Question 1

How do I convert deck square footage to linear feet of decking?

Accepted Answer

Multiply the square feet by 12, then divide by the board width plus the gap. For a 5-1/2 in board at a 1/8 in gap, that is 12 / 5.625 = 2.13 linear feet per sq ft, so a 320 sq ft deck is 320 x 12 / 5.625 = 683 linear feet before waste. MetreMate gives you the square footage, then you apply your manufacturer's gap and your waste.

Question 2

How many joists does the deck need?

Accepted Answer

Divide the run in inches by the joist spacing and add 1. A 16 ft run at 16 in O.C. is 192 / 16 + 1 = 13 joists, and at 12 in O.C. it is 192 / 12 + 1 = 17. For composite, 16 in O.C. is the usual maximum laid straight and 12 in O.C. for diagonal, but the manufacturer's install guide governs. MetreMate gives you the run length off the plan.

Question 3

How accurate is a decking takeoff from a PDF?

Accepted Answer

As accurate as the plan and your calibration. Set the scale off a known dimension instead of the printed scale, because an 11 x 17 print of a 24 x 36 sheet is about 46 percent, not 50 percent. Auto-Snap locks onto deck corners and beam ends, so the square feet and linear feet you quote match the drawing and you are not boards off on a composite job.

Question 4

How do I quote railing and fascia?

Accepted Answer

Measure them in linear feet. Trace the railing along every open edge and stair, and the fascia around the rim, each on its own layer, then count posts and stair treads. MetreMate gives you the lengths and counts off the plan, then you apply your railing section lengths and fascia board lengths so the first quote covers it all.

Question 5

How do I handle diagonal or picture-frame layouts?

Accepted Answer

Quote more waste and check the framing. Diagonal boards usually need joists at 12 in O.C. instead of 16 in, per the manufacturer's install guide, and both layouts cut more boards. Measure the picture-frame border separately in linear feet. MetreMate gives you the field area and border length, then you add your waste for the layout, more than for straight runs.

Question 6

Is there a free plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Start free with no credit card, or use the 7-day trial to try the paid features. MetreMate runs in any modern browser on a Windows or Mac computer, so your counter staff have nothing to install. Pro and Team plans are there when you grow, and Team is billed per seat so your whole inside sales team can quote from the same marked-up plans.

Deck board linear feet from the plan

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Everything you can measure off the plan

Lengths in linear feet

Areas in sq ft

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How decking suppliers use MetreMate

Square feet to linear feet

Framing at 16 in or 12 in O.C.

Railing, fascia and stairs

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Questions decking suppliers ask

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