Plan decking and timber purchases with worked examples for board direction, stock lengths, cuts and material allowances.
Decking & Timber
Garden Step Geometry: Finished Rise, Risers and Going
Plan equal step rises from finished levels. Check risers, separate treads, going and horizontal run with a 42-inch worked example.
Miter Angles: Corner Angle Versus Saw Setting
Understand why a 120-degree corner needs a 30-degree miter-saw setting. Compare included angles, cut lines and flat-joint orientation.
Equal Spacing: Gaps, Centers and End Allowances
Work out equal gaps and center marks for decorative slats. Compare equal end gaps with flush ends using a checked 48-inch layout.
Planning Sheet Cuts: Kerf, Grain and Usable Offcuts
Plan plywood cuts with measured kerf, grain direction and usable offcuts. Follow a checked four-panel example before buying sheet material.
Buying Lumber: Cut Lists, Stock Lengths and Waste
Turn finished lumber lengths into a checked order. Compare continuous runs, identical parts, stock rounding and board feet with two worked examples.
Decking Materials: Board Direction, Edge Cuts and Stock Allowances
Compare deck board directions with a checked 12-by-10-foot example. See how edge cuts, stock lengths and allowances change the boards to purchase.