Preparation
Let's take a shiplap siding project as an example with these steps:
1. Start your assignment by first drawing up a plan. The plan can be a simple sketch on a napkin. Consider the shiplap siding width and height. This will give you the total square footage of shiplap siding you need.
2. Settle on the shape of your project based on the space you have. Many siding shapes are either rectangular, square or combination of several rectangular and square. Once you have decided on your siding area's length, you now considers your joist spacing, the standard is 16” on center though 12” or 24” on center is possible with dassoXTR shiplap siding or shiplap soffit panels. The spacing will help you to estimate the number of screws and additional materials you will need.
3. Then determine the type of shiplap panels you like, whether it is plastic composite or a natural deck board like dassoXTR. Many wooden boards are not end-matched, which does not support modular installation. The composite soffit might have huge color choices, but natural material is best for all season visually and it does add value to your property.
Step By Step Guide
- Choose the type of project.
- Choose the color of material you desire.
- Select the specific product you like.
- Select if you are estimating in Imperial or in Metric.
- Checked Include stairs and Include Fascia if your estimate would like to include these.
- Break your deck into sections of rectangular and square. Input your deck measurment into the table as Area1, 2 or etc…
- The total coverage will be calculated for you.
- Lastly, add in percentage of wastage you estimate for the installation.The common wastage is about 8%.If you put effort into reducing wastage, use 5% and if you are adding designs to the looks and pattern, then use 15% as wastage.
- At this point, the results show how much decking material is needed is shown.
Continue to estimate how much each accessory and fastener needed for your project.
10. Choose the type of fastener you will be using.We recommend the hidden fastener system.
11. Select the joist spacing either 12”, 16” or 24” on center. This is the last piece of information to calculate all the different accessories and fastener you require to build a deck.
12. The final result show a list of all the accessories, fasteners and coatings required for your installations.
Key Features of The Material Calculator
» Automatic shiplap coverage calculation – It take your input dimensions in feet or meters and covert to coverage area.
» Accurate board quantity estimator – Results includes your choice of buffer for cutting waste.
» Flexible joist spacing input – Adjusted accurate screw count based on preferred joist spacing of 12”, 16” or 24” on center.
» Multiple Option of Screws or Hidden clips - automatically adjust fastener counts based on method.
» Real-Time Cost Breakdown - based on board prices and fastener cost in the system.
» Easy-to-Share Project Summary - Download with Simple One-Click.