Menards Deck Calculator

Menards Deck Material Estimator

Use this calculator to estimate the materials you'll need for your deck project, helping you plan your purchases at Menards.

Estimated Materials List

Decking Boards:

Joists (Linear Feet):

Beams (Linear Feet):

Posts (Number):

Footings (Number):

Concrete Bags (80lb):

Railing (Linear Feet):

Stair Stringers (Number):

Stair Treads (Number):

Fastener Boxes (approx. 1lb boxes):

Note: This is an estimate. Always consult local building codes and a professional for exact material requirements.

function calculateDeckMaterials() { // Get input values var deckLength = parseFloat(document.getElementById('deckLength').value); var deckWidth = parseFloat(document.getElementById('deckWidth').value); var deckHeight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('deckHeight').value); var joistSpacing = parseFloat(document.getElementById('joistSpacing').value); var deckingBoardWidth = parseFloat(document.getElementById('deckingBoardWidth').value); var deckingBoardLength = parseFloat(document.getElementById('deckingBoardLength').value); var beamSpan = parseFloat(document.getElementById('beamSpan').value); var postSpacing = parseFloat(document.getElementById('postSpacing').value); var stairRisePerStep = parseFloat(document.getElementById('stairRisePerStep').value); var stairTreadDepth = parseFloat(document.getElementById('stairTreadDepth').value); var wasteFactor = parseFloat(document.getElementById('wasteFactor').value) / 100; // Validate inputs if (isNaN(deckLength) || isNaN(deckWidth) || isNaN(deckHeight) || isNaN(joistSpacing) || isNaN(deckingBoardWidth) || isNaN(deckingBoardLength) || isNaN(beamSpan) || isNaN(postSpacing) || isNaN(stairRisePerStep) || isNaN(stairTreadDepth) || isNaN(wasteFactor) || deckLength <= 0 || deckWidth <= 0 || deckHeight <= 0 || joistSpacing <= 0 || deckingBoardWidth <= 0 || deckingBoardLength <= 0 || beamSpan <= 0 || postSpacing <= 0 || stairRisePerStep <= 0 || stairTreadDepth <= 0) { alert("Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields."); return; } // — Decking Boards — var deckingBoardCoverageWidth = deckingBoardWidth + 0.25; // Account for 1/4" gap var numDeckingRows = Math.ceil(deckWidth * 12 / deckingBoardCoverageWidth); var totalLinearFeetDecking = numDeckingRows * deckLength * (1 + wasteFactor); var numDeckingBoards = Math.ceil(totalLinearFeetDecking / deckingBoardLength); // — Joists — (Assuming joists run the deckWidth direction, spanning deckWidth) var numJoists = Math.ceil(deckLength * 12 / joistSpacing) + 1; // Includes ledger and end joist var totalLinearFeetJoists = numJoists * deckWidth; var rimJoistsLinearFeet = 2 * deckLength; // For front and back rim joists totalLinearFeetJoists += rimJoistsLinearFeet; // — Beams — (Assuming beams run the deckLength direction, supporting joists) // One ledger board (attached to house) and additional support beams var numSupportBeams = Math.floor(deckWidth / beamSpan); // Number of beams beyond the ledger var totalLinearFeetBeams = (numSupportBeams + 1) * deckLength; // Ledger + support beams // — Posts — var numPostsPerBeam = Math.ceil(deckLength / postSpacing) + 1; var totalPosts = numPostsPerBeam * numSupportBeams; // Posts only for the support beams, not ledger // var postLength = deckHeight + 1.5; // 1.5 ft for footing depth and beam thickness (not directly outputted, but used for context) // — Footings & Concrete — var numFootings = totalPosts; var concreteBags = numFootings * 2; // Estimate 2 bags of 80lb concrete per footing // — Railing — (Assuming railing on 3 sides: front and two ends) var linearFeetRailing = deckLength + (2 * deckWidth); // — Stairs — var numRisers = Math.ceil(deckHeight * 12 / stairRisePerStep); var numTreads = numRisers – 1; var numStringers = 3; // Standard for stability // — Fasteners — var deckArea = deckLength * deckWidth; var fastenerBoxes = Math.ceil(deckArea / 100 * 1.5); // Estimate 1.5 boxes per 100 sq ft for decking, joists, etc. // Display results document.getElementById('resultDeckingBoards').innerHTML = 'Decking Boards: ' + numDeckingBoards + ' boards (' + deckingBoardLength + ' ft long)'; document.getElementById('resultJoists').innerHTML = 'Joists (Linear Feet): ' + Math.ceil(totalLinearFeetJoists) + ' linear feet'; document.getElementById('resultBeams').innerHTML = 'Beams (Linear Feet): ' + Math.ceil(totalLinearFeetBeams) + ' linear feet'; document.getElementById('resultPosts').innerHTML = 'Posts (Number): ' + totalPosts + ' (e.g., 4×4 or 6×6)'; document.getElementById('resultFootings').innerHTML = 'Footings (Number): ' + numFootings; document.getElementById('resultConcreteBags').innerHTML = 'Concrete Bags (80lb): ' + concreteBags; document.getElementById('resultRailing').innerHTML = 'Railing (Linear Feet): ' + Math.ceil(linearFeetRailing) + ' linear feet'; document.getElementById('resultStairStringers').innerHTML = 'Stair Stringers (Number): ' + numStringers; document.getElementById('resultStairTreads').innerHTML = 'Stair Treads (Number): ' + numTreads; document.getElementById('resultFastenerBoxes').innerHTML = 'Fastener Boxes (approx. 1lb boxes): ' + fastenerBoxes; }

Building Your Dream Deck with Menards: A Material Guide

Building a deck is a fantastic way to enhance your outdoor living space, and Menards offers a wide array of materials to bring your vision to life. From treated lumber to composite decking, fasteners, and concrete, they have everything you need. However, estimating the exact quantities can be daunting. Our Menards Deck Material Estimator is designed to give you a solid starting point for your shopping list.

Understanding Your Deck's Components

Before you start building, it's crucial to understand the basic structure of a deck and the role each component plays:

• Decking Boards: These are the visible surface of your deck, available in various materials like pressure-treated wood, cedar, or low-maintenance composite. They are laid perpendicular to the joists.
• Joists: These horizontal framing members support the decking boards and transfer the load to the beams. They are typically spaced 12, 16, or 24 inches on center (O.C.).
• Beams: Larger horizontal members that support the joists. Beams are often built up from multiple pieces of lumber (e.g., two 2x10s) and are supported by posts. One beam, the ledger board, is usually attached directly to your house.
• Posts: Vertical supports that transfer the deck's weight from the beams down to the footings. Common sizes are 4×4 or 6×6.
• Footings: Concrete bases that sit in the ground, providing a stable foundation for the posts and preventing settling or shifting.
• Railing: Essential for safety on elevated decks, railings consist of posts, top and bottom rails, and balusters.
• Stairs: If your deck is elevated, stairs provide access. They consist of stringers (the notched side supports), treads (the horizontal walking surface), and sometimes risers (the vertical pieces between treads).
• Fasteners: A variety of screws, nails, and connectors are needed to assemble the deck frame and attach decking.

How to Use the Menards Deck Material Estimator

Our calculator simplifies the material estimation process. Here's how to get the most accurate results:

1. Deck Length & Width: Enter the overall dimensions of your deck in feet.
2. Deck Height: Measure the distance from the ground to the top surface of your finished deck. This impacts post and stair calculations.
3. Joist Spacing: Standard spacing is 16 inches on center (O.C.). Check your local building codes for requirements.
4. Decking Board Width & Length: Input the actual width (e.g., 5.5 inches for a 5/4×6 board) and the common length you plan to purchase (e.g., 12 or 16 feet).
5. Beam Span & Post Spacing: These values determine how far your beams can span between posts and how far apart your posts are along a beam. Typical values are 6-10 feet.
6. Stair Rise per Step & Tread Depth: These are critical for comfortable and code-compliant stairs. A common rise is 7.5 inches, with a tread depth of 10 inches.
7. Waste Factor: Lumber projects always have some waste due to cuts, mistakes, or damaged pieces. A 10-15% waste factor is generally recommended.

Interpreting Your Results

The calculator will provide estimates for:

• Number of Decking Boards: This is the total count of boards you'll need, based on your chosen length.
• Linear Feet of Joists & Beams: These figures help you determine how many individual pieces of lumber (e.g., 2x8s, 2x10s) you'll need to purchase. Remember to consider the length of lumber available at Menards (e.g., 10ft, 12ft, 16ft).
• Number of Posts & Footings: Essential for the structural integrity of your deck.
• Concrete Bags: An estimate for the concrete needed for your footings.
• Linear Feet of Railing: Helps you plan for railing kits or individual components.
• Number of Stair Stringers & Treads: Crucial for building safe and functional stairs.
• Fastener Boxes: A general estimate for the screws or nails required.

Important Considerations for Your Menards Deck Project

• Local Building Codes: Always check with your local municipality for specific deck building codes, permits, and inspection requirements. These codes dictate everything from joist spacing to railing height and footing depth.
• Lumber Type: Menards offers various lumber options, including pressure-treated pine (common for framing), cedar, redwood, and composite decking. Choose the material that best suits your budget, aesthetic, and maintenance preferences.
• Deck Design: This calculator assumes a basic rectangular deck attached to a house with stairs. More complex designs (multi-level, freestanding) will require more detailed planning.
• Tools and Accessories: Don't forget to budget for tools like saws, drills, levels, and safety gear, as well as accessories like post caps, lighting, and stain/sealant.
• Professional Advice: While this calculator is a great planning tool, it's always wise to consult with a professional builder or a Menards associate for personalized advice and to double-check your material list.

By using this estimator and keeping these considerations in mind, you'll be well on your way to a successful deck project with materials from Menards!