1. What is the Decking Calculator?

The Decking Calculator helps estimate the number of decking boards needed for your project using Wickes UK specifications. It accounts for board dimensions and includes a waste factor for cutting and errors.

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 waste and cutting

Explanation: The calculation first determines how many boards would be needed without waste, then adds a percentage to account for cutting errors and material waste.

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. Use the actual dimensions of the decking boards you plan to purchase. A waste percentage of 10-15% is typically recommended for DIY 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 board placement. For spaced boards, you may need slightly fewer boards.

Q3: Can I use this for different board sizes?
A: Yes, simply input the actual dimensions of the boards you plan to use.

Q4: Does this include substructure materials?
A: No, this calculator only estimates decking boards. You'll need additional materials for joists, posts, and fasteners.

Q5: Is this specific to Wickes products?
A: While designed with Wickes UK products in mind, it works for any decking boards when you input the correct dimensions.