Free quote worksheet · reviewed August 7, 2026
Deck quote comparison calculator
Put two written deck building quotes into the same line-by-line worksheet. Plank Compass supplies no deck prices, does not infer a job plan, does not use company-profile prices and does not change values by city.
Editable worksheet
Line up Quote A and Quote B
For per-square-foot, per-linear-foot, per-stair or per-footing pricing, set the quantity to the written number. The worksheet multiplies each quantity by the per-unit amount you enter. The deck size and material tier is a context row and is never added to the total.
| Budget line | Area / feet / qty | Quote A / unit | Quote B / unit | Billing unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copy the written price for building the deck itself. If the quote gives a per-square-foot rate, set the quantity to the deck area in square feet and enter the per-square-foot amount. If it gives one lump sum, leave the quantity at 1 and enter the total. | $ | $ | per sq ft x area, or one total - match the quoted unit | |
| Deck size and material tier Record the deck size and decking material each written quote is priced for, for example a 16x20 composite deck or a 12x12 pressure-treated deck. This is a matching check so both quotes describe the same deck; it is a description, not a price multiplier, and it does not change the total. | Context only | Not added to the total | ||
| Enter railings only when the written quote lists them as their own line. Copy the written unit - many quotes price railing per linear foot - and set the quantity to match. Leave it empty when the base build price already includes the railing. | $ | $ | per linear foot or per stated railing line | |
| Record deck stairs only when the quote prices them separately. Some quotes bill per stair and others give one staircase figure; copy the written unit and set the quantity to match. | $ | $ | per stair or per stated staircase fee | |
| Enter built-in benches or seating only when the written quote lists them as a separate figure. Leave it empty when no seating is quoted. | $ | $ | per stated bench or seating line | |
| Record tear-out and haul-away of an existing deck only when the quote prices it separately from the build. Copy the written unit - some quotes charge per square foot, others one flat removal fee - and set the quantity to match. | $ | $ | per sq ft or per stated removal fee | |
| Enter a municipal deck-building permit fee only when the written quote passes it through to you as its own line item. | $ | $ | per permit | |
| Record footings, posts, concrete piers or screw piles only when the written quote lists them separately from the base build. Copy the written unit and set the quantity to the number of footings or posts billed. | $ | $ | per footing, post or stated foundation line | |
| Enter staining, sealing or finishing only when the quote prices it separately from the build. Copy the written unit and set the quantity to match. Leave it empty when the boards are pre-finished or the finish is included. | $ | $ | per sq ft or per stated finishing fee |
Use "other required fees" only for a named line not already represented above. Enter a discount or credit only when it appears in the current written quote. A promotional offer is not guaranteed until it is confirmed in writing.
User-entered comparison
Quote A after entered discount
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Quote B after entered discount
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Enter both quotes to see the difference.
Enter amounts from written quotes to compare them.
Arithmetic from user-entered values only, not a price estimate and not construction, structural, safety or financial advice. The written agreement with the company determines job scope and final charges.
Compare the same job scope
- □ Base build price and deck area or size
- □ Deck size and material tier both quotes assume
- □ Railings, if quoted as a separate line
- □ Stairs and any built-in seating
- □ Demolition or removal of the old deck
- □ Footings or foundation, permit fee and staining
The cost planning guide explains each comparison field.
Use published ranges, not a city multiplier
Plank Compass does not fold a city premium into these amounts. For published nationwide ranges from named guides, use the deck cost index, which lists spans by size and by material, then compare local written quotes using the same job scope and billing units. Replacement and tear-out quotes price demolition differently - record any removal fee exactly as the quote states it.
Independent references
Plank Compass supplies no default deck prices. Enter amounts only from current written quotes and keep each quote's billing units, inclusions and exclusions attached to the number. The worksheet performs user-entered arithmetic; it is not a quote, price estimate, market average or construction recommendation.
These references supply professional and code context, not prices for this worksheet. The deck cost index lists published nationwide ranges from named cost guides, and deck building statistics compiles sourced industry and safety figures. The North American Deck and Railing Association lets you verify a company's membership and accreditation, and the International Code Council publishes the deck-relevant residential code (IRC). None of these supplies a price to this calculator, which contains only values you enter from written quotes.
Calculator FAQ
Which rows should appear in a complete deck quote?
Look for the base build price with the deck area or size it covers, the decking material, railings, stairs, any built-in seating, demolition or removal of an old deck, footings or foundation work, a municipal permit fee, and staining or sealing. Any of these may be included, unnecessary or separately billed.
Where do the calculator amounts come from?
Only from you. Plank Compass supplies no default deck amounts. Copy each figure from a current written quote and use the same billing unit in both quote columns.
Does this calculator adjust the price for my city?
No. Plank Compass does not apply a geographic multiplier inside these amounts. The deck cost index lists published nationwide ranges from named guides, organized by size and material; there is no per-city deck price dataset - read the index there before comparing local written quotes here.
What is the deck size and material tier row for?
It is a context row, not a price. Record the size and decking material each quote is priced for so both quotes describe the same deck. If one quote is for a 320 sq ft composite deck and the other for a 144 sq ft pressure-treated deck, the totals are not comparable. That row never changes the total.
Should I add every possible line?
No. Enter railings, stairs, built-in seating, demolition, footings, a permit fee or staining only when they appear in the written quote. The company defines the job scope in writing; the worksheet only compares what is written.
Do the linked references supply the numbers in this worksheet?
No. NADRA lets you verify a company's membership and accreditation, and the International Code Council publishes the deck-relevant residential code; both supply professional and code context, not prices. The cost index lists published nationwide ranges. The worksheet contains only values you enter from written quotes.