Hardwood Materials & Quote Calculator
How these estimates work
A linear foot (also called a lineal foot) measures one foot of length. For decking, total linear feet is the combined length of all the boards. Square feet measures the area those boards cover, so board width matters when converting between the two.
How to calculate linear feet of lumber
Total linear feet = number of boards × board length in feet.
For example, 20 boards that are each 12 feet long total 240 linear feet. If your order includes several lengths, calculate each group separately and add the totals.
| Number of boards | Length per board | Linear feet |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 8 feet | 80 LF |
| 10 | 12 feet | 120 LF |
| 10 | 16 feet | 160 LF |
| Total: 30 boards | 360 LF | |
Convert square feet of decking to linear feet
For a preliminary estimate using board face width:
Linear feet = deck area in square feet × 12 ÷ actual board width in inches.
Use the actual width of the board, not its nominal size. A board sold as 1×6 or 5/4×6 may have a different actual width depending on the product and milling. Confirm the dimensions of the specific boards you plan to order.
Example: A 300-square-foot deck using boards with an actual face width of 5.5 inches needs approximately 300 × 12 ÷ 5.5 = 655 linear feet before waste. With a planning allowance of 10% for cuts and waste, that becomes approximately 720 linear feet, before rounding to whole boards.
This is a starting estimate. It does not account for gaps between boards. Final quantities depend on board spacing, available lengths, layout, borders and cuts. Diagonal layouts and complex designs can need a larger waste allowance.
Convert linear feet to square feet
Board face area in square feet = linear feet × actual board width in inches ÷ 12.
For example, 1,200 linear feet of 5.5-inch-wide boards provides 550 square feet of board face area. Installed deck area also includes the gaps between boards; usable coverage depends on the layout and cutting waste.
What to include in your decking estimate
- The length and width of each deck section.
- The species, board thickness and actual width.
- Board direction, picture-frame borders and other layout details.
- Stairs, fascia and railing components, calculated separately.
- Your preferred board lengths and fastening method.
- A cutting and waste allowance suited to the project.
Board thickness does not change the linear-foot calculation, but it matters when choosing material for your installation. Do not use this quantity estimate to determine joist spacing or structural suitability.
Linear feet, square feet and board feet: what is the difference?
- Linear feet (LF): length, used to total decking boards and other lumber.
- Square feet (SF): area, used to measure the deck surface.
- Board feet (BF): lumber volume; one board foot is 144 cubic inches. It is a different measurement from linear feet.
Get help estimating your hardwood decking order
Planning an Ipe deck, Cumaru deck, Garapa deck, or Red Balau / Batu deck? Send Amazon Hardwoods your dimensions, layout or material list, along with your project ZIP code. We can help review quantities, prepare the quote, and coordinate delivery to the customer or project address for Connecticut, New York and other Northeast projects.
