Boards, beam, joists, posts, stairs, spindles — the complete material list for a code-compliant deck.
Used for post length, stair steps, and railing code check. Railing required ≥30".
8 ft max in most jurisdictions — verify local code
Based on the dimensions on the left — edit them to match your project and this updates as you type.
Complete material list — one trip
60 boards — includes 10% waste for end cuts
Tip: Let PT boards acclimate on-site 48 hours. Composite boards can be installed immediately.
4 lb — coated screws resist corrosion and won't stain PT lumber
Tip: Pre-drill near board ends to prevent splitting.
14 joists at true 16" on center + 1 rim joist
4 boards — 1 doubled beam spanning deck length. Beam runs perpendicular to joists, sits on posts.
Tip: Beams are doubled 2×10s bolted together. Size up to 2×12 for spans over 10 ft between posts.
28 hangers — one each end of each joist
Tip: Only use galvanized or stainless hardware with PT lumber — plain steel corrodes within 2 years.
Caps connect posts to beam — required for structural stability
Seal beam-to-post connections before bolting
5 posts — add 2+ ft to deck height for below-grade burial
Tip: Burial depth must be below your local frost line — typically 36–42" in cold climates. Check local code.
10 bags — 2 bags per post hole
Tip: Dry-pour method works great for fence posts — pour dry, add water, tamp. No mixer needed.
2 boards — bolts to house rim joist, replaces the house-side rim joist
CRITICAL: Ledger must bolt to house structural rim joist — not siding, sheathing, or trim. Improper ledger attachment is the #1 cause of deck collapses.
24 lag bolts — double-staggered every 16" along ledger length
Tip: LedgerLOK structural screws are a code-approved alternative — no pre-drilling, faster install.
Keep boards straight and square — you'll use both constantly
Adjustable post bases allow exact positioning before concrete sets
Before you start
Pull a building permit — required for most decks over 200 sq ft or 30\" above grade. Call 811 before digging (free, required by law). Verify your post spacing and beam size with local code — spans vary by lumber species and load requirements.
• Deck boards: rows × (length ÷ 8 ft boards) + 10% waste
• Joists: true 16" OC (1 per 1.333 ft) + 1 rim joist
• Beam: doubled 2×10s, 1 beam row (extra row for decks over 12 ft wide)
• Posts: perimeter only — 3 open sides (house side uses ledger)
• Concrete: 2 × 80 lb bags per post hole
• Screws: 1 lb per 50 sq ft (industry standard)
• Lag bolts: double-staggered every 16" along 16 ft ledger