Customizable: Adjustable waste factor lets you plan for different project types.
- User-friendly: Simple interface requires no technical knowledge.
Tips for Accurate Calculations
- Measure your deck area carefully and double-check dimensions.
- Choose board sizes that match your project specifications.
- Set an appropriate waste factor — typical values range from 5% to 15%, depending on skill level and cutting complexity.
- Update the board cost based on the latest market prices to keep your budget realistic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use this calculator for any brand of decking boards?
Yes, while it's tailored for TimberTech dimensions, the calculator works for any decking boards by entering correct board sizes and costs.
2. What is a waste factor and why is it important?
Waste factor accounts for extra boards needed due to cutting mistakes, damaged boards, or odd cuts. Including it ensures you don't run short.
3. How do I measure the deck dimensions?
Measure the length and width of the deck area you want to cover. If your deck has an irregular shape, divide it into rectangles and sum their areas.
4. Why are board width options limited to 3.5 and 5.5 inches?
These are standard widths for TimberTech boards, covering most common decking applications.
5. What if my board cost changes?
Simply update the cost per board in the calculator to get an accurate total cost estimate.
6. Does the calculator include installation costs?
No, this calculator only estimates materials needed and their cost, excluding labor or installation.
7. Can I use fractional board lengths?
No, you need to select from the preset board lengths (12, 16, or 20 feet).
8. Is it necessary to reset the calculator after every use?
It’s recommended to reset to clear previous inputs for new calculations.
9. Can the waste factor be zero?
Technically yes, but it's not recommended because some waste is always expected.
10. How often should I update board costs in the calculator?
Update board costs whenever prices fluctuate to maintain an accurate budget.
11. What if my deck is not rectangular?
Calculate area by breaking the deck into rectangles or squares, then sum the areas before inputting.
12. Will the calculator work on mobile devices?
Yes, it's designed to be responsive and works well on smartphones and tablets.
13. How precise are the calculations?
Results are rounded to two decimals for deck area and total cost, and whole numbers for boards.
14. Can this calculator help me compare costs between different board sizes?
Absolutely! Try different board widths and lengths to see how they impact the number of boards and cost.
15. Is the total cost inclusive of taxes or shipping?
No, the calculator does not factor in taxes, shipping, or other fees. You should add those separately.
Conclusion
The TimberTech Decking Calculator is a must-have tool for anyone planning a decking project. It helps you estimate the exact quantity of boards needed, account for waste, and calculate the total material cost quickly and easily. By using this calculator, you save time, reduce material waste, and avoid costly surprises. Whether you’re a homeowner or contractor, make this calculator part of your project toolkit to build your deck efficiently and economically.