Decking Calculator Wickes

Decking 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 (N):

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1. What is the Decking Calculator?

The Decking Calculator helps estimate the number of decking boards required for a project using Wickes decking materials. It accounts for the deck area, board dimensions, and includes a waste factor for cuts and errors.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the 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 decked (m²)
\( \text{Board Length} \) — Length of individual deck board (m)
\( \text{Board Width} \) — Width of individual deck board (m)
\( \text{Waste Percentage} \) — Additional percentage for waste and cuts (%)

Explanation: The formula calculates the minimum number of boards needed to cover the area, rounds up to whole boards, and adds a waste factor for practical installation.

3. Importance of Accurate Decking Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your deck area accurately in square meters. Use actual board dimensions from Wickes product specifications. Typical waste percentage is 10-15% for standard projects.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why include a waste percentage?
A: Waste percentage accounts for cutting losses, damaged boards, and installation errors that occur during deck construction.

Q2: What's a typical waste percentage for decking?
A: Most professionals recommend 10-15% waste factor for rectangular decks, and 15-20% for complex patterns or angled cuts.

Q3: Should I round up board calculations?
A: Yes, always round up to the nearest whole board since you can't purchase partial decking boards.

Q4: Does this calculator work for all decking patterns?
A: This calculation works best for straight patterns. Herringbone or diagonal patterns may require additional waste percentage.

Q5: Are Wickes deck boards standard sizes?
A: Wickes offers various deck board sizes. Always check the specific product dimensions before calculating.