Why deck quotes differ so much
A deck looks simple: posts, beams, joists and boards. But the parts that decide how long it lasts are mostly hidden, and that's where quotes split apart.
- Footings. Concrete piers, helical piles or blocks, and how deep they go into wet ground.
- The frame. Joist size and spacing, beam and post sizes, and whether the tops of the joists are taped against water.
- The connection to the house. How the ledger is fastened and flashed, which is the most common place for rot and the most serious place for a failure.
- The product. "Composite" covers everything from entry-level boards to premium lines that cost much more. The same goes for railings.
- The paperwork. Drawings, the permit, engineering for high or covered decks, and inspections.
- The finish. Stairs, fascia, skirting, cleanup and disposal of the old deck.
Two builders can quote the same size deck and be thousands of dollars apart because one has included all of this and the other has left half of it for later. You only see that when the quotes are side by side.
Why three, and not one or ten
One quote gives you a number with nothing to measure it against. You can't tell whether it's fair, high or missing something.
Two quotes are better, but if they disagree you don't know which one is the outlier.
Three quotes usually show you a clear middle. If two land close together and one is far off, the outlier is either missing scope or pricing in something the others aren't. Either way, you know what to ask.
More than three rarely adds much. It mostly adds phone calls, site visits and scheduling, and it costs builders time they'd rather spend on accurate quotes. That's why we cap every request at three.
What you get beyond the price
Comparing builders isn't only about cost. During three visits you'll also learn:
- Different ideas. One builder may suggest moving the stairs, a cover over part of the deck, or a material better suited to a shady yard.
- Who explains things clearly. The builder who answers your questions patiently before you sign is usually the one who communicates well during the build.
- Realistic timelines. Spring fills up fast. Three quotes give you a sense of who can actually start when you need them to.
- What the permit involves. Builders who know your town will tell you what it wants, and whether they handle the application.
How to compare quotes fairly
Lay the quotes out side by side and check that each one covers the same things. If one is missing something, ask that builder to add it so you're comparing like with like.
| Check this | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Size, height and layout | Same deck in every quote, ideally with a drawing |
| Footings | Type and depth, especially on wet or sloped ground |
| Frame | Joist size and spacing, joist tape, beam and post sizes |
| Ledger | How it attaches to the house and how it's flashed |
| Decking | Exact product line and colour, not just "composite" |
| Railing and stairs | System, height and length included |
| Permit and engineering | Included, or extra, and who applies |
| Old deck removal | Tear-out and disposal included |
| Warranty | Workmanship warranty in writing, plus product warranties |
| Payments and timing | Deposit size, payment stages and start date |
For a fuller checklist and the red flags to watch for, read our guide on how to compare deck quotes.
How our matching works
You describe your deck once: the town, the type of work, rough size and height. We send it to up to three vetted builders who cover your area and do that kind of deck work. Each builder has confirmed a business licence, liability insurance and WorkSafeBC coverage, and we've looked at their past decks and reviews.
They contact you directly to ask questions or book a visit. You compare the quotes and hire the one you trust, or none of them. It's free for homeowners, and builders pay us for matched requests, which doesn't change the price they quote you.
If you'd like a ballpark before anyone visits, try the deck cost calculator. When you're ready, send one request and compare up to three quotes.
Questions about comparing quotes
Is it rude to get three quotes?
No. Builders expect homeowners to compare quotes on a project this size. Telling them you're getting a few quotes is normal and fair.
Should I just pick the cheapest quote?
Not on price alone. Check that each quote includes the same scope, materials, permit and warranty. The cheapest quote is often the one missing something.
Do I have to hire anyone?
No. Requesting quotes through us is free and there's no obligation to hire any of the builders.
Will builders keep calling me?
We share your request with no more than three builders, and only ones who cover your area and do your kind of work. If you decide not to go ahead, tell them and they'll stop following up.