MEASURING YOUR SPACE
THINKING ABOUT INSTALLING A NEW DECK (OR REPLACING AN OLD ONE)? GREAT! WE CAN DEFINITELY HELP WITH THAT.
We know that getting your square footage can be an overwhelming task, so we wanted to provide some guidance for the best way to get accurate measurements.
Did you know that square footage is the number one way to predict the cost of your deck? The overall size has a greater impact than any other feature of your deck!
Here are some helpful methods to calculate your square footage. Knowing accurate square footage means that you're more likely to get a better estimate the first time!
Keep in mind that the base equation is the length of your deck multiplied by the width of your deck.
What if my deck is not a perfect rectangle?
No problem at all! Below we will describe different deck scenarios and explain methods to calculate the square footage of each.
What will I need to get started?
- Tape measure
- Calculator
- Notepad and pen/pencil/cell phone (or something else to record your measurements!)
Calculating the square footage of a rectangular deck
You multiply the length of the deck by the width of the deck. We will use a deck that is 10 ft x 15 ft as an example in all of our deck scenarios:
This is the equation: Length (ft) x Width (ft) = Square Footage
Example
10 ft x 15 ft = 150 sq. ft
Calculating the square footage of a deck that has nooks/niches
Do you have niches, kitchen area, or storage in the deck area and want to install decking there as well?
Here is how to measure and calculate total square footage of the deck plus niches.
Split the deck into separate areas
In the diagram below they're listed as "Deck", "Nook 1", and "Nook 2"
Measure each area of the deck separately
Calculate the square footage of the each space by multiplying length by width.
Deck: Length (ft) x Width (ft) = deck SQFT (Square Footage)
Closet# 1: Length (ft) x Width (ft) = Closet #1 SQFT
Closet# 2: Length (ft) x Width (ft) = Closet #2 SQFT
Add the calculations of each space to equal a total square footage.
Formula: Deck SQFT + Nook #1 SQFT + Nook #2 SQFT = Total square footage of the deck
How to measure and calculate the square footage of an odd shaped deck
Based on our experience, people who have trouble figuring out the square footage of a complex space try to measure the entire space all at once. It is common to deal with a deck that has an open floor plan with several storage areas, nooks, built-in kitchens, or odd-shaped spaces.
The solution, however, is simple! All you need to do is to divide your space into even shapes, (squares or rectangles) and be able to use a calculation formula of length multiplied by width. After you are done with this step, the only thing to do is to add all individual spaces you just calculated together.
Separate the deck into squares or rectangles In the diagram. Below they're listed as Area 1, Area 2, and Area 3
Measure each rectangle or square area separately.
Calculate the square footage of the each space by multiplying length by width.
Area 1: A (length) x B (width) = Area 1 SQFT
Area 2: A (length) x B (width) = Area 2 SQFT
Area 3: A (length) x B (width) = Area 3 SQFT
Add the calculations of each space to equal a total square footage.
Formula: Area 1 SQFT + Area 2 SQFT + Area 3 SQFT = Total square footage of the deck
There you have it! We hope this was informative for you!
If you'd like a professional to look at your space and offer some insight as to the best next steps, we hope you give us a call or email at Safe Space Construction!
