Board count for a 16×16 deck by board length
5.5-inch boards with 1/8-inch gaps, 10% waste.
| Board length | Boards to buy | Total linear ft | Butt joints? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 ft | 52 | 624 ft | Yes — stagger joints on joists |
| 16 ft | 39 | 624 ft | None |
| 20 ft | 39 | 780 ft | None — 4 ft offcut per board |
The highlighted length wastes the least lumber for a 16 ft run. Rows need more than one board, so stagger the joints and land every joint on a joist.
Joists and screws
- At 16 in on center: 13 joists spanning 16 ft, about 910 screws (3 boxes of 350)
- At 12 in on center (composite or diagonal): 17 joists and about 1,190 screws
Joist size depends on the span, wood species and local code. A 16 ft span is a common size, but confirm joist dimensions with your local building department's span tables.
The math
16 ft × 12 ÷ (5.5 + 0.125) = 34.13 → 35 rows
35 rows × 16 ft = 560 linear ft
560 × 1.10 ÷ 12 ft = 52 boards
Common questions
How many deck boards for a 16x16 deck?
52 boards of 12 ft (5.5-inch width, 10% waste included).
How many joists for a 16x16 deck?
13 joists at 16 inches on center, or 17 at 12 inches.
How many screws for a 16x16 deck?
About 910 deck screws — two per board at every joist.
Want the full method, tips and other sizes? See the deck board calculator guide.