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Linear Feet Formula:
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Linear feet calculation determines the total length of decking boards needed to cover a specific area. It's essential for purchasing the correct amount of materials and minimizing waste for your decking project.
The calculator uses the linear feet formula:
Where:
Explanation: This calculation divides the total area by the width of each board to determine how many linear feet of decking material you'll need.
Details: Accurate linear feet calculation ensures you purchase the right amount of materials, avoiding costly overages or project delays due to material shortages. It also helps minimize waste and keeps your project within budget.
Tips: Measure your deck area accurately in square feet. Know the width of your deck boards (convert inches to feet if necessary). Always add 10-15% to your final calculation to account for cutting waste and errors.
Q1: Should I account for gaps between boards?
A: Yes, for most decking projects, you should include a small gap (typically 1/8" to 1/4") between boards for drainage and expansion. Factor this into your board width measurement.
Q2: How do I convert inches to feet for board width?
A: Divide the width in inches by 12. For example, a 6-inch wide board is 0.5 feet (6 ÷ 12 = 0.5).
Q3: What if my deck isn't a perfect rectangle?
A: Break irregular shapes into smaller rectangles, calculate each area separately, then sum them for the total area before calculating linear feet.
Q4: How much extra should I add for waste?
A: Most professionals recommend adding 10-15% to your total linear feet calculation to account for cutting waste, errors, and future repairs.
Q5: Does this calculation work for diagonal decking patterns?
A: For diagonal patterns, you'll need to add approximately 15-20% more material to account for the additional waste from angled cuts.