Quick answer: A carpenter's quote should show your business and licence details, a plain-English scope of work, itemised timber and materials, labour priced by hours or by task, a clear GST-inclusive total, and your terms — including allowances for timber price movements and anything hidden until the job starts.
Whether you're quoting a deck, a pergola, built-in robes or a full fit-out, customers compare carpenters on more than price — they're judging whether you'll turn up, do tidy work and finish on time. A clean, itemised quote signals all three. Here's a template you can reuse for every carpentry job.
The carpenter quote template
- Your details — business name, ABN, builder/carpentry licence number, phone and email.
- Customer and site — name, the address where the work happens, and contact.
- Quote number and date — plus how long the price is valid.
- Scope of work — what you'll do, in plain English (e.g. "Supply and install 4m × 3m merbau deck, including bearers, joists, decking and a single step").
- Materials — itemised: timber, fixings, hardware, finishes, with quantities.
- Labour — hours × rate, or a fixed price per task.
- Totals — subtotal, GST, and the final total.
- Terms and exclusions — payment terms, deposit, and anything not covered.
How to price timber, materials and labour
Carpentry is material-heavy, so itemise the timber and hardware rather than burying it in a lump sum — it shows you've measured the job and protects you when timber prices jump between quote and start date. Add a sensible markup on materials to cover sourcing time and price risk, and consider a line that says the timber allowance is based on today's prices and may be reviewed if there's a long delay before you start.
For labour, fixed pricing works well for predictable jobs (a standard deck, a set of shelves). For renovation and repair work where you can't see what's behind the lining, estimate the hours honestly and add a buffer — see our guide on how much to charge for a job if you're still working out your rate.
Always flag the unknowns
Old houses hide rot, out-of-square framing and surprises under the floor. Protect yourself by stating assumptions in the quote — for example, "Quote assumes existing structure is sound; any rectification of rot or non-compliant framing will be quoted separately." That one line saves an awkward conversation later.
Showing GST
If you're registered for GST, add 10% and make the total unambiguous — either price everything GST-inclusive, or show the subtotal, GST and total as separate lines. Our guide to GST on quotes in Australia covers it if you're unsure.
Skip the template — generate the quote
Templates help, but typing one up after a long day on the tools is the bottleneck. EasyQuote AI turns a plain-English job description into a complete, itemised carpentry quote — timber, materials, labour and a GST total — in seconds, then sends it as a branded PDF your customer can accept on their phone. Try it free and quote your next job before you've packed up the ute.
Frequently asked questions
What should a carpenter's quote include?
How do you price timber and materials on a carpentry quote?
How do you protect yourself when quoting renovation carpentry?
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