Build a Deck: calculators, shopping list & budget
A deck is a stack of separate calculations: concrete for the footings, joists sized for the span, decking boards with waste, and enough screws and hangers to hold it all together. Get one number wrong and you either make a second trip to the lumber yard or pay for boards you never use.
This guide groups every calculator a deck needs in build order, so you can work from the ground up and turn the results into one shopping list and budget.
Build a Deck budget & shopping list template
- • Printable PDF checklist with quantities, estimated prices and an "Actual" column
- • Editable Excel or Google Sheets budget that calculates totals automatically, including contingency and remaining funds
- • Step-by-step plan and notes page
Which calculators do I need for this project?
Step 1
Concrete Footing Calculator
Estimate concrete for round or rectangular footings and piers.
Step 2
Floor Joist Calculator
Estimate joist count and lumber for any floor frame.
Step 3
Deck Calculator
Estimate deck boards, joists and screws for any size deck.
Step 4
Deck Fastener Calculator
Estimate deck screws or nails for any deck size.
Step 5
Baluster Spacing Calculator
Estimate baluster count and even on-center spacing.
Step 6
Stair Calculator
Estimate risers, treads and stringer length for any staircase.
Step 7
Board Foot Calculator
Estimate board feet for hardwood or dimensional lumber.
How much does it cost?
Typical 2026 US big-box prices for a 192 sq ft pressure-treated deck with one stair run. Estimated total: $2,853, or $3,139 with a 10% contingency.
| Item | Qty | Est. cost |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete mix, 80 lb bags (9 footings, 12 x 36 in) | 40 bags | $260 |
| Gravel for footing base | 6 bags | $33 |
| Post bases / standoffs | 9 each | $126 |
| 6x6 PT posts, 8 ft | 9 each | $252 |
| 2x10 PT beams & rim, 16 ft | 6 each | $192 |
| 2x8 PT joists, 12 ft | 13 each | $221 |
| Joist hangers | 26 each | $62 |
| 5/4x6 decking boards, 16 ft | 36 each | $684 |
| Deck screws, 5 lb box | 3 boxes | $114 |
| Railing kit, 6 ft section | 6 each | $570 |
| Stair stringers, pre-cut | 3 each | $66 |
| Joist tape | 2 rolls | $48 |
| Post hole digger rental (day) | 1 day | $75 |
| Permit (varies by town) | 1 each | $150 |
Want this as a printable checklist and a self-totaling spreadsheet? Get the template.
What are the steps?
- Check setbacks and get a permit.
- Lay out and dig footings below frost depth.
- Pour footings and set post bases.
- Install posts, beams and joists with hangers.
- Lay decking with consistent gaps.
- Build stairs and railings; inspect fasteners.
Material guides for this project
How much does a 12 x 16 deck cost to build yourself?
With pressure-treated lumber, the materials for a DIY 12 x 16 deck with one stair run come to about $2,850 at typical 2026 big-box prices, or about $3,150 with a 10% contingency. Railing style and local lumber prices move that number most; composite decking roughly doubles the board cost.
What size joists does a 12 ft deck need?
For a 12 ft span, 2x8 joists at 16 in on center work for most residential loads in Southern Yellow Pine. Check the joist span calculator for your species and spacing.
How much waste should I add for decking?
Add 10% for straight layouts and 15% for diagonal or picture-frame patterns.
More project guides
Paver Patio
Excavation, base gravel, bedding sand, pavers and edging for a 12 x 12 ft patio.
Build a Fence
Posts, concrete, rails, pickets and hardware for 100 ft of 6 ft privacy fence.
Raised Garden Beds & Landscaping
Soil, mulch, edging and plants for four 4 x 8 ft raised beds and surrounding paths.
New Lawn (Sod or Seed)
Topsoil, sod or seed, fertilizer and rentals for a 1,000 sq ft lawn.
Deck-Building Essentials
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Tools to Complete Your Deck
These practical tools help with framing, fastening and achieving consistent spacing during your deck build.
DEWALT Impact Driver
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BOSTITCH Joist Hanger Nailer
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Johnson Framing Square
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