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Free Estimate Template for Deck Builders

Professional estimate templates designed specifically for deck construction projects. Include all materials, labor, and project costs in one comprehensive template.

Google Sheets Template

Fully editable spreadsheet template

Want something better than spreadsheets?

What's Included in Your Deck Builders Estimate Template

Our comprehensive estimate template covers every aspect of deck builders estimating to help you create accurate, professional estimates.

Estimate Header

  • • Company branding area
  • • Client information
  • • Project details
  • • Estimate number & date
  • • Valid until date

Categories & Line Items

  • • Materials with quantities
  • • Labor hours and rates
  • • Equipment rental costs
  • • Permit and inspection fees
  • • Additional services

Customization

  • • Message to client
  • • Terms and conditions
  • • Signature line
  • • Disclaimer
  • • Additional notes

Benefits to Using a Template

Professional templates streamline your workflow and help you focus on what matters most: growing your business and serving your clients.

  • Save hours of time by not starting from scratch on every project
  • Reduce errors and inconsistencies in your estimates and invoices
  • Keep client communication clear and professional
  • Run a more profitable business with confidence and efficiency

Recommended Line Items for Deck Builders

Make sure your estimates include these common items to avoid missing costs and ensure accurate pricing:

Deck framing lumber (joists, beams, ledger board)
Decking boards (pressure-treated, composite, or hardwood)
Concrete footings or deck blocks
Post anchors and hardware
Joist hangers and structural fasteners
Decking screws or hidden fasteners
Railing system (posts, balusters, top rail)
Stair stringers and treads
Flashing tape for ledger board
Labor - demolition/removal (if applicable)
Labor - framing installation
Labor - decking installation
Labor - railing and stairs
Building permit fee
Inspection coordination

Common Estimate Mistakes to Avoid

Don't make these common errors that can cost you money or damage client relationships:

Forgetting to include permit fees in the estimate
Underestimating waste factor (typically 10-15% for decking)
Not accounting for site access or material delivery challenges
Missing the ledger board flashing and waterproofing
Forgetting to include post hole digging or concrete costs
Not specifying material grade or quality clearly
Leaving out cleanup and debris removal costs

Example Deck Builders Estimate

Here's a sample estimate to give you an idea of how to structure your own:

12x16 Pressure-Treated Deck with Aluminum Railing

Pressure-treated framing lumber$850
Composite decking (192 sq ft + waste)$1,920
Concrete footings (6)$180
Post bases and hardware$120
Joist hangers and fasteners$95
Hidden deck fasteners$240
Aluminum railing system (32 LF)$960
Stair kit (4 steps)$320
Labor - framing (16 hrs)$960
Labor - decking & rails (12 hrs)$720
Building permit$150
Total$6,515

*This is a sample estimate for illustration purposes. Actual costs vary by location, materials, and project specifics.

Free Templates vs. Dave

See how our free spreadsheet templates compare to Dave's full-featured contractor management platform.

Feature
Free Google Sheets Template
Dave
Flexible estimate & invoice editing
Printable formats
Integrated email sending for estimates & invoices
Track estimate status from viewed to accepted
Turn an estimate into an invoice
Contracts & agreements with digital signatures
Send review requests with job photos by text & email in seconds
Auto-organized with all your projects
Create and send estimates via mobile devices
Access your estimates & invoices forever on the cloud
Invoice integration with Quickbooks
Pricebook for your most common line items

Tired of jumping between multiple tools & bloated apps?

Try Dave free for 14 days and see how much time you can save with professional estimates, invoices, and project management all in one place.

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