For UK decking installers

Decking installer quote template (UK)

A clear layout for a decking quote that covers the area, the sub-frame, the boards, ground preparation, balustrade and how VAT is shown.

What a decking quote should include

A decking quote works best when the customer can see exactly what is being built and what each part of the job covers. Leaving items to be assumed is where disagreements start, so spell everything out.

• The deck area in square metres, with the shape or dimensions noted
• The decking material stated clearly as softwood, hardwood or composite, along with the board spec and profile
• Ground preparation and clearing, including removing turf, old decking or slabs, and levelling
• The sub-frame and joists, with the timber grade and joist spacing set out
• Posts and footings, whether concreted posts or ground screws
• Weed membrane and gravel laid under the deck
• Balustrade, handrail and steps where they form part of the job
• Fixings, whether screwed, hidden clips or a mix, and the type used
• Any finish or treatment, such as oil, stain or preservative
• Waste removal and disposal of the old materials
• How VAT is shown, either added on top or stated as not applicable if you are not VAT registered

A decking quote example

The figures below are illustrative only and are there to show the layout, not to suggest a going rate. Your own prices depend on the garden, the access and the board you use.

• Ground preparation and clearance: [amount]
• Sub-frame and joists supplied and built: [amount]
• Supply and lay composite boards by area: [amount]
• Posts and balustrade: [amount]
• Steps: [amount]
• Fixings and waste removal: [amount]
• Subtotal: [subtotal]
• VAT: [VAT amount or not applicable]
• Total: [total]

The mistakes that cost decking installers money on a quote

• Not pricing ground prep and levelling. A sloping or soft garden can need far more work than a flat, firm one, and that time and material has to be in the quote from the start.
• Under-speccing the sub-frame. The frame carries the whole deck, so joist grade and spacing matter. Quoting a light frame to look cheaper leads to callbacks and a deck that bounces.
• Leaving out balustrade and steps. These are often assumed by the customer but forgotten on the quote, then argued over later. If they are in scope, price them; if not, say so.
• Not stating softwood versus composite clearly. The board choice drives both the price and the customer's expectation, so name it in writing rather than leaving it open.

Should a decking installer send a quote or an estimate?

A quote is a fixed price you stand behind, and it is best given after you have seen the ground, checked the levels and understood the access. Once you know what you are dealing with, you can commit to a figure with confidence.

An estimate is a rough guide worked out from an approximate area before a site visit. It is useful for giving the customer a ballpark early on, but make clear it can change once you have seen the garden in person.

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Decking quote FAQ

How long should a decking quote stay valid?

Many installers hold a quote open for 30 days, because timber and composite prices move. State the validity period on the quote so the customer knows how long the figure stands.

Should I charge for a decking quote?

Most installers provide a quote at no charge as part of winning the work. If a job needs a detailed design or a long drive to survey, some charge a survey fee and offset it against the job if it goes ahead.

Do I need to add VAT to a decking quote?

Only if you are VAT registered. If you are, show VAT as a separate line on top of the subtotal. If you are not registered, do not add it, and it is sensible to note that no VAT applies so the total is clear.

Should the quote separate labour and materials?

It is your choice, but breaking out ground prep, the sub-frame, the boards and the balustrade helps the customer understand the price and makes it easier to adjust the scope if they want to change the board or drop the steps.