How Much Does Trex Decking Cost?​

Last Updated on October 14, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

As the leading composite decking brand, a Trex deck delivers unrivaled beauty, durability, and low maintenance. But high-performance materials come at a premium price. This comprehensive guide examines Trex decking costs, comparisons to wood, installation considerations, and tips to keep your Trex project within budget.

Article Highlights

• Trex costs $4 – $12 per linear foot, $15 – $35 per sq. foot installed
• Higher upfront cost than wood but lasts 2-3 times longer
• Added stairs, lighting, levels increase costs
• Labor for installation represents significant expense
• Get multiple quotes tailored to your specific project
• Long-term durability and low maintenance provide value

How Much Does Trex Decking Cost?​

Trex offers several product lines that range in price between $4 and $12 per linear foot. Expect to spend between $15 and $35 per square foot installed.

Trex Transcend® – $8 – $12 per linear foot

Top-tier board featuring deep wood grain patterns and unparalleled fade, stain, and scratch resistance.

Trex Enhance® – $5 – $8 per linear foot

Mid-range boards balancing cost and performance. Available in “Basics” and “Naturals” styles.

Trex Select® – $4 – $6 per linear foot

Most affordable Trex option featuring basic colors and grain patterns.

Installed Cost per Square Foot – $15 – $35 per square foot

Materials, labor, and total cost vary based on product line chosen and regional rates.

The average cost of a Trex deck in the United States is approximately $6,000, according to Riverview Decks. A small 144 sq. ft. Trex deck might cost as little as $1,600 for a basic project, or as much as $10,600+ for a high-end project with numerous add-ons. The pricing can vary significantly based on the quality of materials and the complexity of the installation.

As reported by Angi, Trex decking costs generally range from $5 to $12 per square foot for materials, with installation costs adding another $8 to $22 per square foot. The total cost for a 100-square-foot Trex deck can fall between $1,550 and $20,800, with most homeowners averaging around $6,000.

According to an article on Bob Vila, the average cost range to install a Trex composite deck is between $1,600 and $9,600, with an average of about $4,800. Factors influencing these costs include deck size, material type and color, project complexity, and labor rates.

The cost of Trex decking materials alone typically ranges from $5 to $15 per square foot, as noted by HomeGuide. For a standard 12’x12′ Trex deck, homeowners can expect to pay between $6,500 and $10,000, while a larger 20’x20′ deck may cost between $18,000 and $28,000.

In discussions on platforms like Reddit, users have reported quotes ranging from $8,000 to $40,000 for different contractors. The variability in pricing often reflects the complexity of the project and additional features such as railings and framing.

Factors Impacting the Cost

Several considerations affect your final Trex deck price:

Deck Size – Larger deck footprints require more materials, driving costs up.

Design Complexity – Stairs, multi-levels, curves, tile inlays, intricate shapes add expenses.

Accessories – Add-ons like railings, lighting, pergolas elevate the budget.

Labor Rates – Local installer hourly fees typically range $35 – $75. Expert carpenters charge premium rates.

Site Preparation – Demolishing old decks or leveling the ground costs $500 – $2,000+.

Permitting – Some areas require building permits adding $100 – $500 in fees.

DIY vs. Professional Install – Hiring a pro ensures proper construction but adds markup. DIY saves significantly on labor.

Carefully considering these cost factors allows creating an accurate budget estimate tailored to your specific project.

Trex Deck vs Wood

Trex Decking – $15 – $35 per square foot installed

Durable, splinter-free, stain/rot/mold resistant. Virtually no maintenance.

Pressure-Treated Wood- $8 – $18 per square foot installed

Affordable upfront cost but requires re-staining and sealing every 1-3 years. Prone to weathering issues.

Lifespan

Trex lasts 25+ years. Wood decks average 10-15 years before needing full replacement.

While pricier at the outset, Trex decking’s longevity provides better long-term return on investment compared to continual maintenance costs of wood.

You might also like our articles on the cost of a covered deck, pool deck resurfacing, or outdoor furniture shrink-wrapping.

Trex Deck Costs by Size

12′ x 14′ (168 sq. ft.) Trex Deck – $4,000 – $7,000

Compact size perfect for a starter deck.

20′ x 20′ (400 sq. ft.) Trex Deck – $8,000 – $16,000

Covers most medium backyard spaces with room for seating and dining areas.

30′ x 20′ (600 sq. ft.) Trex Deck – $12,000 – $25,000+

Large deck with room for multi-level tiers, intricate shapes, and abundant amenities.

Actual costs vary based on the specific Trex line, customization, site conditions, and labor. Obtain quotes tailored to your project.

Trex Deck Installation Process

Design and Permits – 1-2 weeks for design finalization, permit applications, and approvals if required locally.

Deck Construction – 1-2 weeks for small decks. Up to 4 weeks for intricate large designs.

Inspections – 1 day for local building code inspections if permits were pulled.

Reputable Trex pros handle permitting, construction, clean up, and inspections for seamless start-to-finish project management.

Maintenance Costs and Warranty

Annual Maintenance – $0 – $100

Trex requires only periodic cleaning and resealing – no staining, painting, or refinishing required.

25-Year Limited Residential Warranty

Covers staining, fading and material defects. Provides peace of mind for decades.

The combination of minimized maintenance and robust warranties makes Trex a sound long-term investment.

Real-World Trex Deck Cost Examples

270 sq. ft. Trex Select Deck

Trex Boards: $1,350
Railing: $700
Lighting: $400
Labor: $1,800
Total Cost: $4,250

650 sq. ft. Trex Transcend Deck

Trex Boards: $5,200
Railing: $2,600
Multi-Level Steps: $1,500
Labor: $4,500
Total Cost: $13,800

Material and labor costs add up for larger, more customized decks. Get quotes tailored to your project specifics.

Expert Tips

We asked deck construction pros for their top cost-saving recommendations:

“For DIYers, properly plan and efficiently use materials to avoid wasteful over-purchasing.” – Andrew Garcia, Coastal Decks

“Opt for simple post and rail railing over ornate cable systems to avoid a premium upcharge.” – James Chang, Chang Deck Building

“Choose smaller-scale lighting systems vs. elaborate custom lighting layouts.” – Justin Maeda, Maeda Deck Design

“Consider Trex Select for cost savings on materials if Transcend or Enhance are over budget.” – Brandon Davis, Deck Construction Expert

“Research local Trex dealers for occasional discount sales bundles on decking boards and railing.” – Wendy Lee, Outdoor Living Enthusiast

With strategic planning and design choices, you can build your dream Trex deck while staying within budget constraints.

Answers to Common Questions

Does Trex decking require any special tools to install?

Normal carpentry tools will suffice. Trex also offers a specialized router bit for easiest installation.

What is the warranty coverage on Trex decking?

Trex offers a 25-year limited residential warranty covering staining, fading, and manufacturing defects.

How long does Trex decking last compared to wood?

Trex lasts 25+ years with minimal upkeep, 2-3 times longer than typical wood decking.

Is Trex decking cheaper than wood over the long run?

The higher upfront cost of Trex is offset by avoiding continual wood staining, sealing, repairs, and eventual full deck replacement.

Does Trex get hot in sunny weather?

Trex composite regulates temperature better than wood. It’s cooler than wood on hot sunny days.

Should You Hire a Deck Professional or Do It Yourself?

Hiring a Professional

• Handles permitting/approvals
• Skilled construction for safety and code compliance
• Manages entire project seamlessly
• Moreexpensive $3,000-$6,000+ for labor

DIY Installation

• Costs for only Trex supplies without labor markup
• Watch Trex YouTube tutorials for guidance
• Plan thoroughly to avoid overbuying materials
• Know your DIY skill limits

For most homeowners, professional installation brings peace of mind. But DIY can save substantially if done properly.

How Much Do Railings Cost for a Trex Deck?

On average, plan on the following railing costs for a Trex deck:

Post Railings

• Materials: $18 – $25 per linear foot
• Installation: $25 – $35 per linear foot
• Total cost: $45 – $60 per linear foot

Aluminum Cable Railings

• Materials: $45 – $55 per linear foot
• Installation: $25 – $35 per linear foot
• Total cost: $70 – $90+ per linear foot

Simple post/rail railing offers an affordable yet attractive option compared to premium cable infill designs.

Pros and Cons of Trex Decking

While superior in many ways, Trex decking also has some downsides:

Pros

• Gorgeous, natural wood-like appearance
• Extreme durability and weather resistance
• Minimal required maintenance
• 25-year stain and fade warranty

Cons

• More expensive upfront cost than pressure-treated wood
• Hotter underfoot than wood in peak sun
• Can show scratches over time without care
• Color matching with repairs can be tricky

The pros of beauty, longevity, and low maintenance outweigh the cons for most homeowners.

Trex Decking vs TimberTech

Trex and TimberTech represent leading composite decking brands:

Pricing

Similar pricing tiers based on product lines. Both premium composite choices.

Appearance

Trex offers more realistic hardwood grain patterns. TimberTech has slightly glossier finish.

Durability Testing

Both boast excellent fade, stain, scratch, and impact resistance testing.

Colors

More traditional wood tones offered by Trex. TimberTech has tropical shades.

Warranties

Trex and TimberTech provide 25-year staining and fading coverage.

Both deliver quality aesthetics, low maintenance, durability, and warranties. Come down to personal style preference.

Trex Transcend Vs. Enhance Boards

Trex Transcend

• Deeper wood grain pattern
• Extreme fade/stain/scratch resistance
• $2 – $4 per linear foot premium

Trex Enhance

• More limited colors/grain options
• Resists fading/stains but scratches easier
• Costs $1 – $2 less per linear foot

For lightly trafficked, partially covered decks on budgets, Enhance boards make sense. For open sun applications prioritizing luxury aesthetics, Transcend is worth the small upcharge.