Decking labour calculator
Deck boards fastened to an existing frame, picture-framed edge included.
Decking
Deck boards fastened to an existing frame, picture-framed edge included.
Default 16 sq ft an hour, or $7.50 a foot. Hidden fasteners cost about a third more in time. Price excludes sales tax.
$1,983
$7.08 / sq ftPrice excludes sales tax.
How this calculator prices a job
Deck boards fastened to an existing frame, picture-framed edge included. Framing is a separate job with a separate rate.
The formula
hours = quantity ÷ production rate base = hours × labour rate (or quantity × per-unit rate) burden = base × burden % cost = base + burden price = cost ÷ (1 − margin)
Assumptions and defaults
| Production | 16 sq ft/hr |
| Per-unit rate | $7.50 per sq ft |
| Labour rate | $65/hr default |
| Payroll burden | 22% of base labour |
| Crew | 3 people, eight-hour days |
| Target margin | 30% |
Pro tips
Hidden fasteners cost about a third more in time than face screwing. Pick one before you quote, and say which.
Picture framing and mitred corners are slow. If the design has them everywhere, drop production rather than hoping.
Burden is not optional. Payroll taxes, workers' comp, liability and paid time run 20 to 35 per cent on top of the wage you quote — a crew at $65 an hour costs you nearer $80 before a single overhead dollar.
Margin divides, it does not multiply. A 30 per cent margin on $1,000 of cost is $1,429, not $1,300 — the second number is a 30 per cent markup and only a 23 per cent margin.
Common questions
What does deck installation labour cost?
About $7.50 a square foot for boards on an existing frame. At 16 sq ft an hour with burden, the hourly basis lands close.
Does this include the framing?
No — this rate is boards on an existing frame. Frame, footings and railing each want their own line and their own production rate.
How do I price labour to hit a target margin?
Divide, never multiply: price = cost ÷ (1 − margin). An all-in labour cost of $2,000 at a 30 per cent margin is $2,857. Multiplying by 1.30 gives $2,600, which is only a 23 per cent margin.
What is payroll burden?
Everything you pay on top of the wage: payroll taxes, workers' comp, liability insurance, holiday and any benefits. Twenty-two per cent is a reasonable starting point for a small crew — check yours against last year's numbers and change the field.
Does this include materials?
No. This tool prices labour only, so the number stays honest when material prices move. Work the quantities out in the material calculator and add them as their own line.