How do you price the materials for a deck?
Count every part first, add cutting waste, then price each line at your own merchant's rate.
A deck price is only as good as the list behind it. Start with quantities, not a cost per square metre or square foot: boards, joists, rim joists, beams, posts, footings, concrete, hangers, screws or clips, steps and railing.
Buy boards and joists by stock length, not by total length. A 3.6 m or 12 ft board that is cut to 3.1 m leaves an offcut you still pay for, so count pieces per row and allow for the board gap.
Then take that list to your own merchant or yard and price each line at the rate on your account or a current quote. National averages and online price guides change by region, grade and week, so they are a poor base for a quote you have to stand behind.
Keep the cost of materials separate from labour, delivery, waste removal and tax, so a client can see what changed if the size or board does.
Check before you buy or dig
- Use the joist spacing in the installation guide of the exact board you will buy. It changes how many joists you order.
- Ask the merchant which stock lengths are actually in the yard before you fix the deck size.
- Price fixings, hangers and post-set concrete as separate lines. They are easy to forget and add up.
- Confirm local rules on footing depth, height and permits before you order.
Try it with your own sizes. Free, in the browser, no sign-up.
Get the list to price in 3DA general answer, not a structural design. Local rules, ground and loads decide the final build.