Decking Calculator Travis Perkins

Decking Calculation Formula:

\[ N = \lceil \frac{\text{Deck Area}}{\text{Board Length} \times \text{Board Width}} \rceil \times (1 + \frac{\text{Waste Percentage}}{100}) \]

Deck Area (sq m):

m²

Board Length (m):

Board Width (m):

Waste Percentage (%):

Number of Boards Needed:

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1. What is the Decking Calculator?

The Decking Calculator helps estimate the number of decking boards needed for your project, accounting for material waste. This tool is specifically designed for Travis Perkins decking products.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

\[ N = \lceil \frac{\text{Deck Area}}{\text{Board Length} \times \text{Board Width}} \rceil \times (1 + \frac{\text{Waste Percentage}}{100}) \]

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)
\( \text{Waste Percentage} \) — Percentage of extra material needed for cuts and waste (%)

Explanation: The formula first calculates the exact number of boards needed, then applies a waste factor to account for cutting and installation losses.

3. Importance of Accurate Decking Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation ensures you purchase the right amount of materials, minimizing waste while ensuring you have enough boards to complete your project without interruption.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your deck area accurately in square meters. Check the dimensions of your chosen Travis Perkins decking boards. A waste percentage of 10-15% is typically recommended for most projects.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why include a waste percentage?
A: The waste percentage accounts for cutting losses, mistakes, and future repairs. It's better to have a few extra boards than to run short during installation.

Q2: What's a typical waste percentage?
A: For simple rectangular decks, 10% is usually sufficient. For complex shapes with many cuts, 15-20% may be more appropriate.

Q3: Should I consider board spacing?
A: This calculator assumes standard installation practices. For precise calculations, account for the small gaps between boards which slightly increase material needs.

Q4: Can I use this for different decking patterns?
A: This calculator works best for standard parallel installations. For diagonal or herringbone patterns, you may need a higher waste percentage (15-25%).

Q5: Does this account for starter and edge boards?
A: This calculator provides the main field boards. Remember to account for additional specialty boards for edges and starters separately.