Quck answer
To calculate the linear feet of decking material needed for a project, follow these steps:
1. Measure the length of the deck in feet.
2. Determine the width of the deck boards in inches.
3. Convert the width to feet by dividing by 12.
4. Multiply the length of the deck by the width of the boards in feet.
5. Add an additional 10% to account for waste and cuts.
6. Round up the total to the nearest whole number.
For example, if the deck is 20 feet long and the boards are 6 inches wide, the calculation would be:
(20 ft x (6/12 ft)) + (20 ft x (6/12 ft) x 0.1) = 20 ft + 10 ft = 30 linear feet of decking material needed.
Remember to always double-check your measurements and consult with a professional if needed.
Constructing your own deck is a fulfilling home project that boosts your family’s living area and raises the value of your home. Undertaking this task enables you to design your dream deck and determine how much decking material you will need. However, before heading to the lumber store, you need to convert your deck’s square footage into linear feet. Only the linear feet calculation will indicate the exact number of decking boards you must purchase.
Step 1
Measure the width of the deck that needs covering and record the measurement in inches. Measure the width of a single deck material board and record its measurement in inches too.
Step 2
Divide the measurement of your decking area by the width of one decking board. For instance, if your deck is 144 inches (12 feet) wide, and your decking board is five inches wide, your answer will be 28.8 (144 / 5 = 28.8), indicating that you will need 29 boards to cover your deck’s width.
Step 3
Measure the length of your deck and record the measurement in inches. Multiply the length in inches by the number of boards required to cover the deck’s width. For example, an eight-foot long (96-inch long) deck requiring 29 boards to cover its width yields a resulting measurement of 2,784 board inches (96 inches x 29 = 2,784).
Step 4
Divide the total number of board inches by 12 to determine the linear board-feet measurement. For example, if your deck is 96 inches long, and you need 29 deck boards to cover it, resulting in 2,784 board inches, then the board feet will be 232 linear feet (2,784 / 12 = 232).
FAQ
1. What is linear feet and why is it important in calculating decking material?
Linear feet is a measure of length that represents a straight line. It is important in calculating decking material because it allows you to determine the amount of material needed to cover a specific distance. By knowing the linear feet of your deck, you can accurately estimate the amount of decking material required for the project.
2. How do I measure the linear feet of my deck?
To measure the linear feet of your deck, start by measuring the length of each individual section of the deck. Add up the lengths of all the sections to get the total linear feet. For example, if you have three sections with lengths of 10 feet, 12 feet, and 8 feet, the total linear feet would be 30 feet (10 + 12 + 8 = 30).
3. How do I calculate the amount of decking material needed?
To calculate the amount of decking material needed, you need to know the width of the deck boards. Multiply the total linear feet of your deck by the width of the deck boards to get the total square footage. For instance, if your deck has a total linear feet of 30 and the deck boards are 6 inches wide, the total square footage would be 15 square feet (30 feet x 0.5 feet = 15 square feet).
4. Are there any additional factors to consider when calculating decking material?
Yes, there are a few additional factors to consider when calculating decking material. First, you need to account for any waste or extra material required for cuts and mistakes. It is recommended to add an extra 10% to your total square footage to accommodate for waste. Additionally, if your deck has angled sections or unique shapes, you may need to adjust your calculations accordingly.
5. Can I use the linear feet measurement for other types of materials?
Yes, the linear feet measurement can be used for other types of materials as well. It is commonly used in construction and home improvement projects to determine the amount of material needed for various applications. Whether you are calculating the linear feet of fencing, framing lumber, or flooring, the same principles can be applied to accurately estimate the quantity of materials required.