Deck Calculator for a Pool Deck
Estimate materials for a pool surround deck.
Pool decks call for composite or PVC decking rather than pressure-treated wood — chlorine and constant wet/dry cycling destroy softwood decks fast. Slope the deck ¼ in per foot away from the pool for drainage, and use hidden fasteners so kids' bare feet never catch a screw head.
Deck boards
35
Joists
13
Screws
280
192 ft² deck
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How does the deck calculator work?
Board count = (deck length ÷ board length) × (deck width in inches ÷ board actual width). A "5/4×6" board is really 5.5 in wide. Joists at 16 in on-center: (length in inches ÷ 16) + 1.
Which guide explains this in more depth?
- Riser-and-tread math plus 2026 material prices for a full stair build. Read the stair calculator cost breakdown guide for the full worked example.
What else do people ask about this calculator?
Best decking for a pool surround?
Capped composite or PVC. They stay cooler in direct sun than wood-plastic composites and won't rot from constant pool splashing.
How much decking around a 20 ft pool?
A 4 ft-wide walkway around a 20 ft round pool is about 300 sq ft of decking — plan on 30 boards (16 ft) plus a picture-frame border.
How many deck boards for a 16×12 deck?
At 12 ft boards and 5.5 in actual width, about 27 boards plus 10% waste — order 30.
How far apart should deck joists be?
16 in on-center for standard decking; 12 in for composite or for spans over 12 ft.
Which related calculators should I use next?
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