Don’t underestimate this popular composite decking option
Trex decking costs between $2.20 and $8.50 per linear foot.
Trex is a popular brand of composite decking, meaning it’s made from both natural and synthetic materials.
There are five main types of Trex decking, each at its own price: Trex Enhance, Trex Select, Trex Transcend, and Trex Transcend Lineage, and Trex Signature.
If you’re preparing to build a deck, you’ve likely come across the term Trex and wondered, what is Trex decking? Composite decking like Trex gives you wood deck vibes without the hassle and expense required to maintain it. If you’ve been considering Trex decking, keep reading. This guide explains everything you need to know about Trex decks: benefits, drawbacks, and whether the popular composite brand is right for your home.
Trex decking refers to a brand of composite decking. Composite is a type of decking that’s made of both wood and non-organic material, like plastic. Visually, composite closely resembles wood, but there are few upgrades with Trex composite decking.
As a composite option, Trex decking lasts longer than standard wood, and it requires less maintenance. Decreased maintenance requirements mean long-term cost savings, so you may be able to splurge on a more luxurious type of Trex decking upfront.
Trex advertises its decking as "high-performance" and "eco-friendly" and claims that the material will maintain its color even after years of exposure to elements. Additionally, Trex can be made to mimic different kinds of wood, such as cedar or redwood. So, whether you want the classic wood look or a more modern appearance, there’s a Trex decking option for you.
The cost to install Trex decking falls between $1,600 and $9,600, with the average price of $4,800. The cost depends on the Trex series and color, linear footage, and extra features. You can expect to budget $2.20 to $8.50 per linear foot for Trex decking. Prices will vary based on the tier of decking you choose.
Trex offers five main types of decking, varying in price, durability, and thickness. They’re all stain-, scratch-, and fade-resistant.
Trex Enhance is the lowest-cost option with boards that are 0.94 inches thick. This decking type comes in natural and basic color tones, including a traditional wood grain. The cost ranges from $2.20 per linear foot. Trex Enhance comes with a 25-year fade and stain warranty.
Trex Select is the mid-grade series, and it’s available in earth tone colors. The boards are 0.82 inches thick. The cost is $4 per linear foot, with a 35-year fade and stain warranty. Trex Select tends to be easier and faster to install than Enhance, making it a solid DIY option.
Trex Transcend is the mid-to-high-end option and offers the most durability. The boards are 0.94 inches thick and cost $6.05 per linear foot. You can select from a variety of tropical and earth tone colors. Trex Transcend comes with a 50-year limited residential fade and stain warranty.
Trex Transcend Lineage is a high-end option that boasts heat-mitigating technology. The boards are .94 inches thick and come with either square or grooved edges. This newest option in the Trex decking family has a 50-year limited residential warranty and costs an average of $6.50 per linear foot.
If you want the top-of-the-line luxury option, Signature is your tier. Trex Signature boards are .94 inches thick and come in two signature colors. This indulgent option costs $8.50 per linear foot and has a 50-year limited residential warranty.
To add style and function to your outdoor space, Trex offers a range of add-ons and accessories for your deck. You can match the colors and style exactly or build in contrast.
Trex carries products such as:
Outdoor lighting
Outdoor kitchen cabinets
Pergola
Lattice
Trex makes a strong case for its composite materials as an alternative to wood, with three main benefits standing out.
One main benefit of Trex, and any other composite decking, is increased durability. All you need is soap and water to keep the boards looking brand-new. So while you will pay more upfront to install Trex (more on this below), you may recoup those costs when considering how much it costs to repair or replace a regular wood deck.
While a standard wood deck eventually succumbs to the weather, Trex decking lasts for a very long time, more than 25 years. By comparison, a wood deck typically lasts 10 to 15 years. Trex decking won’t rot or warp as easily as wood, and you won’t need to paint or stain the material either. It’s also resistant to termites and damage from the elements. Like most decks, the Trex decking weight limit is approximately 40 pounds per square foot.
Composite wood is typically built from a blend of wood, plastic, and additives. However, Trex claims that they have "never felled a single tree," and that 95% of the materials used to make it are recycled. It’s an eco-friendly solution for homeowners concerned about their environmental footprint.
Whether you have a coastal home or a rustic cabin, Trex flooring can match and enhance your backyard aesthetic. Available in over 20 deck colors, including natural wood grain and tropical tones, Trex gives you versatility in your design.
All Trex decking is backed by at least a 25-year residential fade and stain warranty, and in some cases, the warranty extends to 50 years. The warranty gives you confidence while shopping and ensures your investment is protected.
Trex comes with hidden fasteners so nails and screws aren’t noticeable on your deck’s surface. You won’t need any special tools to install them either—only a power screwdriver.
Although Trex can claim some advantages, there are some drawbacks interested buyers must consider before installing.
Lumber can be purchased for much less than the upfront cost of Trex decking. Though the decreased maintenance costs of Trex will even out the price in the long run, this is an important downside for people with smaller budgets.
Composite decking tries its best to mimic the look of wood, but it will never be an exact match. Homeowners who crave that authentic wood look and feel may find composites too polished and refined for their tastes.
While all deck boards, even wood, get hot in the sun, composite decking tends to transfer heat more quickly. If you live in a sunny area, consider installing a lighter color of Trex flooring to mitigate hot surfaces.
While Trex decking doesn’t require you to stain it every few years like wood decks, you will need to perform regular deck maintenance to keep it clean to prevent mold and mildew. Keep an eye on tree-covered areas, as they tend to stay wet longer.
If a Trex board gets damaged, it’s difficult to repair without a Trex kit, and you may need to replace the deck board altogether. You’ll need to find the exact color and style of Trex so the new board doesn’t stick out like an eyesore. For this reason, it’s best to buy a few extra boards when you install your deck, so replacements are available should anything occur.
Trex decking is great for building a range of deck styles. It holds up especially well in climates with lots of rain and snow.
Here are the types of projects you can build with Trex decking:
Attached or detached deck
Multi-tier deck
Pool, hot tub, or sauna deck
Side deck
Entryway deck
Custom deck
Outdoor benches
Planters and shelves
Deciding whether Trex decking—or any composite material—is worth the higher upfront price depends on your priorities. Here are a few things you should consider before making a decision.
Are you ok with the look and feel of composite decking? Are you a wood purist who would be disappointed with anything other than authentic wood boards, or does composite work? Rich colors and textured graining can go a long way in making Trex boards look the part, but you’ll need to study samples to be sure.
How important is the price? Are you more interested in long-term savings, or will upfront costs sway your decision? Trex offers low-maintenance decks at a premium price, so you’ll have to decide which feature is more important.
How handy are you? Weekends are valuable. While some people love to take on projects in their spare time, others want to kick up their feet and use the deck as intended. If staining your wood deck boards ignites more fear than joy, composite deck options might be your best bet.
If you're thinking about Trex decking, why not let a professional weigh in? A professional deck builder near you can inspect the site, consult with you on the best materials to use, and provide a quote. Ask their opinion on Trex and their experience with installing the material. Chatting with a knowledgeable contractor will help you design a deck you can enjoy for years (maybe even decades) to come.
D.P. Taylor contributed to this piece.
Trex is a sustainable deck material made of 95% recycled materials including plastic, reclaimed wood, and sawdust. In addition, Trex decking uses recycled plastic from household items, such as grocery bags, dry cleaner bags, and the plastic packaging of toilet paper and paper towels. With a combination of the wood fibers and plastic film, Trex forms a strong, durable material.
Trex is not stronger than wood, but it lasts longer than wood and is heavier. Trex holds up well to the elements and is resistant to termites thanks to its resilient composition of plastic, reclaimed wood, and sawdust. Trex decking is rot and warp-resistant, making it especially useful in areas that experience a lot of snow and rain.
Trex decking can get slippery in certain areas when wet, similar to wood decking. Rain, snow, and sleet can all make the surface slippery. You can install non-slip treads to prevent slipping, such as near doorways and on stair treads. You can find non-slip treads that coordinate with the color of your Trex deck.
