A new deck is an Advanced DIY project, rather than a beginner starting point. Use a locally accepted design covering footings, framing, attachment, guards, stairs, and loads. The calculators estimate quantities; they do not select safe spans, size connections, or replace inspections. For surface care on an existing sound deck, start with the deck maintenance plan.
IS THIS A GOOD FIT FOR YOU?
Advanced DIY
1Easy DIY
2Some Experience
3Advanced DIY — this project
4Hire a Pro
Why this rating: Footings, connections, guards, and attachment details carry people and demand an approved plan.
Applies to: Construction by an experienced DIYer using a locally accepted design.
Get help when: Use a qualified builder or engineer for uncertain loads, ledger details, elevated decks, or any condition outside the approved design.
A planning guide, not a safety certification. Conditions at your home can change the difficulty. Ratings are independent of contractor relationships.
Time2–4 weekends
Cost$$ (varies by size & material)
PermitsAlmost always required
Permits & safety: Check permits, inspections, local loading and frost requirements before ordering. Contact 811 before digging and check private lines separately. Use a qualified builder or engineer for conditions outside the approved design.
Plan the whole project as you go. Add each calculator result to a named project, then edit quantities and supplier prices, check off purchases and stages, and export CSV, print/PDF, or JSON.
1Obtain an accepted design and required approvals
Confirm deck height, access, loads, soil, attachment, guards, and stairs. Have nonstandard conditions designed by a qualified professional. Plan inspection access and the order of work.
2Lay out and construct specified footings
Locate underground services before digging. Use the approved footing dimensions, bearing conditions, depth, reinforcement, and post-base details; arrange required inspection before concrete conceals the work.
Concrete bags
21 bags
Posts
1010" holes, 24" deep
Concrete per hole
0.92 cu fthole minus the post
60-lb bags
21 bagsor 16 × 80-lb bags
Cost (est.)
$116~$5.50/60-lb bag
Planning estimate. Adjust allowances and sample prices for your supplier; tax, delivery, and labor are not included.
3Build the designed frame and connections
Use the specified lumber, spans, connectors, fastening, and corrosion protection. An attached deck needs correct attachment and flashing suited to the house; stop if the wall construction or design is uncertain. The material estimate is not a framing design.
Joists needed
13 joists
Joists
13 pieces12' span at 16" on-center
Beam & ledger
48 lin ftdoubled beam + ledger along 16'
Posts
3 posts6×6 PT, ~8' spacing
Joist hangers
13 each
Framing cost (est.)
$560lumber + hardware, excl. footings
Planning estimate. Adjust allowances and sample prices for your supplier; tax, delivery, and labor are not included.
4Install decking, guards, and stairs
Follow the decking manufacturer’s span, spacing, fastening, and ventilation instructions and the approved guard and stair details. Check and obtain required inspections before use.
Deck boards
29 boards
Deck area
192 sq ft
Decking boards
29 boards5.5"-wide × 16' PT, incl. 10% waste
Deck screws
2 boxes~672 screws (≈3.5/sq ft)
Decking cost (est.)
$672~$3.50/sq ft pressure-treated
Planning estimate. Adjust allowances and sample prices for your supplier; tax, delivery, and labor are not included.
5Protect the finished surface
If the decking requires a finish, follow its preparation and moisture requirements and the coating instructions. Allow safe drying and cure time before opening the deck.
Stain to buy
2 gal
Deck area
192 sq ft
Stain (2 coats)
1.5 gallonsbuy 2 gal
Coverage
250 sq ft / gallonper coat on bare decking
Stain cost (est.)
$70~$35/gal
Planning estimate. Adjust allowances and sample prices for your supplier; tax, delivery, and labor are not included.
No. It estimates materials, not structural adequacy. Use an accepted design and have loads, spans, footings, connections, guards, and stairs verified.
Is maintenance a better first project?
Cleaning and refinishing a structurally sound deck is a separate, smaller scope. Stop for rot, movement, loose guards, or uncertain connections before cosmetic work.
