1. What is the Composite Decking Calculator?

The Composite Decking Calculator helps estimate the number of decking boards needed for a project, accounting for material waste. It's specifically designed for B&Q composite decking products.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( N \) — Number of boards needed
• \( \text{Deck Area} \) — Total area to be covered (m²)
• \( \text{Board Length} \) — Length of individual board (m)
• \( \text{Board Width} \) — Width of individual board (m)
• \( \text{Waste Percentage} \) — Additional percentage for cutting waste (%)

Explanation: The formula calculates the minimum number of boards required and adds a waste factor to account for cutting and fitting.

3. Importance of Accurate Calculation

Details: Proper calculation ensures you purchase the right amount of materials, minimizing waste and avoiding project delays due to material shortages.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your deck area accurately. Standard waste percentage is 10-15% for simple layouts, 15-20% for complex patterns with more cuts.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical waste percentage for decking projects?
A: For straight layouts, 10-15% is typical. For diagonal or complex patterns, 15-20% is recommended.

Q2: Should I round up the calculated number of boards?
A: Yes, the calculator automatically rounds up to the nearest whole number since you can't purchase partial boards.

Q3: Does this calculator work for all B&Q composite decking products?
A: Yes, but always check the specific product dimensions as board sizes may vary between product lines.

Q4: How do I calculate deck area for irregular shapes?
A: Break the area into regular shapes (rectangles, triangles), calculate each separately, then sum the areas.

Q5: Should I include extra boards for future repairs?
A: It's recommended to purchase 2-3 extra boards beyond the calculated amount for future repairs or replacements.