Deck Estimate Template (Free, with a Sample Quote)
Part of Decks, Fences & Roofing
Quick answer
A deck estimate lists the area, the decking boards, joists and screws, footings and railing, build labor, and your overhead and profit. Build one free: get the framing and board counts from the deck calculator, send them to the estimate maker, add your rate and logo, and download a clean PDF.
Decks are priced by the square foot, set by the material and height. A good estimate lists the decking and framing, fasteners, footings and railing, the build labor, and a margin line.
What a deck estimate should include
- Your company name, license and contact details.
- The customer and the property address.
- Deck size in square feet, height, and decking material.
- Materials: decking boards, joists/beams, screws, footings, railing, stairs.
- Labor: framing and surfacing the deck.
- Overhead and profit; note permit and footing count.
- Scope, exclusions, a valid-until date and payment terms.
Sample deck estimate (12 × 16 ft, 192 ft²)
| Line item | Qty | Unit | Unit price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decking boards — 16 ft | 27 | ea | $15 | $405 |
| Joists — 12 ft (2×8) | 13 | ea | $12 | $156 |
| Deck screws (~350/box) | 2 | box | $35 | $70 |
| Deck build | 24 | hr | $65 | $1,560 |
| Cost subtotal | $2,191 |
Add overhead and profit, plus footings, railing and stairs (not in the sample), to reach the customer price — installed decks run about $30–$60 per square foot. Counts here come from the deck calculator at 12 × 16 ft. Build yours in three steps: enter the size, open an estimate from the materials, then add labor, margin and logo and download the PDF.
FAQs
What should a deck estimate include?
The size in square feet, height and material, framing and decking materials, fasteners, footings, railing and stairs, build labor, your overhead and profit, plus permit, scope and terms.
How much does a deck cost per square foot to estimate?
Installed decks run about $30–$60 per square foot — pressure-treated at the low end, composite and hardwood higher. Elevated decks, stairs and railing add to it.
What's the difference between a deck estimate and a quote?
An estimate is approximate and can change; a quote is a fixed price that's binding once accepted. The estimate maker toggles the wording between the two.