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Deck stain and seal estimate example
A stain job is mostly waiting for wood to dry. Put the days on the bid so the customer knows why you left.
"400 sq ft deck plus rails and 6 steps, power wash and brighten, sand rough spots, 1 coat semi transparent oil stain, customer picks color from samples, 2 days dry between wash and stain"
Example figures for a typical deck stain and seal job. Not a quote. Every line on the estimate came from the notes above. Nothing was added.
What to spell out on a deck stain and seal bid
- Square footage, plus rails and steps counted separately.
- Stain type and coats. Solid, semi-transparent, and transparent wear differently.
- The dry time between washing and staining.
- That repairs are not included and get reported first.
Most painting arguments are about prep and about what was not included. Write both down and they do not happen.
The parts of this estimate
- Scope of work. 5 lines, one thing each, in the order the work happens. What is not included is on the list too.
- One price. $1,350. Not a formula, not a range. The scope explains the number.
- Timeline. 3 days including dry time. Including dry time, cure time, or permit time, so the customer plans around it.
- Payment terms. Due on completion. Nothing down. The customer pays when the work is done.
- Warranty. 1 year against peeling on properly dried wood.
- A way to accept. The customer types their name and signs with a finger on their phone. Legally binding under the E-SIGN Act, and recorded with the date, time, and the exact estimate they agreed to.
Questions painters ask about this bid
Why not two coats?
Oil stains on older decks often take one coat well and bead the second. Say how many and why on the bid.
Guarantee against peeling?
Limit it to wood that was dry and sound when stained. Say it in writing.
Is this a real quote?
No. The numbers are example figures for a typical job so you can see how a complete estimate reads. Your price is yours.
Can my customer sign this on their phone?
Yes. An estimate sent from BidWriter Pro opens as a link. The customer reads it, types their name, signs with a finger, and pays the deposit by card. You get an alert when they open it and when they sign.
Write your own deck stain and seal estimate
Type the job the way you would text it. It comes out like the one above, in about five seconds. No account needed.
30 days free, then $29 a month. No card to start. Painting estimate template · BidWriter Pro for painters
More painting estimate examples
- Interior repaint estimate example, $3,650, 3 days
- Exterior repaint estimate example, $6,400, 5 days, weather permitting
- Cabinet painting estimate example, $4,200, 7 days
Guides: what to include in an estimate · how to price a job · how to follow up · how much deposit to ask for · the warranty line
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