Requesting a Quote for Decking: What to Include

Specify Your Decking Material Choice

The type of decking material you select is the primary driver of your quote. Lumber Plus offers a range of options, each with distinct characteristics and applications. Providing a clear material choice helps us identify the correct product lines and pricing.

Consider whether you prefer the natural aesthetics of hardwood, the enhanced durability of modified wood, or the low maintenance of composite or PVC. Each category has specific profiles and finishes. For example, Ipe hardwood is known for its hardness and natural resistance to rot and termites, aging to a silver patina if left unoiled. Thermally modified Ash, treated with heat and steam, supports selected decking applications. Maximo Accoya is acetylated wood, offering durability and stability for long-lasting decks. Composite and PVC options provide near-zero maintenance and are often chosen for docks and pool decks due to their waterproof nature. Specifying your preferred material, such as "Ipe hardwood" or "Trex composite decking," is crucial.

If you are exploring options, indicate your top two or three preferences. This allows for comparative quotes, but be specific about the exact products if you have them identified.

Provide Exact Project Dimensions

Accurate measurements are fundamental for calculating material quantities. Provide the precise length and width of your deck surface in feet and inches. If your deck has an irregular shape (L-shaped, circular, or multi-level), provide a simple drawing or sketch with all dimensions clearly marked.

Remember to account for any stairs, landings, or picture-frame borders. For stairs, specify the number of steps, the width of the staircase, and the rise and run of each step. For borders, indicate if you plan a single or double border around the perimeter. These details directly impact the total linear footage and board quantities needed.

A typical rectangular deck example: A 12-foot by 16-foot deck requires 192 square feet of decking. Always factor in an additional percentage (e.g., 10-15%) for cuts, waste, and future repairs. Do not treat the calculated area as the exact purchase quantity; always round up to the nearest full board length or module.

Specify Decking Profile and Board Lengths

Decking boards come in various profiles (e.g., grooved for hidden fasteners, square edge for face fastening) and standard lengths. Specifying your preferred profile ensures compatibility with your chosen fastening system. Grooved boards are typically used with hidden fasteners, while square-edge boards are face-fastened.

Standard board lengths often include 12, 16, and 20 feet. If you have a preference for minimizing seams, you might request longer boards where available. However, longer boards can sometimes be more challenging to transport and maneuver on-site. Indicate if you have a preference for board lengths or if you are open to standard stock lengths that minimize waste for your project dimensions. For example, for a 16-foot deck, 16-foot boards would minimize butt joints.

For a 12-foot by 16-foot deck, if using 16-foot boards, you would need enough boards to cover the 12-foot width, with each board running the 16-foot length. If using 5.5-inch wide boards, you would need approximately 26 boards (12 feet * 12 inches/foot / 5.5 inches/board = 26.18 boards, rounded up). Allowing for cuts and waste, you might consider ordering 28-30 boards.

Provide Your Project ZIP Code

Your project's ZIP code is essential for calculating accurate shipping costs and confirming material availability from the closest branch. Shipping costs can be a significant part of the overall project budget, so including this detail upfront helps provide a complete quote.

This information also helps us determine any regional considerations for product suitability, although general product characteristics remain consistent. It allows us to route your request to the most appropriate team for your area, ensuring a faster and more relevant response.

Outline Site Access and Delivery Timing

Delivery logistics can impact the overall cost and timeline of your project. Provide details about site access: Is the delivery location easily accessible for a large truck? Are there any obstructions, steep driveways, or narrow gates? Will the material need to be offloaded at the curb or can it be brought closer to the project site?

Also, indicate your desired project timeline or delivery date. While specific delivery dates are often confirmed after an order is placed, knowing your general timing helps us check current lead times and schedule accordingly. For example, "materials needed in approximately 4-6 weeks" provides a useful planning window.

Before you order

• Exact dimensions of the deck surface (length and width in feet and inches)
• Sketch or drawing for irregular shapes, stairs, or multi-level designs
• Specific decking material preference (e.g., Ipe hardwood, Maximo Accoya, Trex Composite, TimberTech PVC)
• Preferred decking profile (grooved for hidden fasteners, square edge for face fastening)
• Desired board lengths (e.g., 12-foot, 16-foot, 20-foot, or open to standard stock)
• Quantity of any special components (fascia boards, stair treads, railing materials, hidden fasteners)
• Project ZIP code for delivery calculation
• Details on site access for delivery (e.g., truck access, offloading location)
• Desired project timeline or approximate delivery date

Confirm installation details, approved uses and warranty terms in the current instructions for the exact product and profile. Your installer should verify the substrate, structure and applicable project requirements.

Questions to help you decide

Keep planning your project