1. What is the Deck Calculator?

The Deck Calculator helps estimate the number of decking boards needed for your project, accounting for material waste. It's specifically designed for use with Bunnings Australia products and measurements.

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 material for cuts and errors (%)

Explanation: The formula calculates the base number of boards needed, then adds a percentage for waste, cuts, and errors, rounding up to the nearest whole board.

3. Importance of Accurate Deck Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation helps avoid project delays, ensures you purchase the right amount of materials, minimizes waste, and helps with budget planning for your decking project.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your deck area accurately in square meters. Check the dimensions of your chosen decking boards at Bunnings. Typically, 10-15% waste is recommended for standard projects.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What waste percentage should I use?
A: For simple rectangular decks, 10% is usually sufficient. For complex shapes with many cuts, use 15-20%.

Q2: Should I account for board spacing?
A: This calculator assumes tight butt joints. For spaced boards, you may need slightly fewer boards.

Q3: Are Bunnings deck board sizes standard?
A: Bunnings offers various sizes. Always check the exact dimensions of the specific product you're purchasing.

Q4: What if my deck isn't a perfect rectangle?
A: Break irregular shapes into smaller rectangles, calculate each separately, then sum the areas.

Q5: Does this include structural joists and fasteners?
A: No, this calculator only estimates decking boards. You'll need additional materials for the substructure.