How to Plan a Deck Materials List (12x16 Example)

Start with the footprint

Measure the length and width of your deck and note the height above ground. Our example is a 12 ft × 16 ft (3.7 × 4.9 m) ground-level deck, which gives 192 square feet (17.8 m²) of decking surface.

Decking boards

A 5/4×6 deck board is about 5-1/2 inches (140 mm) wide, and with a small gap between boards each one covers roughly 0.46 square feet per linear foot. For 192 square feet you need about 415 linear feet, and adding around 10% for cuts and waste brings that to roughly 455 linear feet, which is about 29 boards at 16 ft.

Framing

• Joists at 16 inches (400 mm) on centre spanning the 12 ft direction: about 13 joists, plus rim and blocking.
• Beams and posts sized to your span, load and local code. Ask us or your designer to confirm.
• Use ground-contact treated lumber for posts and any framing near the ground.

Footings and frost

In Alberta, deck footings are normally set below the frost line, often 1.2 m (4 ft) or deeper, or use an engineered option such as helical piles. A deck attached to the house needs particular care because frost movement can lift it against the wall. Confirm the requirement with your municipality.

Hardware

• Joist hangers, post bases and structural screws or bolts rated for treated lumber
• Deck screws or a hidden-fastener system for the boards
• Concrete for footings, and flashing where the deck meets the house

Permits and codes

Many Alberta municipalities require a permit for raised decks, commonly those more than about 0.6 m (2 ft) above grade. Footing depth, joist spans and guard heights follow the Alberta Building Code and local rules. Use this as a starting estimate, check with your municipality, and bring your plan to our team for a full material list.