Frequently Asked Questions
How the cost estimates, material counts and the 3D designer work — and what they cannot do.
How much does it cost to build a deck?
A professionally installed deck typically costs $30–55 per square foot in pressure-treated lumber, $35–60 in cedar, $45–75 in composite and $55–90 in hardwood (2026 US averages). Enter your dimensions in the deck cost calculator for a range based on your material, height, railing and stairs.
How accurate are the estimates?
They are planning ranges built from national-average unit prices, accurate enough to budget, compare materials and sanity-check contractor quotes. They cannot see your site: slope, soil, access, permits, demolition and regional labor rates all move real quotes. If a quote lands far outside the range, ask the contractor which line items differ.
How many deck boards do I need for a 16×12 deck?
With standard 5.5 in boards, a 1/4 in gap and 12 ft boards run along the length: 26 rows × 2 boards = 52 boards before waste, about 58 with a 10% allowance. The deck board calculator lets you change board width, gap, direction and board length and recounts instantly.
Do the calculators and the 3D designer give the same numbers?
Yes. The 3D designer and the cost calculator share one pricing model, so the cost range and board count next to the 3D model match the calculator for the same dimensions, material, height, railing and stairs.
Is my data uploaded or tracked?
The tools run entirely in your browser; dimensions and designs are never sent to a server, and there are no accounts. The site itself is served by Cloudflare, which processes standard request logs (see the privacy policy).
I am a deck builder. Can I put this calculator on my website?
That is the planned Embed plan at $29/month: the calculator in your branding, with project details delivered to you as leads. It is not on sale yet — contact us to join the launch list.
Can I use the 3D design for a building permit?
No. The designer is a planning and communication tool. Permit drawings need structural details — footing sizes and depths, beam and joist spans, ledger attachment — checked against your local code, usually by the builder or an engineer.