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Outdoor

Deck Building Materials List

A complete materials checklist for building a deck — footings, posts, beams, joists, decking, fasteners, railings and stairs — plus how the pieces fit together.

Updated May 25, 2026

Calculators for this project
Deck Calculator →Concrete Calculator →Fence Calculator →

A deck is a stack of simple parts that all depend on each other — footings carry posts, posts carry beams, beams carry joists, joists carry the deck boards. Get the materials list complete up front and the build goes smoothly. Use the Deck Calculator to turn your deck size into board, joist, post, and concrete quantities, then check this list so nothing's missing.

Foundation & framing

  • Concrete for footings/post holes — size and depth per local frost line. Estimate with the Concrete Calculator.
  • Footing forms (tube forms) and post anchors/brackets to keep posts off the concrete.
  • Posts — ground-contact rated pressure-treated, typically 4×4 or 6×6.
  • Beams — built up from treated dimensional lumber to carry the joists.
  • Ledger board (for attached decks) plus proper flashing to keep water out of the house.
  • Joists and joist hangers — joists usually 16 in on-centre.

Decking surface

  • Decking boards — pressure-treated, cedar, or composite. Run perpendicular to the joists.
  • Deck screws or hidden fasteners rated for exterior/treated lumber.
  • Rim/fascia boards to finish the outer edges.

Railings & stairs

  • Railing posts, rails, and balusters (required above a certain height — check code).
  • Stair stringers, treads, and risers for any change in level.
  • Post caps and railing hardware/connectors.

Fasteners & hardware

  • Hot-dipped galvanized or stainless structural screws, bolts, and joist-hanger nails (ordinary fasteners corrode in treated lumber).
  • Ledger bolts/lag screws and flashing tape for attached decks.
  • Sealant or stain to protect the finished deck.

Build order at a glance

  1. Lay out the footprint and dig footings below the frost line.
  2. Pour footings and set post anchors.
  3. Set posts, then build and mount the beams.
  4. Attach the ledger (attached decks), then hang the joists.
  5. Fasten the decking boards, then add fascia.
  6. Build railings and stairs, then seal or stain.

Track each stage on the free kanban board so you can line up footing inspections, material deliveries, and weather windows without losing the thread.

Get your materials list

→
Deck Calculator
Decking boards, joists, posts and concrete for your deck size.
→
Concrete Calculator
Bags or yards for footings and post holes.
→
Fence Calculator
Adding a railing run or privacy fence? Get posts and pickets.

Frequently asked questions

How far apart should deck joists be?+

Deck joists are most commonly spaced 16 inches on-centre, which suits standard decking run perpendicular to the joists. Some composite boards and diagonal layouts call for 12 inches on-centre for extra support. Always follow the decking manufacturer’s span tables and your local code.

What lumber should I use for a deck?+

Use pressure-treated lumber rated for the application — ground-contact rated for posts and any framing near the soil, and standard treated or composite for joists and decking. Stainless or hot-dipped galvanized fasteners and hangers resist the corrosive chemicals in treated wood. Composite decking is lower-maintenance but still rides on a treated wood frame.

How many decking boards do I need?+

Divide the deck area by the coverage of one board (its length × actual width, accounting for the gap between boards), then add about 10% for waste and cuts. The Deck Calculator does this from your deck dimensions and also estimates joists, posts, and the concrete for footings.

Do I need a permit to build a deck?+

Most jurisdictions require a permit for decks above a certain height or area, and for any deck attached to the house. Rules vary widely, so check with your local building department before you start — an attached ledger board and footing depth are common inspection points.

How deep should deck footings be?+

Footings generally must extend below the local frost line so the deck does not heave in winter — that depth varies a lot by region. Your building department publishes the required frost depth and footing size for your area; this is one of the most important details to get right and to confirm before pouring.

Plan the whole project free

Track every step on a free kanban board — no signup, stored privately in your browser.

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This guide is general information for planning, not professional advice. Follow local building codes and product instructions, and consult a licensed pro for structural, electrical, plumbing, or gas work.