Deck Cost Calculator

Material Engineering

Comprehensive technical specifications for deck materials and structural components.

  • Pressure-Treated Lumber Properties Retention levels: 0.25-0.40 pcf (ACQ/CA). Moisture content: 15-19% equilibrium. Specific gravity: 0.51-0.55. Modulus of elasticity: 1.5-1.8×10⁶ psi. Compression strength: 625-825 psi parallel to grain.
  • Composite Material Specifications Density: 45-65 lb/ft³. Flexural modulus: 350,000-400,000 psi. Coefficient of thermal expansion: 1.9×10⁻⁵ in/°F. Water absorption: <0.5% by weight. Impact resistance: >200 ft-lb/in².
  • PVC Decking Characteristics Tensile strength: 6,000-7,500 psi. Flexural modulus: 400,000-500,000 psi. Heat deflection: 160-180°F. UV resistance: <3% color change/year. Flame spread index: Class C (140-200).
  • Hardwood Specifications Janka hardness: 1,800-2,200 lbf. Modulus of rupture: 14,000-16,000 psi. Dimensional stability: 7-9% radial shrinkage. Decay resistance: Class 1-2. Service life: 25-40 years.

Structural Engineering Parameters

Load Calculations

  • Live load: 40-60 psf
  • Dead load: 10-15 psf
  • Point load: 300-400 lbs
  • Snow load: 30-40 psf
  • Wind uplift: 20-30 psf

Span Tables

  • 2×6: 8-10ft max
  • 2×8: 10-12ft max
  • 2×10: 13-15ft max
  • 2×12: 15-18ft max
  • Cantilever: 24-30%

Support Systems

  • Post spacing: 6-8ft
  • Beam depth: L/20
  • Footer size: 2-3× post
  • Soil bearing: 2000 psf
  • Frost depth: +6"

Connection Design

  • Lag bolt: 1/2" min
  • Through bolt: 3/8"
  • Joist hanger: 16D
  • Edge distance: 2-3D
  • Washer size: 3× dia

Cost Analysis Metrics

  • Material Cost Factors Pressure-treated: $2-4/sqft. Composite: $8-12/sqft. PVC: $10-15/sqft. Hardware: 15-20% of material. Waste factor: 10-15%. Regional variance: ±25%.
  • Labor Cost Components Basic installation: $8-12/sqft. Custom design: +25-35%. Demolition: $2-4/sqft. Site prep: 10-15% of total. Permit fees: 2-5% of project.
  • Feature Cost Analysis Stairs: $150-300/tread. Lighting: $40-75/fixture. Built-in seating: $100-150/ln ft. Pergola: $25-35/sqft. Railing: $30-50/ln ft.
  • Life-Cycle Costing Maintenance: 2-3%/year. Refinishing: every 2-4 years. Repair allowance: 1%/year. Insurance impact: -5 to +10%. Property value increase: 50-80% of cost.

Construction Standards

  • Assembly Tolerances Board spacing: ±1/16". Level variation: ≤1/4" in 10ft. Plumb tolerance: ±1/8" in 8ft. Railing wobble: <1/4". Stair rise variation: ±1/8" max.
  • Safety Requirements Guard height: 36-42". Baluster spacing: <4". Stair width: 36" min. Handrail diameter: 1.25-2". Lighting: 1 fc min at walking surface.
  • Environmental Factors Drainage slope: 1/8-1/4" per foot. Ground clearance: 6" min. Ventilation gap: 1/8" min. Flashing overlap: 2" min. Fastener exposure: Class 3 or better.
  • Quality Control Moisture testing: <19%. Fastener depth: 1/16" max countersink. Surface flatness: 1/8" in 6ft. Color variation: ΔE ≤3.0. Hardware torque: ±5%.