Definitions of Terms and Helpful Notes...

S4S: smooth on 4 sides.

T&G: tongue and groove (you knew that, I know).

"V" groove: T&G but the groove is wide and shaped like the letter "V". It's frequently used for ceilings or walls but not on floors.

Nominal: Unless stated otherwise, all dimensions are what we call "nominal" as opposed to "net". For example, a piece of wood we call a 2x4 is not really 2"x4" but we refer to it in its nominal dimensions as a 2x4.

Net: The actual dimensions of a piece of lumber is what we call "net". For example, a 2x4 is actually 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" net.

LF: Linear feet.

RL: Random lengths.

Helpful Note: When working up a material list for decking, don't forget your stair treads. Stair treads should be S4S boards. You don't want to see a tongue or a groove on your stair treads, right? Stick with me. I'll help you through this.

Very Helpful Note: When working up your material list for decking, you can do it in one of two ways. 1) Hard, expensive way. 2) Quick, easy and cheap way. Here's what I mean:

1) First, the hard and expensive way: You figure how many of each piece of decking you will need. For simple designs, this isn't THAT hard. Just remember the following...
1x4 = 3/4" x 3 1/2"
1x6 = 3/4" x 5 1/2"
5/4x6 = 1" x 5 1/2"
1x4 T&G = 3/4" x 3"
1x6 T&G = 3/4" x 5"
5/4x6 T&G = 1" x 5"
If the deck is a complicated design or if the boards will run in diagonal patterns, good luck figuring it this way. You might have to add 20-25% extra for waste just to be sure. Bill Gates can do it if you happen to know him.

Or...

2) Take the total area of the deck floor, add 15% for waste and convert it to LF (linear feet) so you can order your decking in RL (random lengths). This is the easiest, quickest and cheapest method (and you don't have to be a genius to figure it out accurately). It is quick and easy because I am providing you with a conversion calculator (or you lucky person). It is cheaper because ordering in RL (approximately the same amounts of 8', 10', 12', 14', 16' and 18' lengths) is the least expensive way to buy decking.

Note: When using our Buyer Solicitation Form to get competitve bids, please use one method or the other. Do not ask for bids both ways. It confuses the suppliers... and there is nothing worse than a confused supplier.

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