How to Draw Deck Area and Total Joist Length

Watch the training video: “Deck Area and Joist Length” to see the full workflow in action.
The video demonstrates how to pair deck and joist measurements so the tool automatically calculates joist length for you.

👉 You can either watch the video or follow the detailed steps below.

1:35

Step-by-step Guide:

Before you start drawing, make sure your estimate includes:

• Deck square footage (area measurement)
• Joist length (linear feet)

Both should exist as separate line items so they can be paired together later

1. Deck square footage (area measurement) & Joist length (linear feet)

In the Layers panel, choose Deck Area and Total Joist Length.
Pair (or “join”) them by linking the two layers together — drag and drop Deck Area onto Total Joist Length (or vice versa).

2. You’ll see a small connecting line indicating they’re joined. Then click the box to start drawing.

Why this matters: pairing ensures that when you draw one outline, the tool automatically calculates both deck area and total joist length.

3. Configure the joist tool

Set your parameters:

• Material type (e.g., 2x8 joists)
• Spacing (e.g., 16” on center)
• Any other relevant specs like thickness or material choice

This tells the system how to generate the joists once you draw the area.

4. Draw the deck footprint

• Zoom into the area you want to measure (e.g., the porch).
• Begin clicking each corner of the deck outline.

5. Continue until the area is enclosed.
   

6. Right-click to finish the drawing
   

7. The tool now automatically:

• Displays the deck area (ft²)
• Calculates the total joist length (linear ft)

8. Review results

• Look at the right-hand panel for totals.
• Deck Area: 178.05 ft²
• Total Joist Length: 89.46 ft

These numbers are linked to your estimate, so they update your project quantities instantly.

9. View in List mode
   Click List to see the deck and joist measurements summarized with all other project dimensions
   

10. This makes it easy to confirm that values are linked correctly to your estimate.
    

Tips for accuracy:

• Always pair deck and joist layers before drawing, otherwise they won't calculate together.
• Double-check that the correct spacing and material are selected in the Joist tool.
• Use zoom for precision when outlining corners.