How is composite decking estimated differently from wood?

Higher material cost, hidden-fastener systems, often tighter joist spacing (especially diagonals), mandatory gapping, and picture-frame/breaker-board details that add labor. The material saves maintenance, not installation effort.

Do composites need different joist spacing?

Many require 16" o.c. perpendicular and 12" o.c. diagonal — check the specific product. On resurfaces, that spacing check is the quote's hidden cost line.

Why quote wood and composite side by side?

Because that's the customer's actual decision. Same frame, two surface options, honest deltas — the side-by-side quote answers it in one document and positions you as the adviser.

Field guide

A Composite Decking Estimate App for the Premium That Isn't Labor-Free

Composite sells itself on no-stain forever — and quietly costs more to install than the wood it replaces: tighter spacing, fussier fastening, mandatory details. The estimate that prices those realities protects your margin and reads, to the customer, like the builder who has actually installed the stuff. Because you have — and the quote shows it.

Where composite moves the numbers

Material: boards, matching fascia, and the fastener system — hidden clips are a real line, not an accessory.
Spacing: product spec may demand 12" o.c. on diagonals — on resurfaces this can mean sistering or adding joists, the classic hidden cost your inspection line catches.
Details: picture framing, breaker boards, mitered borders — beautiful, spec-recommended on long runs, and slow. Price the pattern, not just the area.
Ends and gaps: gapping rules and end-sealing on mineral-based boards — labor lines the first-time composite installer eats and the experienced one quotes.

The side-by-side that closes

Same frame line, two surface options: PT at $X, composite at $Y, maintenance story told honestly in a sentence each. Customers almost always came in asking this exact question — the quote that answers it in writing ends the shopping. FieldSquire drafts both options from one narration, at your saved rates for each system.

Your composite rate is its own number

Track one composite install against one PT install and you'll have the two rates that price every deck after. Correct the drafts once; FieldSquire's learned prices keep wood and composite from blurring back into one folklore number.

Quote it at the house

Narrate, review, options in, deposit set, e-signed — same visit. The carpentry estimating app is free for 14 days, no credit card.

Try it on a real job: FieldSquire's Solo plan is free for 14 days with no credit card — unlimited manual estimates and AI-assisted drafts you review line by line. Start the free trial or see the carpentry estimating app guide.