Hurricane Window and Door Board-Up Material Calculator
Estimate the plywood/OSB sheets, fasteners, and framing lumber needed to board up your windows and doors before a hurricane. Enter each opening's dimensions and the calculator will determine materials required.
Formulas Used
Board size per opening:
Board Width = Opening Width + 6 in (3 in overlap each side)
Board Height = Opening Height + 6 in (3 in overlap each side)
Sheets per opening:
Sheets = ⌈Board Width ÷ 48 in⌉ × ⌈Board Height ÷ 96 in⌉
Total sheets (with 10% waste):
Total Sheets = ⌈(Σ Board Areas × 1.10) ÷ 32 sq ft⌉
Fasteners per opening:
Perimeter fasteners = ⌈2 × (Board W + Board H) ÷ 8 in⌉
Interior fasteners = ⌊Board W ÷ 12⌋ − 1) × (⌊Board H ÷ 12⌋ − 1)
Total fasteners (with 15% waste) = ⌈Σ Fasteners × 1.15⌉
Framing lumber (optional):
Linear feet per opening = 2 × (Opening Width + Opening Height) ÷ 12
Boards needed = ⌈Σ Linear Feet × 1.10 ÷ 8 ft⌉
Assumptions & References
- Standard sheet size: 4 ft × 8 ft (48 in × 96 in = 32 sq ft).
- A 3-inch overlap on all four sides of each opening is required per FEMA P-499 Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction.
- Minimum recommended thickness is 1/2 inch; 5/8 inch or 3/4 inch is preferred in high-wind zones (ASCE 7-22).
- Fastener edge spacing: 8 inches; field spacing: 12 inches — per Florida Building Code Section 1609 and FEMA guidelines.
- 10% material waste factor applied to sheet goods; 15% applied to fasteners.
- Framing lumber assumes a single 2×4 perimeter frame per opening; 8-ft board lengths assumed.
- Garage doors require manufacturer-specific bracing kits and are not fully covered by this calculator.
- This calculator provides estimates only. Always consult local building codes and a licensed contractor.
- References: FEMA P-499 (2010), Florida Building Code 7th Ed., ASCE 7-22, ICC/NSSA Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters.