Deck Builder Estimate Template
A deck builder estimate forecasts the price before work starts: 8 lines for build a 12x16 ft deck with pressure-treated framing, composite decking, railings and one stair, totalling $11,918.00, with labour the largest share (39%). It states its assumptions and stays valid for 30 days. Edit the lines and download the PDF.
Pre-filled for a deck builder: build a 12x16 ft deck with pressure-treated framing, composite decking, railings and one stair. Example prices: replace them with your own.
From
Lakeside Deck Building
682 Market Street
Franklin, TN 37064
billing@example.com
(312) 555-0182
Estimate
Prepared for
Robin Okafor
311 Pine Road
Georgetown, TX 78626
client@example.com
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Footings, 10 in concrete piers | 9 each | $135.00 | $1,215.00 |
| Pressure-treated framing lumber and hardware | 1 lot | $1,850.00 | $1,850.00 |
| Framing labor, ledger flashing and joist hangers | 192 sq ft | $12.00 | $2,304.00 |
| Composite decking with hidden fasteners | 192 sq ft | $9.50 | $1,824.00 |
| Install decking | 192 sq ft | $6.00 | $1,152.00 |
| Composite railing with aluminum balusters | 36 linear ft | $68.00 | $2,448.00 |
| Stair, 4 risers with railing | 1 each | $850.00 | $850.00 |
| Deck permit and plan review | 1 each | $275.00 | $275.00 |
- Subtotal
- $11,918.00
- Estimate total
- $11,918.00
Notes
A deck estimate should show square footage, framing and decking materials, the footing count, railing and stair lengths, permit costs and whether an old deck is removed.
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Deck Builder estimate at a glance
| Scope estimated | Build a 12x16 ft deck with pressure-treated framing, composite decking, railings and one stair |
|---|---|
| Estimate total | $11,918.00 before tax |
| Valid for | 30 days from the estimate date |
| Deposit | Deck builders usually take about a third at signing to order lumber and decking. |
| Labour (3 lines) | $4,671.00, 39% |
| Materials (2 lines) | $3,674.00, 31% |
| Services (2 lines) | $3,298.00, 28% |
| Priced in | sq ft |
Estimate breakdown for build a 12x16 ft deck with pressure-treated framing, composite decking, railings and one stair
| Item | Type | Est. quantity | Est. amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Footings, 10 in concrete piers | Labour | 9 each | $1,215.00 |
| Pressure-treated framing lumber and hardware | Materials | 1 lot | $1,850.00 |
| Framing labor, ledger flashing and joist hangers | Labour | 192 sq ft | $2,304.00 |
| Composite decking with hidden fasteners | Materials | 192 sq ft | $1,824.00 |
| Install decking | Labour | 192 sq ft | $1,152.00 |
| Composite railing with aluminum balusters | Services | 36 linear ft | $2,448.00 |
| Stair, 4 risers with railing | Services | 1 each | $850.00 |
| Deck permit and plan review | Fees | 1 each | $275.00 |
| Estimated total | $11,918.00 |
What to write on a deck builder estimate
A deck estimate should show square footage, framing and decking materials, the footing count, railing and stair lengths, permit costs and whether an old deck is removed.
Materials and products are $3,674.00 of this $11,918.00 estimate (31%), so say how long those prices hold: supplier prices can move before the job starts.
Prices new decks per square foot by framing and decking material, with stairs, railings, footings and permits as separate line items.
Assumptions behind each line
Write these next to the 8 lines so the customer sees what the $11,918.00 depends on.
- Footings, 10 in concrete piers: 9 each at $135.00 per each ($1,215.00); extra each at the same rate.
- Pressure-treated framing lumber and hardware: 1 lot at $1,850.00 ($1,850.00); another grade or brand changes this line.
- Framing labor, ledger flashing and joist hangers: 192 sq ft at $12.00 per sq ft ($2,304.00); extra sq ft at the same rate.
- Composite decking with hidden fasteners: 192 sq ft at $9.50 ($1,824.00); another grade or brand changes this line.
- Install decking: 192 sq ft at $6.00 per sq ft ($1,152.00); extra sq ft at the same rate.
- Composite railing with aluminum balusters: 36 linear ft, $2,448.00.
- Stair, 4 risers with railing: 1 each, $850.00.
- Deck permit and plan review: a flat $275.00.
Changes, overruns and change orders
If the customer adds work, put it on a signed change order first. Pricing the extra in sq ft keeps it comparable with the $11,918.00 you estimated.
A 10% rise in material prices would add $367.40 to this job, which is why many deck builders limit how long an estimate stays valid.
Tips from deck building billing
- Schedule a payment at the footing or framing inspection and print that inspection date on the invoice; it is a milestone owners understand and can verify.
- Itemize the ledger attachment and flashing, because a failed ledger is a leading cause of deck collapses and owners deserve to see that part was done properly.
- Composite colors get discontinued, so record the product line, the color and how many spare boards were left on site for future repairs.
- Bill stairs and railings apart from the deck surface, since they cost far more per foot and are the first items owners try to trim when comparing bids.
Turning the deck builder estimate into an invoice
-
Get it approved
Ask Robin Okafor to sign or reply in writing to estimate EST-4873.
-
Record the changes
Update quantities to what was actually used across the 8 lines.
-
Switch the document type
Change Estimate to Invoice in the tool; the lines and parties stay.
-
Deduct what was paid
Enter any deposit as amount paid so the balance due is correct.
Frequently asked questions
How do I write a deck builder estimate?
Describe the job (Build a 12x16 ft deck with pressure-treated framing, composite decking, railings and one stair), list each line with an estimated quantity and rate, total it ($11,918.00 in the sample), state how long it is valid and what it assumes, then send it as a PDF for approval.
Is a deck builder estimate binding?
An estimate is a forecast, not a fixed price, so the final invoice can differ when the work or materials change. Rules vary by country and state; to stay safe, get written approval before billing noticeably more than the $11,918.00 you estimated.
How long should a deck builder estimate be valid?
Thirty days is common and is what this template uses. With 31% of the price in materials, a shorter validity protects you if supplier prices rise.