How to use our decking calculator to plan your next project accurately

man building his decking

There’s nothing better than a freshly built deck, especially one you’ve planned yourself. Whether it’s for hosting BBQs, relaxing with a morning brew, or just giving your garden a fresh look, decking is a great way to upgrade your outdoor space. But when it comes to working out how much you need (and what materials are involved), things can get a bit confusing.

That’s where our Decking Kit Calculator comes in. It’s designed to take all the stress out of planning by giving you an instant breakdown of what you’ll need for your project, right down to the last screw. If you’ve never used it before, don’t worry. We’ve broken it down below so you know exactly what to do. Let’s get started!

1. Input your measurements

man measuring decking

Start by measuring the space where your deck will go. You only need two key numbers, and they’re the length and width of the area in metres. Once you’ve got these, pop them into the calculator.

Then choose the decking grade you want to work with. We offer a variety of options to suit different styles and budgets, from great-value softwood to premium or hardwood finishes. If you’re unsure what to choose, think about the level of foot traffic, the overall look you’re after, and how much maintenance you’re willing to commit to.

Once you’ve entered your dimensions and selected your preferred grade, the calculator will automatically work out the number of boards, lengths of timber, and fixings needed to cover your space.

2. Choose your handrail options

close up shot of wooden decking handrail

Next, decide whether you want to add a handrail to your decking. It’s completely optional, but it can really enhance the look of your deck and is especially useful if your decking will be raised off the ground.

The calculator lets you choose a handrail kit, which includes everything you need: rails, spindles, and newel posts for up to two sides of your deck. This improves safety and also gives your decking a more polished, professional finish without the hassle of figuring out the extras yourself.

3. Review your kit contents

man measuring and reviewing timber decking

Once all your choices are in, the calculator will generate a full breakdown of what’s included in your custom decking kit so you’ll know exactly what’s arriving, with no surprises. It’s a great way to double-check everything you need is covered before you commit to ordering. Whether you’re a first-time DIYer or a seasoned pro, having a clear list of materials makes the planning and building process far more manageable.

This typically includes:

  • Pre-treated decking boards (cut to size)
  • Framing timber
  • All necessary fixings, screws, and connectors
  • Handrail components (if selected)

Every piece of timber in the kit is pressure-treated with Tanalith E, which protects against rot, decay, and insect damage, making it perfect for withstanding the unpredictable British weather! You’ll get everything delivered flat-packed and ready to assemble, saving you the trouble of sourcing parts individually or making multiple trips to the builders’ merchant.

4. Add to cart and place your order

 

woman purchasing product on her mobile

Once you’re happy with your kit and have reviewed the full list of contents, you can click “Add to Cart.” From there, you can continue browsing or head straight to checkout. It’s a smooth, straightforward way to get all the materials you need delivered together, whether you’re building a compact seating area or a larger, statement-making garden deck.

5. Download the assembly guide

To make the process even easier, a full step-by-step installation guide is available to download directly from the product page. This handy guide walks you through each stage of the build, from laying the base and framing the structure to securing the final decking boards.

If you prefer to follow along visually, we also offer helpful videos and extra guidance on our website and social channels. Whether you’re new to decking or just want a refresher, these extra resources are there to make sure your project runs as smoothly as possible.

We keep large stocks available, so whatever the size of your project, we can deliver your timber decking kit quickly almost anywhere in the country. Once you’re happy with your order, simply add it to your cart and choose whether you’d like it delivered to your door or prefer to collect it from one of our stores. This makes it easy and convenient to get started on your build.

If you get stuck at any point, or if you just want to make sure your measurements are spot on, our friendly team is just a call away. Give us a call on 0345 0268 799 and we’ll be happy to talk you through your order!