Decking quote signed in the backyard

What a deck quote should spell out

This decking quote template lays out a new deck the way a builder costs it: boards, subframe and fixings as materials, then demolition, framing, decking and finish as labor. Step lights and similar extras sit as optional lines the customer can add. The sample is a 24 m² hardwood deck with two steps and a natural oil finish. Change the numbers in the quote maker or download a Word, Excel or PDF copy. Retitle it as a deck estimate template when the subframe still needs checking.

Two deck quotes for the same yard can be far apart because one includes footings, permits and stairs and the other leaves them out. A good deck quote names the size and height, the board species or composite line, the framing and footing details, and the finish, so the customer compares like with like.

1. Size and heightLength, width and area in ft² or m², plus the height above grade, because a higher deck needs guards, bracing and often a permit.
2. Decking boardsSpecies or composite product, board width and thickness, and color, with a waste allowance of around 10% for end cuts and defects.
3. SubframeBeams and joists by size and spacing, such as 2×8 joists at 16 in centers, in treated lumber or steel, plus joist tape if you use it.
4. Footings and postsNumber and depth of footings, concrete piers or adjustable pedestals, and post sizes. In cold climates the footing depth is set by the local frost depth.
5. FixingsCoated or stainless screws, hidden clips, joist hangers and ledger bolts. Hardwood near the coast calls for stainless throughout.
6. Steps, railings and guardsNumber of steps, stair width, railing style and length. Codes based on the International Residential Code call for guards where the deck is more than 30 in above grade, so check yours.
7. FinishOil, stain or left natural, the number of coats and the area. Say when the finish goes on, since some hardwoods are left to weather before oiling.
8. Demolition and disposalPulling up the old deck, its footings and fixings, and the dump fees, as a separate line the customer can see.
9. Permit and drawingsWho draws the plan, applies for the permit and books inspections, and which fees the price includes.

Sample decking quote for a 24 m² hardwood deck

Timberline Decks prices a new deck for Omar Siddiqui: 24 m² of hardwood boards at $118 per m² and a $1,450 subframe and fixings package under Materials. Labor covers 8 hours to demolish the old deck, 32 hours for two carpenters to build the deck and steps, and two coats of oil priced by area. Four step lights are optional. The subtotal is $8,034 with a 20% deposit. Treat every price as an example.

Edit the Timberline Decks quote

6 lines are filled in, from hardwood decking boards to step lights. Put in your own decking rates, then download the PDF.

Open the decking sample

How to price a deck build

Deck builders usually price materials from a takeoff and labor from area or hours, then add stairs, railings and finish as separate items. Area rates are quick, but they are only safe once you know your own build speed for the board and framing system you are quoting.

1. Installed rate per areaOne rate per ft² or m² covering frame and boards, with stairs, railings and finish added on top. Works for simple, low, rectangular decks on flat ground.
2. Takeoff plus labor hoursCount every board, joist, beam, post and box of screws, price them at cost plus markup, then estimate crew hours. Best for multi level decks, curves or awkward sites.
3. Item rates for extrasStairs per step or per flight, railing per linear foot, lights each. The customer can resize the deck without you starting the quote again.

Board prices swing between species and suppliers, so date your material prices and keep the validity short. The materials markup guide explains how to cover waste and delivery, and the carpentry quote template suits pergolas and screens priced on their own.

Worked example: board and joist count for a 16 x 12 ft deck

1. AreaA deck 16 ft long and 12 ft deep covers 16 x 12 = 192 ft².
2. Board rowsA 5.5 in board with a 0.25 in gap covers 5.75 in of depth. Across 12 ft (144 in) that is 144 / 5.75 = 25.04, so 26 rows of boards.
3. Board countRun 16 ft boards along the length so each row is one board: 26 boards, plus 10% waste is 28.6, rounded up to 29 boards.
4. JoistsJoists at 16 in centers along 16 ft (192 in): 192 / 16 = 12 spaces, so 13 joists, each 12 ft long.
5. Price the takeoffAt example prices of $38 per 16 ft composite board and $24 per 12 ft joist: 29 x 38 = $1,102 and 13 x 24 = $312, so $1,414 before footings, beams, fixings and labor.

Picture frame borders, diagonal layouts and wider gaps all change the count, so redo the takeoff every time the design changes.

Deck quote inclusions and exclusions

Decking quote mistakes

• Itemizing the boards carefully and lumping the whole subframe into one guess.
• Ignoring the ledger connection to the house, which may need flashing, a new rim board or a freestanding design instead.
• Leaving stairs off because the drawing only showed the deck platform.
• Not checking deck height against the code, then needing guards the customer never budgeted for.
• Using a per area rate from flat ground on a sloping yard with tall posts and cross bracing.
• Making no allowance for hidden rot when replacing an old deck fixed to the house.