Written by

Sarah Noel

October 12, 2023

Edited by

Kristen Cramer

Fact-checked by

Tara Farmer

Trex decking cost

Trex decking costs $45 to $70 per square foot installed, including framing. The cost to build a new 12'x12' Trex deck is $6,500 to $10,000. The cost of a 20'x20' Trex deck is $18,000 to $28,000. Trex decking prices are $5 to $15 per square foot for the boards alone.

Cost of a Trex deck by type

The following table shows the cost of Trex decking by type:

Enhance

Trex Enhance®️ decking costs $45 to $50 per square foot installed, including the subfloor. Material prices for the decking alone are $5 to $7 per square foot. This model is the most affordable Trex decking option and comes in 7 colors.

• The Trex Enhance®️ Naturals line has the most common light to medium brown colors with an authentic woodgrain print for a rustic look.

• The Trex Enhance®️ Basics line has medium to dark brown tones with a uniform appearance suited for modern decks.

• Trex Enhance®️ has the lowest scratch resistance of all the Trex models.

Select

Trex Select®️ decking costs $55 to $60 per square foot installed, including the substructure. Material prices for the decking alone are $9 to $10 per square foot. Trex Select®️ decking is the middle-tier choice with a selection of 5 natural monotone colors.

• Trex Select®️ provides greater stain and fade resistance than Trex Enhance®️.

• These thinner boards make Select®️ easier and quicker to install, reducing labor costs.

• This Trex model is the most DIY-friendly option.

Transcend

Trex Transcend®️ decking costs $65 to $70 per square foot installed, including the substructure. Material prices for the decking alone are $13 to $15 per square foot. Trex Transcend®️ is the highest quality model offering the most durability and superior resistance to fading and staining.

• This model comes in 6 different types of tropical-wood-grain patterns and colors.

• Trex Transcend®️ has the highest scratch resistance of all their models.

Trex decking cost calculator

The labor cost to install Trex decking is $27 to $42 per square foot. Labor costs more for these composite decks than wooden decks since the materials require precise assembly with special parts.

Cost factors include:

• Capped vs. uncapped – Newer Trex capped composites have an outer layer for better elemental resistance, making them more expensive than early generation uncapped decking.

• Posts – In colder climates, contractors charge more to install concrete footers at a greater depth below the frost line so the deck won't become uneven.

• Design – Color, texture, and pattern impact the project cost. Basic colors are cheapest while complex designs and wood-like textures cost the most.

• Prep work – The cost to level a yard is $500 to $1,000 on average.

• Ground-level deck drainage – A drainage system installation costs $1,000 to $4,000 minimum. This yard drainage protects the deck supports from water damages.

• Fastener type – Hidden fastener parts offer a cleaner look but increase installation time and cost. Traditional fasteners are cost-effective and quick, but they remain visible.

• Elevated deck drainage – An under-deck drainage and downspout system built into the underside of a second-story deck will cost more.

• Gravel base – Pea gravel costs $0.85 to $2.80 per square foot delivered and installed. Gravel assists in natural rainwater drainage.

• Railing – Adding a deck railing costs $20 to $60 per linear foot for wood or vinyl.

• Stairs – Installing deck stairs will cost $20 to $30 per linear foot, plus $80 to $160 for the concrete stairway footing.

• Geographic location – Labor costs more in urban areas than in rural or lower-cost regions.

• Permits – A permit costs $50 to $150, depending on the deck size and local building codes.

• Design – A structural engineer costs $100 to $220 hourly for labor on a site assessment and creating designs for a complex second-story deck.

Trex decking add-on prices

Trex offers their own patented add-ons like railings, stairs, lighting, RainEscape®️ under-deck drainage, fencing, and pergolas. Find a local contractor for these extra features and customizations:

• Outdoor lighting costs $80 to $300 per fixture.

• The cost to install an outdoor outlet is $180 to $350.

• Ceiling fan installation costs $150 to $400 per unit.

• An outdoor fireplace costs $1,500 to $9,000. Review local building codes to verify the design meets fire safety standards.

• Awning installation costs $200 to $6,000 for a seasonal or retractable cover.

• A stone walkway costs $16 to $35 per square foot.

• A concrete sidewalk costs $7 to $17 per square foot.

• An outdoor kitchen costs $3,000 to $10,000 installed for a built-in outdoor BBQ island.

• A hot tub costs $3,000 to $10,000 for above-ground models.

• Hot tub installation costs $150 to $500.

• The cost to cover a deck is $10 to $60 per square foot, depending on the roofing type.

• Building a gazebo costs $4,300 to $10,000 to add a permanent deck cover.

• A prefabricated pergola costs $1,450 to $5,570 installed for partial shade.

• A landscaper costs $50 to $100 per hour for general customizations.

• Built-in wooden bench seating costs $1,000 to $1,500 depending on the size.

• Outdoor furniture costs $500 to $1,500 per set.

Other composite decking brands

The following table shows alternative composite decking brands for comparison:

Trex vs. wood decking

Trex composite decking costs 40% to 80% more to install than a wooden deck. The cost to build a wooden deck is $25 to $50 per square foot total. However, composite decking outlasts many types of wood.

Trex decking FAQs

What is Trex decking?

Trex decking is a composite decking material made from reclaimed wood, plastic, and sawdust that mimics the look of natural wood. This popular deck material is heavier than most types of lumber and has a high aesthetic appeal.

The Trex brand has a good reputation since they were the first company to make composite decking.

Is Trex decking worth the cost?

Trex is worth the cost if you want a highly durable deck that's very low maintenance. A Trex composite deck resists staining, scratching, fading, warping, rotting, and won't encourage mold growth.

How long does Trex decking last?

A well-constructed Trex deck lasts 25 to 50 years or longer, depending on the maintenance, local climate, and the amount of wear and tear.

How long does it take to install Trex decking?

Installing Trex decking takes a few days to one week minimum for the construction, not including the site prep time or permit processing. A design of 300 square feet or larger and those attached to a second story can take 2 to 4 weeks to build.

Is Trex decking slippery when wet?

Trex decking can be slippery when wet. You can improve traction on the surface by ordering a Trex model with a well-defined wood grain pattern. Alternatively, ask the contractor if they can add a layer of grit paint or stair treads for more anti-slip protection.

Does Trex get hot in the sun?

Trex decking gets hot in direct sunlight. However, the Trex Transcend Lineage model stays cooler than most other composite brands with similar colors. Choose lighter colors for hotter climates to keep your deck cooler.

How do you care for Trex decking?

Clean Trex decking by using a composite cleaner or soap with hot water and a soft brush. Avoid pressure washing the early generation Trex decks. You can only pressure wash high-performance decking (Trex Transcend®️, Trex Enhance®️ and Trex Select®️) at a setting of less than 3100 psi.

Cleaning is important just after installation and then semi-annually, preferably in spring or autumn.

Can you paint or stain Trex decking?

While you can paint or stain early generation Trex decking with oil-based exterior paint products, you should follow the manufacturer's instructions to prevent voiding the warranty. Trex Accents®️, Origins®️, and Trex Designer®️ models with traditional railing are the paintable types.

Getting estimates from deck builders

Before hiring a deck builder near you, be sure to:

• Compare 3+ bids from licensed, bonded, and insured deck contractors.

• Ask if they have certifications like:

  • Credentials from the deck vendor or manufacturer

  • A state contractor's license

  • Membership in The North American Deck and Railing Association

• Request a list of references from past clients.

• Ask your neighbors or a local home improvement store for deck specialists.

• Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

• Beware of the cheapest bid that can indicate low-quality building results.

Questions to ask

Ask the following questions when hiring a company to install Trex composite decking:

• How many years have you been installing Trex decks?

• Can you show references or pictures of past decking projects?

• Do you have deck color samples so I can see if it matches my house?

• What design suggestions do you have for my Trex deck?

• How deep will the footers need to be?

• Which unexpected costs are common beyond the initial quote?

• How do you manage extra expenses if they come up?

• Why do you specifically recommend Trex decking?

• Is there a manufacturer's warranty on the materials?

• When do you plan to start, and how long will installation take?

• Who should I communicate with during the project, and how large is your team?

• What's the payment breakdown, and how much is the deposit?

• Do you offer a guarantee on your deck installation?

• Who arranges necessary permits?

• Is the quote all-inclusive for labor, materials, deliveries, and cleanup?

• How do you handle debris removal?

• Are all your subcontractors certified and insured?