Guide · Estimates
Deck estimate template
A worked deck example, the exclusions that matter in this trade, and a PDF you can print. No sign-up.
A deck estimate needs your business details and license number, the customer and job address, one line per task and material with quantity and price, the total, any deposit, what is excluded, and a place to approve. The template below is the generic contractor estimate pre-filled with a deck job so you can see what good looks like, plus the exclusions deck builders most often forget. It's free, printable, and there's no sign-up.
Download the deck template
Download the PDF (US Letter, 1 page)
The example rows are in grey; write over them. Blank rows below for your own lines, then tax, deposit, exclusions, terms and a signature line. The blank version has no example.
Worked example: Replace deck boards and railing on existing 12x16 deck frame
| Line | Qty | Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remove and haul old deck boards and railing | 192 sq ft | $2.50 | $480.00 |
| Inspect frame, replace damaged joists | 2 ea | $85.00 | $170.00 |
| Install composite deck boards with hidden fasteners | 192 sq ft | $18.00 | $3,456.00 |
| Composite railing | 28 ft | $65.00 | $1,820.00 |
| Total before tax | $5,926.00 |
Example prices only; use yours. In Settle you'd say this job out loud and it writes these lines from the prices you charged last time.
Exclusions to put on every deck estimate
- Joists beyond the two listed priced each before replacing.
- Permit fees not included unless listed.
- Stairs, lighting and skirting quoted separately.
- Customer clears furniture and grills off the deck before work starts.
Terms that fit deck work
Valid for 30 days. Deposit due on approval if listed, within your state's limit; balance due on completion by card, bank transfer or check.
What matters in deck estimates
- Name the board. "Composite, hidden fasteners" and the square footage is a price the customer can compare.
- Price joists each. You won't know how many are bad until the boards are off.
- Railing by the foot. Railing is often as much as the boards. Its own line avoids sticker shock.
- Stairs are separate. Steps take more time than their square footage suggests.
Copy the text version
Paste into Notes, a text or an email and change the numbers.
[Your business name] [Phone] · [Email] · License #[number] ESTIMATE #0001 Date: [date] Valid until: [date] Prepared for: [Customer name] Job address: [address] Job: Replace deck boards and railing on existing 12x16 deck frame ITEMS Remove and haul old deck boards and railing 192 sq ft × $2.50 = $480.00 Inspect frame, replace damaged joists 2 ea × $85.00 = $170.00 Install composite deck boards with hidden fasteners 192 sq ft × $18.00 = $3,456.00 Composite railing 28 ft × $65.00 = $1,820.00 TOTAL BEFORE TAX: $5,926.00 Not included: - Joists beyond the two listed priced each before replacing. - Permit fees not included unless listed. - Stairs, lighting and skirting quoted separately. - Customer clears furniture and grills off the deck before work starts. Terms: Valid for 30 days. Deposit due on approval if listed, within your state's limit; balance due on completion by card, bank transfer or check. Approved by: ______________________ Date: ________
Is this deck estimate template free?
Yes. Download the PDF or copy the text. There is no sign-up and no watermark beyond a one-line footer you can cut off.
What should a deck estimate include?
Business details and license number, customer and job address, an estimate number and valid-until date, one line per task and material with quantity and price, the total, any deposit, exclusions, terms, and a signature line. This template has all of them.
Can I make a deck estimate on my phone instead?
Yes. Settle is a free iPhone app for deck builders: describe the job out loud and it writes a priced estimate from your own prices, which you text from your own phone. See the deck estimate app page.
Or say the job and Settle writes the deck estimate for you.
Free on iPhone. Unlimited estimates and invoices. 7 days of Pro to try the voice drafts, and you cancel in two taps.
Download on the App StoreiPhone, iOS 17 or later. Questions? Text Nina: (818) 945-9686