Understanding decking costs on your roofing estimate

By Northern Arizona Roof Services. 

Proper decking replacement requires planning, labor and craftsmanship that ensure long-term performance. 

Homeowners reviewing a roofing estimate often pause when they see a line item for plywood decking and wonder why the price looks higher than what they have seen at a local home improvement store. It is a fair question that roofing professionals hear frequently. 

What many people do not realize is that roof decking replacement is not a simple materials purchase. Plywood decking estimates account for the labor, expertise, equipment, safety precautions and precision required to install decking correctly, so the roof system performs as intended. 

To help homeowners understand everything that goes into the cost, in this article, our team at Northern Arizona Roof Services breaks down exactly what happens in a plywood decking job. 

Step 1: Tearing off the old decking 

Before new plywood ever makes it onto your roof, the old material has to come off — and that’s no small job. 

• Roofers must tear off shingles, underlayment, nails and the existing decking, often in high heat or cold conditions. 
• Every nail, screw and rotted section has to be removed carefully to avoid damaging rafters or trusses underneath. 
• This step takes skill and precision — and it’s messy, heavy and labor-intensive. 

Step 2: Purchasing and transporting the material 

Once the damaged decking is identified, it’s time to replace it. But unlike grabbing a few sheets at a home improvement store, the process looks very different for a roofing company: 

• A team member has to travel to a supplier or lumber yard, sometimes miles away. 
• They load and secure the plywood, then transport it back to the job site. 
• Once there, they unload each sheet manually, often weighing around 50–60 pounds apiece. 

That’s hours of paid labor — before the first nail is ever driven. 

Step 3: Hauling materials onto the roof 

Now comes the real workout! Each sheet of plywood must be carried up ladders or lifted onto the roof safely and efficiently. 

• Roofing isn’t a flat, easy workspace — it’s steep, hot and often windy. 
• Workers use harnesses, ropes and other safety gear to prevent injury. 
• Getting the material where it needs to go takes time, strength and teamwork. 

Step 4: Measuring, cutting and securing the decking 

No two roofs are alike. Each sheet of plywood has to be: 

• Measured and cut precisely to fit irregular angles, ridges and vents. 
• Held in place (usually by two workers) while it’s secured. 
• Nailed or screwed according to building code and manufacturer specifications. 

Add in the cost of fasteners, saw blades, tools, safety equipment and disposal — and you start to see how much is involved beyond the raw material cost. 

The bigger picture: Value beyond the material 

When you purchase plywood at a big-box store, you’re paying for just that — a product. 

When a roofing company installs plywood, you’re paying for a complete professional service that includes: 

• Labor and skilled craftsmanship 
• Transportation, equipment and fuel 
• Safety gear and liability insurance 
• Disposal of old materials 
• Warranty-backed workmanship 

It’s not just plywood — it’s peace of mind that your home is safe, secure and built to last. 

The bottom line 

So, the next time you see the cost of plywood on a roofing estimate or invoice, remember — it’s not just about the wood. It’s about everything it takes to get that wood from the supplier to your roof, installed correctly, safely and to code. 

At Northern Arizona Roof Services, we take pride in being transparent and fair with our pricing because we want our customers to understand the full value behind every line item. When you work with us, you’re not just buying materials — you’re investing in craftsmanship, integrity and protection for your home. 

Original article and photo source: Northern Arizona Roof Services