Finished blue Under Deck Oasis ceiling beneath a white covered outdoor space

Prepare for your quote

Photograph. Measure. Sketch.

Clear photos of the underside of your deck and a simple dimensioned drawing help our team understand the structure and prepare an accurate project review.

What to prepare

Give the design team a complete view of the structure.

Most quotes begin with at least 5 current photos of the underside of the deck and a simple sketch showing the deck dimensions. Focus on the framing and everything beneath the deck. Photos of the top surface are not necessary.

The information does not need to look architectural, it needs to be clear, readable, and complete. Measure to within 2–3 inches where practical.

Take current photos

Photograph the underside from multiple angles.

Use a phone or camera to take at least 5 well-lit photos of the framing and area beneath the deck. Photos taken from the top of the deck are not necessary.

Photograph the underside from every side of the deck
Include the joists, beams, posts, and stairs
Show the house connection, nearby walls, and likely drainage area
Capture obstructions, utilities, and unusual framing details
Use current photos rather than older project images

Diagram showing recommended positions for photographing the underside of a deck — Recommended positions for photographing the underside from every side of the deck.

Measure the deck

Record the outside dimensions and beam locations.

Choose a starting corner and work clockwise or counterclockwise so each measurement is easy to match to the drawing.

Deck without a cantilever

A: Starting or reference point
B: Overall projection from front to back
C: Overall width from side to side

Deck with a cantilever

A: Starting or reference point
B: Overall projection
C: Overall width
D: House to beam
E: Beam to inside of rim

Deck measuring diagram showing beam and cantilever dimensions

Complex deck?

Add measurements for every angle, cutout, offset, stair opening, change in width, or other unusual feature. More information helps the team quote the project faster and more accurately.

Create your drawing

Turn the measurements into a simple labeled sketch.

Draw the deck by hand or use a basic drawing app. Label the house, outside edges, beams, posts, stairs, and every recorded dimension. Then take a clear photo or save the drawing as a file.

The goal is to connect the measurements with the structure shown in your photos, not to create a construction blueprint.

Continue to the quote form

Blank rectangular deck drawing templates with and without a cantilever — Starter templates for a rectangular deck.

Downloads

Helpful templates for your project file.

Open or download these original Under Deck Oasis measuring resources.

PDF · Reference

Deck reference guide

Examples showing the key measurements for common deck and beam configurations.

Open guide

Preview of the blank deck drawing templates

PDF · Template

Blank drawing templates

Print-friendly deck outlines for recording the dimensions of a rectangular deck.

Open templates

PDF · Worksheet

Graph paper

A simple printable sheet for drawing and labeling the deck by hand.

Open graph paper

Download the archived photo and sketch examples (.zip)

Next steps

Prepare for the full project.

Process overview

Photos, measurements, and sketch ready?

Upload everything through the quote form or call the team if you have a question before submitting.

Request my quote