Decks & Fences

Decks and fences are built from boards, posts and rails, and the material list depends on a few key measurements. This topic covers how to count decking boards from the board width and gap, how many joists and screws a deck surface needs, how to space fence posts, count rails and pickets, and how to plan concrete for post holes. Guides include worked examples for common deck sizes and fence lengths. Structural parts such as footings, beams, ledgers and railings must follow your plans and local code.