DeckMath
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3D decision tool

Which deck board pattern is right for me?

Toggle 5 board-installation patterns on a real-time 3D deck. Each pattern has a different waste % (5-18%), labor cost, and aesthetic impact. Drag to rotate or let the auto-orbit show you all angles.

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Pattern
Straight
Classic parallel boards. 5% waste. Easiest install.
~14 boards5% waste

Live cost per pattern · your deck

Enter your deck size + material to see installed cost for all 5 patterns. Includes pattern waste % and labor premium.

Straight Cheapest
$6,600
5% waste · 336 sqft incl.Material $4,200Labor ×1.00 = $2,400
Picture-frame
$6,960
8% waste · 346 sqft incl.Material $4,320Labor ×1.10 = $2,640
Diagonal 45°
$7,480
12% waste · 358 sqft incl.Material $4,480Labor ×1.25 = $3,000
Herringbone
$8,200
15% waste · 368 sqft incl.Material $4,600Labor ×1.50 = $3,600
Chevron
$8,920
18% waste · 378 sqft incl.Material $4,720Labor ×1.75 = $4,200

Estimates only — material $/sqft is mid-market 2026-Q1 retail; labor base $7.50/sqft + pattern multiplier (1.0× straight → 1.75× chevron). Regional variance ±25%. Use the Cut List Calculator for exact board counts.

Pick your pattern in 30 seconds

Match your situation to a recommendation. Most decks (about 80%) use straight — the others are aesthetic upgrades.

  • Tight budget OR first deck
    → Straight
    5% waste, easiest install, cheapest.
  • Modern aesthetic, mid budget
    → Diagonal 45°
    12% waste. Adds visual interest without huge labor cost.
  • Designer / focal-point deck
    → Herringbone or Chevron
    15-18% waste + 2× labor. Worth it for a hero space.
  • Polished finish, framed look
    → Picture-frame
    8% waste. Mitered border + straight infield. Hides splices elegantly.
  • DIY beginner
    → Straight only
    Other patterns need angle-cutting precision; mistakes are expensive.
Next step
Get exact board count for your deck →

Cut List Calculator computes every piece you need — decking, joists, beams, posts, stairs — for your deck size and chosen pattern.

Open Cut List Calculator
Compare costs
See $ cost per pattern →

Decking Length Calculator factors pattern waste into total material cost across 5 decking materials.

Open Decking Length Calculator

What this tells you

  • ✓ What 5 patterns look like at scale on a realistic deck
  • ✓ Approximate waste % each pattern carries (5-18%)
  • ✓ Approximate board count per pattern for a 10×7 ft deck
  • ✓ How dramatic each pattern looks under sunset lighting

What it doesn't tell you

  • — Exact board count for YOUR deck — use the Cut List Calc
  • — Total cost in $ — use the Decking Length Calc
  • — Pattern compatibility with your decking brand — check manufacturer spec
  • — How a pattern looks on a different deck shape (L-shape, wraparound)

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Pattern reference

Straight5% waste

Boards run parallel to one deck edge. The classic, hides nothing. Easiest install.

Diagonal 45°12% waste

Boards rotated 45° to deck edges. Modern look. Each board needs angle cuts at both ends.

Herringbone15% waste

Alternating 90° pieces forming a zig-zag. Designer pattern, requires precise cuts.

Chevron18% waste

V-pattern made of 45° boards meeting on a centerline. Most dramatic look, highest waste.

Picture-frame8% waste

Mitered border + straight infield. Hides splice ends elegantly. Designer detail.