How to Create a Construction Schedule Template in Excel

Follow these step-by-step instructions on how to create a construction schedule with a free template in Excel

Whether you're creating your construction schedule from scratch or using a construction schedule template for Excel like our free Gantt construction schedule template, it’s only going to be as good as the information you enter into it. 

It’s important for you to understand what information should be included to create a construction schedule template in Excel ahead of time. If you’re not sure, or just need a refresher, you can check out our article on how to create a construction schedule and 4 things to know before using a construction schedule template, which covers everything you need to know. 

Once you have everything you need you’re on your way to getting your construction schedule created … but how do you actually create it? We've outlined the step-by-step instructions (with images) on how to get started with creating a construction schedule using Excel below. You can also skip ahead to any section of this article by clicking from the table of contents below.

- Getting your construction schedule started in Excel

- Managing Construction Schedule Delays

- How to create project timeline graphics in your construction scheduling template in Excel

- Free Construction Schedule Template

- Try Construction Scheduling Software for Free

Getting your construction schedule started in Excel

Building your construction schedule in Excel is a combination of spreadsheet know-how and construction knowledge. You likely have the latter covered, so here are the steps to help you start creating a schedule template in Excel:

1. Open Excel. If you don't have Excel on your computer, you can access a free version of Microsoft Excel here.
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2. With your spreadsheet open, click the “File” tab circled in the image below.
   

3. Select “New” from the menu on the far left.
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4. Scroll down until you find the Excel templates called “Gantt project planner," “Agile Gantt chart,” and “Project timelines”
   

5. On the template screen you can also search “Schedules." Scroll down to the bottom and you will find a “Simple Gantt chart.”

6. Click on the Simple Gantt Chart template to open and use the file.
   

Once open, fill in your project data and tasks and make any design changes that you need to make. Once finished, save the file as a master template to use for future projects.

Managing construction schedule delays (the easy way)

Delays in construction are inevitable and they can wreak havoc on your project timeline. Not to mention, you now need to adjust each item and dependency on your schedule to account for the change.

Using construction scheduling software can save you a ton of time and headache when it comes to delays. Check out the quick video below to see it in action and then signup for a free trial of BuildBook to try it yourself.

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How to create project timeline graphics in your construction scheduling template in Excel

With your construction schedule template now complete with data, you can show selected tasks or project milestones in Excel using a SmartArt graphic timeline. Even after you create the timeline it allows you to add events and change layouts and styles, so feel free to get creative.

1. Open a new tab at the bottom of your worksheet by clicking on the + sign.
   

2. Click “Insert” from your open template, then click “SmartArt.” 
   

3. Choose “Process” from the side menu and pick whichever timeline graphic you want to use. Finish by clicking “ok.”
   

4. To edit the graphic, just click inside the text box to add your data. You can also change the timeline graphic by selecting a different Layout in the at the top menu. 
   

5. Once you’re done, you can highlight the graphic to copy and paste it in your main construction schedule in Excel or elsewhere. 
   

Free construction schedule template

If you don’t like any of the schedule templates that Excel has to offer, download our free construction Gantt chart. It’s easy-to-use and created by builders just like you.

Prefer to use Google Sheets? Then check out our article on how to create a construction schedule template in Google Sheets.

Try construction scheduling software for free

Better yet, sign up for a free 10-day trial of BuildBook and use a project template to create your entire schedule in less than 3 minutes. With drag-and-drop simplicity, BuildBook's construction scheduling software allows you to create and customize your schedule to fit your project in less time than it takes to open Excel.

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