Figure out how much wood you will need for your deck project at http://www.wrcla.org/specifications_and_publications/conversion_calculators.htm. You can select from a variety of plank sizes. Check out this deck lumber calculator at http://www.blocklayer.com/deckcalculatoreng.aspx. You will also find deck plans and many other construction calculators. Once you figure out how much lumber you
. need, you can negotiate the best price at the lumber yard. Many new deck finishes come in low impact formulas.