How Much Does Trex Decking Cost?
Typical Range:
$1,600 - $9,600
Typical Range:
$1,600 - $9,600
Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.
Updated August 2, 2022
Written by HomeAdvisor.Trex decking costs $1,600 to $9,600, averaging about $4,800. That’s $5 to $12 per square foot for just decking boards and $5 to $15 per square foot for installation, for a total of $10 to $27 per square foot. For a complete Trex deck, including framing, decking, rails, and stairs, you can expect to spend $20 to $62 per square foot.
Trex is an innovative composite decking material that serves as a practical alternative to wood. It’s made of 95% recycled materials, like sawdust and discarded plastic bags. Each board has a high-performance shell that protects the core from termites, rotting, warping, or splintering. And since the material never needs staining or painting, it’s virtually maintenance-free. Consider these cost factors as you make a choice.
With materials and installation, building a deck costs $10 to $27 per square foot when using Trex. Remember, though, that this is just for a basic deck and the sub-structure. It does not include stairs, railings, or other add-ons, which can push the price up to $62 per square foot.
Take a look at what you can expect to pay for some common deck sizes:
100 sq. ft.: $1,000 – $2,700
144 sq. ft.: $1,440 – $3,900
300 sq. ft.: $3,000 – $8,100
400 sq. ft.:Square Feet: $4,000 – $10,800
600 sq. ft.: Square Feet: $6,000 – $16,200
Trex decking prices range from $5 to $12 per square foot, depending on the series. Each product features a 25-year limited warranty to help protect against material defects or fading. Your choice depends mostly on your budget and the color selection.
Trex Transcend pricing runs $10 to $12 per square foot. This series features the largest selection of colors and the best long-term performance with 0.94-inch thick solid boards. If you’re looking for an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to exotic hardwoods, this may be a good choice, as it's long-lasting and durable.
Trex Select pricing ranges from $7 to $9 per square foot. This series gives you more color choices than Enhance Basics, but it’s less expensive than Transcend.
Select features slightly thinner boards at 0.82 inches. This design makes a seamless installation quicker and easier. It also means you can’t mix and match with Enhance or Transcend.
Trex Enhance costs $5 to $7 per square foot. This product comes in two styles, Naturals and Basics. Both have a thickness of 0.94 inches, but with a scalloped bottom which reduces weight and price. Naturals offers a mid-grade option with two extra colors and comes in a natural wood grain finish. Basics limits the selection with a more synthetic appearance for as low as $5 per square foot.
Trex accessories like a railing or rain protection add $2 to $10 per square foot. If you want to install a pergola or put in a fence to match your new deck, you can expect to pay up to $35,000 more.
Trex RainEscape costs $2.50 to $4 per square foot, including materials and installation. This is a drainage system that you install below the deck boards to keep the area underneath clean and dry.
Although Trex is a composite wood product, most deck substructures are made of wood. RainEscape protects the substructure, so it’s less likely to rot, increasing the lifespan and durability of your new deck.
Trex railings cost $10 to $20 per square foot of deck space or $20 to $60 per linear foot, depending on the linear feet surrounding the deck perimeter and the number of posts. You can choose from multiple colors to complement your deck. Adding a railing increases safety, particularly for multi-level and multi-story decks. Plus, it creates a visual divide between the deck and the rest of the yard.
Trex fencing costs $55 to $160 per linear foot, including posts, fence panels, and labor. If you want to install expensive features like a double-open gate, plan to pay on the higher end.
A Trex Pergola costs $5,700 to $35,000 or more. The total depends on style and size. Trex has a wide range of styles and colors to choose from. They’ll build a custom deck for you.
Aside from the size of your deck and the Trex product you choose, other factors influence the cost of your decking project.
Labor for Trex decking installation generally costs $5 to $15 per square foot. How much you'll pay depends on where you live, the difficulty of the installation, how much prep work needs to happen before substructure installation, and how accessible the site is.
A building permit for installing a deck can run anywhere from $200 to $1,000. That cost will increase if you plan to run gas or electric lines to the deck. Check with your local decking installer, who should be familiar with permitting regulations in your area.
However, it's not always necessary to obtain a permit for a single-level deck, but you'd need to check the regulations in your locale. A multi-level or multi-story deck is much more likely to require a permit.
Deck stairs cost anywhere from $25 to $50 per stair. For a prefabricated Trex staircase of eight to 16 steps, expect to pay between $200 and $800.
Trex decking costs range from $5 to $12 per square foot, compared to $3 to $7 or more per square foot for commonly used wood planks. Pressure-treated wood might cost another $1 to $3 per square foot. You’ll also average $400 per year on maintenance on most wood decks between cleaning, painting and staining.
Comparing wood to composite decking like Trex, you'll notice that standard wooden decking costs less than composite. Composite is usually a more environmentally friendly option, too, as it contains at least a portion of recycled material that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Trex is also rot- and mildew-resistant, and it won't warp, so you're less likely to have to cover deck repair costs.
Trex | Wood | |
---|---|---|
Price Per Square Foot | $5 –$12 | $3 – $7+ |
Lifespan | 25+ years | 5 – 20 years |
Upkeep | Low | High |
Manufacturers create Trex boards for easy DIY installation, but that doesn’t mean anyone can do it. A deck needs a substructure that can support weight without shifting, and installing one usually requires a professional. When you’re ready to contact composite decking contractors near you, plan to:
Read ratings and reviews.
Get an in-person consultation, in case your yard needs extra work.
Request estimates from at least three pros.
TimberTech costs about $1 to $3 per square foot more than Trex. TimberTech is a composite wood decking product that features a longer warranty.
Trex deck boards are waterproof, but the substructure underneath may absorb water.
Trex decking usually just needs sweeping or minor cleaning with a sprayer. Since it’s waterproof, there’s no need to pay the cost to seal a deck, which ranges from $600 to $1,300 for wood boards.