EXAMPLE AT A GLANCE
This fictional Hamilton, Ontario new timber deck installation example contains 8 itemized costs totaling C$12,257.50 before tax or markup. The app-exported PDF uses the exact quantities and CAD rates shown in the table, with scope limits explained below.
Project scope: One low-level rectangular deck
Build a new low-level timber deck on a prepared garden area, with a defined frame, boards, edge trim and one short step.
The fictional project is set in Hamilton, Ontario. Cedar & Beam Builders and Jordan Taylor are example names, not a contractor and client case study. The matching guide explains how measurement, product selection and site conditions affect the estimate.
- Location
- Hamilton, Ontario
- Prepared by
- Cedar & Beam Builders · fictional business
- Prepared for
- Jordan Taylor · fictional client
- Issued / valid through
- September 25 / October 25, 2026
The 8 CAD cost lines
The table uses the exact items, quantities and unit rates in the app-exported PDF. Multiply each quantity by its rate to check the amount. These chosen figures demonstrate the document; they are not surveyed prices or suggested rates for Hamilton, Ontario.
| Work item | Quantity | Unit rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site layout and protection | 1 job | C$305.00 | C$305.00 |
| Ground preparation | 240 sq. ft. | C$5.10 | C$1,224.00 |
| Support and footing allowance | 8 each | C$120.00 | C$960.00 |
| Frame timber allowance | 1 job | C$1,595.00 | C$1,595.00 |
| Frame construction | 240 sq. ft. | C$11.00 | C$2,640.00 |
| Deck board allowance | 265 sq. ft. | C$8.90 | C$2,358.50 |
| Board fitting and edge trim | 240 sq. ft. | C$11.00 | C$2,640.00 |
| Step and cleanup | 1 job | C$535.00 | C$535.00 |
| Illustrative subtotal | C$12,257.50 | ||
Check the arithmetic
- Ground preparation: 240 sq. ft. × C$5.10 = C$1,224.00.
- Support and footing allowance: 8 each × C$120.00 = C$960.00.
The rounded line amounts add to C$12,257.50. The PDF's tax field is 0%, so its illustrated total stays C$12,257.50 before any markup. The sample shows 0% tax only to make the arithmetic visible. Determine any applicable GST, HST or PST and markup for the actual work before sharing a quote.
Measurement to verify: Measure deck footprint, finished height, board direction, post locations and site access. Product decision: Price framing timber, deck boards and fixings as separate material allowances.
The ground preparation line uses 240 sq. ft., approximately 22.3 m². Keep the actual site measurement and the supplier’s selling unit together when you replace this quantity.
Assumptions and exclusions
Confirm ground and support design before ordering; build frame and check level before boarding.
Outside this example: No roof, guardrail, structural engineering or hidden utility relocation.
Poor ground, drainage conflict or a higher deck level can change the support design. Review access, grades, drainage and seasonal conditions at the property. Check utility locations, product availability and any local design or municipal requirements that apply to the real scope. Confirm a change and update the estimate before adding work that was not in the base scope.
Download the actual app PDF
The PDF was exported from Estimates for this fictional Canadian job. It carries a concise version of the project scope, plus the same customer, cost lines, CAD amounts and total used here. Its note covers the fictional tax setting and the brief's full exclusion sentence; the article records additional assumptions that do not fit in that PDF note.
Build the next estimate from your own inputs
- Measure the actual site and describe the work boundary in plain language.
- Confirm the selected products, access and handoff responsibilities with the client.
- Replace every fictional rate with your own labour, supplier and subcontractor figures.
- Check the relevant GST, HST or PST treatment and markup for the job without copying this sample's zero entry.
- Preview each PDF page, total and exclusion note before sharing.
- Measure deck footprint, finished height, board direction, post locations and site access.
- Price framing timber, deck boards and fixings as separate material allowances.
- Confirm ground and support design before ordering; build frame and check level before boarding.
- Poor ground, drainage conflict or a higher deck level can change the support design.
Questions about this estimate
Which quantity controls this new timber deck installation estimate?
Measure deck footprint, finished height, board direction, post locations and site access.
When should this new timber deck installation quote be revised?
Poor ground, drainage conflict or a higher deck level can change the support design. No roof, guardrail, structural engineering or hidden utility relocation.
MAKE THE NEXT ESTIMATE YOUR OWN
Build a new timber deck installation estimate.
Enter the job scope in Estimates on iPhone or Android or start from an AI-assisted draft. Check every quantity, rate, allowance, client detail and note before exporting the PDF. Some app features may require an in-app purchase.
