Here's How Much Installing Trex Decking Costs [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,850 - $9,600
Trex® decking costs around $6,000 to install, on average, and prices fall between $1,550 and $20,800.
Trex decking is a leading brand of composite decking materials that require little maintenance. A 100-square-foot Trex deck can cost between $1,550 and $20,800 based on $20 to $62 per square foot costs, including labor. Most homeowners pay an average of $6,000.
If you're finally ready to tackle that deck project and extend your outdoor living space so you can host the next family reunion or graduation party, Trex decking might be a great fit.
- Average
- $6,000
- Low end
- $1,550
- high end
- $20,800
Trex Decking Cost by Type
Trex decking comes in several varieties, ranging in color, longevity, durability, and thickness. Here’s a breakdown of Trex decking cost by type. Each product carries a 25-year limited warranty, protecting you from material defects or fading.
Trex Enhance
Trex Enhance® decking ranges from $5 to $7 per square foot. This decking is 0.94 inches thick with a scalloped bottom and has superior scratch resistance over Trex Select decking boards. Boards come in Natural and Basic styles, with deep wood grains for a more natural look.
Trex Select
Trex Select® ranges from $7 to $9 per square foot. Boards are 0.82 inches thick and have the lowest level of scratch resistance offered by Trex. Due to its thinner boards, Select is easier and faster to install, saving on labor costs and making it the most DIY-friendly choice. The Select series offers more color choices than Enhance and is less expensive than Transcend.
Trex Transcend
Trex Transcend® costs $10 to $12 per square foot and features the best quality Trex has to offer. It is 0.94 inches thick and features the best scratch resistance of the three. It also has the most robust selection of colors and style options.
Trex RainEscape
Trex RainEscape® is a drainage system that you can install below your boards to keep your deck clean and dry. It costs $2.50 to $4 per square foot and helps protect your substructure from rot.
| Decking Type | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Enhance | $5–$7 |
| Select | $7–$9 |
| Transcend | $10–$12 |
| RainEscape | $2.50–$4 |
Size of Deck
Deciding on your deck size is a big decision because it affects your project costs more than any other factor. Smaller decks around 100 to 200 square feet work great for setting up a small lounging area to enjoy your yard. However, if you want to invite lots of friends and family for regular barbecues, you’ll need a larger deck. On average, decks are 300 to 400 square feet, which can fit a table with six seats and a separate seating area.
Trex decking costs $5 to $12 per square foot, depending on the series and color, plus another $8 to $22 per square foot for installation. For a complete Trex deck—including framing, decking, railings, and stairs—budget for $20 to $62 per square foot.
Deck Builder Costs
The complexity of your build, difficulty accessing the space, and cost of living in your area will all contribute to the labor cost, ranging from $8 to $22 per square foot. A deck builder can replace boards with Trex decking on an existing deck frame in as little as one to three days. Since this is the simplest type of build, you can expect labor costs to stay on the lower end.
On the other hand, If you need framing, stairs, and railings, you could spend anywhere from $15 to $35 per square foot on installation labor. This takes around a week to complete, though your final project timeline varies based on the size and style of your deck.
Additional Costs to Consider
A deck isn’t complete without finishing touches like stairs, railings, and more. Here are the additional costs to consider when planning your new Trex deck.
Framing
If you need to build framing under your deck, budget for $10 to $15 per square foot.
Rails
Adding a railing perimeter around your deck or lining a staircase with a railing can cost between $20 and $60 per linear foot, based on the number of posts you include.
Stairs
Trex decking stairs cost between $20 and $50 per square foot, depending on the complexity, height, and number of stairs.
Trex Extras
Don’t forget to consider adding complementary Trex features and accessories to your deck. Check out these common Trex extras.
| Deck Add-On | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Trex Outdoor Lighting | $15–$110 |
| Trex Pergola | $8,840+ |
| Trex Pergola + ShadeTree Canopy | $8,600+ |
| Trex Lattice | $195–$960 each |
Trex Outdoor Lighting
Adding outdoor lighting to your Trex deck costs between $15 and $110. To beautifully illuminate your deck after dark, you can go for string lights, cafe-style lights, solar LED lanterns, or a few statement lamps.
Trex Pergola
Adding a Trex Pergola™ to your deck starts at about $8,840. You can choose from a wide range of colors and styles, and your final cost will depend on the size and material you select.
Trex Pergola and ShadeTree Canopy
Starting at $8,600, the Trex Pergola and ShadeTree Canopy offers a customizable, retractable fabric shelter from the sun and drizzle. The canopy system is easy to install and maintain and comes in standard sizes and unique shapes. You can add lighting, curtains, and heaters to create a cozy, covered area on your Trex deck.
Trex Lattice
Adding a Trex Lattice costs between $195 and $960 per lattice. Again, your final cost depends on the size and style of the lattice you choose.
Season
While it may seem like a no-brainer to install Trex decking during the warm-weather months, the heightened demand for contractors due to seasonality will likely increase the project cost. Plus, it may be more difficult to source the necessary materials during the busy season, extending your project’s timeline. Instead, consider purchasing and installing Trex decking during the fall or winter months.
Accessibility
If it’s challenging to access your backyard, it may raise the cost of labor. If you're building on a slope versus flat land, it may also contribute to an increased price. Talk with your contractor about the details of your space to get an accurate estimate so there are no surprises.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
If you’re a moderate or experienced DIYer, you can install Trex decking yourself, but be sure you have a suitable substructure. Your deck framing needs to support the weight without shifting, which requires hiring a professional. You’ll want to avoid spending thousands on a new deck only to have the framing deteriorate.
Consider getting quotes from at least three local deck builders who can build the proper framing and support.
Cost to Install Trex Decking Yourself
Installing your own Trex decking can save you around 65% of the cost of having it done professionally. Trex decking costs $5 to $12 per square foot for materials, plus an additional $10 to $15 per square foot if you need to build framing. If you don’t already have the necessary tools and equipment, budget an additional $500 to $1,000 to cover the costs for items such as personal protective equipment (PPE), a drill, a circular saw, hand tools, and a wheelbarrow.
| DIY Trex Decking | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Trex decking materials | $5–$12 per square foot |
| Framing | $10–$15 per square foot |
| Tools and equipment | $500–$1,000 |
How to Save Money Using Trex Decking
Aside from going the DIY route, there are a few other ways to save money on your Trex decking cost. Here are a few ideas to make your deck build more budget-conscious:
Hire deck builders during the off-season when labor rates are lower.
Opt for Trex Enhance or Select® decking to save on material costs.
Stick to simple square or rectangular shapes over rounded, more complex designs.
Ask your contractor about financing options to make your deck build more affordable.
Trex Decking Advantages
Trex decking offers the following benefits:
Minimal maintenance: Your Trex deck will be low-maintenance and won’t need as much deck upkeep, like painting, staining, and sealing.
Easy to clean: Just sweep the surface and gently clean it with a sprayer.
Recycled materials: The decking is made of 95% recycled materials like plastic, wood, and sawdust.
Durable: It comes with a 25-year warranty and a protective shell to ward against rotting, termites, warping, and splintering.
Large selection of colors and styles: From natural wood grain to a painted look, Trex decking comes in various options.
Trex decking can be slightly more expensive than wood decks, but its 25-year longevity and lack of maintenance costs will save you money in the long run.
Does a Trex Deck Increase Home Value?
Adding a deck is great for entertaining guests during the summer and can increase your home value. The ROI ranges between 60% and 70%, making building a deck one of the better home improvement projects if you plan to sell your home. The investment will also have a higher return if the deck adds square footage to your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trex decking is slippery when wet, but not as slippery as wood decking. If you’re expecting icy or snowy weather and want to use your Trex deck, you can prevent dangerous conditions by applying rock salt (just remember to rinse your deck off with soapy water when the weather clears up). You can also increase traction on your Trex deck stairs by installing aluminum nonslip treads.
Unlike wood decks, Trex decking doesn’t warp. That’s one of the key benefits of installing this decking material. Over time, common issues with these decks include hard water stains, mold or mildew growth, and stains from food spills. Thankfully, with proper cleaning, you can get rid of most stains and mold.
Many outdoor surfaces warm up after direct sun exposure, and Trex decking is one of them. If you live in a hotter climate, consider installing a lighter shade of decking material, as darker colors trap more heat. You can also add a gazebo or canopy to your deck to make the space more comfortable during the summer.