Timber Decking Calculator Bunnings

Timber 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:

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1. What is the Timber Decking Calculator?

The Timber Decking Calculator helps estimate the number of decking boards needed for a project, accounting for material waste. It's specifically designed for Bunnings timber decking materials and follows industry-standard calculation methods.

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 (square meters)
\( \text{Board Length} \) — Length of individual decking boards (meters)
\( \text{Board Width} \) — Width of individual decking boards (meters)
\( \text{Waste Percentage} \) — Additional percentage for cutting waste and errors

Explanation: The formula calculates the exact number of boards needed then adds a waste factor to account for cutting errors, damaged boards, and future repairs.

3. Importance of Accurate Calculation

Details: Proper calculation ensures you purchase the right amount of materials, avoiding both shortages that delay projects and excess that wastes money. The waste percentage accounts for real-world cutting losses and potential defects.

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 typical waste percentage of 10-15% is recommended for most 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 include board spacing in calculations?
A: No, the calculator accounts for total deck area. Board spacing is already considered in the area measurement.

Q3: Can I use this for composite decking?
A: Yes, the calculation method works for any decking material sold by length at Bunnings.

Q4: What if my deck has multiple levels?
A: Calculate each level separately and sum the results, adding extra for complex joins.

Q5: Does this include structural joists and bearers?
A: No, this calculator only estimates decking boards. You'll need separate calculations for structural components.