How Many Deck Boards for a 14x14 Deck?

A 14 × 14 ft deck (196 ft²) needs about 39 deck boards of 12 ft (or 29 of 16 ft) with 10% waste, using 5½ in boards with 1/8 in gaps. Underneath it needs 12 joists at 16 in spacing.

Your project

Usually the side along the house.

The direction joists run.

%

Covers cuts, bad boards and angled ends. Use 15% for diagonal decking.

Results

Deck boards to buy
39 boards
At your chosen board length, with waste
Rows of decking across the width
30 rows
Total decking length (with waste)
462 linear ft
Deck area
196 ft²

Framing underneath

JoistsEach as long as the deck width
12 joists

Fasteners

Screws (2 per board at each joist)
720 screws
  • If your boards are shorter than the deck length, plan for butt joints to land on a joist (use a double joist there), and add boards for the extra cuts.

Boards for a 14 × 14 ft deck, by board length

A 14 × 14 ft deck is a generous square deck for entertaining. With 5½ in boards and 1/8 in gaps the deck has 30 rows, which is 420 ft of decking before waste. These counts include 10% waste:

Board lengthBoards to buyTotal length bought
8 ft boards58464 ft
10 ft boards47470 ft
12 ft boards39468 ft
16 ft boards29464 ft
20 ft boards24480 ft

Waste and layout

LayoutWaste12 ft boards16 ft boards
Straight, careful installer5%3728
Straight (typical)10%3929
Diagonal or picture-frame border15%4131

Joists and screws

Joists run the 14 ft width and are spaced along the 14 ft length.

Joist spacingJoistsScrews
12 in on center15900
16 in on center12720
24 in on center8480

That is just the decking surface, for a 196 ft² deck. Posts, beams, footings, ledger, railings and stairs are extra, and a permit is usually required.

Want to change anything else? The calculator above is the full Deck Board Calculator: edit any number and the results update instantly.

Tools & materials for this project

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Frequently asked questions

How many deck boards for a 14x14 deck?

With 5½ in boards, 1/8 in gaps and 10% waste, you need 39 boards of 12 ft, or 29 boards of 16 ft. That is 30 rows of decking across the 14 ft width.

How many joists does a 14x14 deck need?

At 16 in on center, 12 joists running the 14 ft width. At 12 in it is 15, and at 24 in 8. Joist size and span must follow your local building code.

How many screws for a 14x14 deck?

About 720 screws: two at every joist for each board. Buy a few extra, since they strip and get dropped.

Related sizes and guides

Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.