Here's How Much It'll Cost You to Install Trex Decking

Jenna Jonaitis
Written by Jenna Jonaitis
Updated November 12, 2021
Home deck and patio with outdoor furniture and BBQ
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The average cost to install Trex decking is $4,800

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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. Trex decking is a leading brand of composite decking materials that require little maintenance. Depending on square feet and extra features, Trex decking projects typically cost between $1,600 to $9,600

Learn more about Trex deck pricing to see if it's the right deck material for you.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Trex Decking Per Square Foot?

Depending on the series and color, Trex decking costs $5 to $12 per square foot, plus another $5 to $15 per square foot for installation. For a complete Trex deck—including framing, decking, railings, and stairs—budget $20 to $62 per square foot.

How Much Trex Decking Can I Get on My Budget?

You can design a beautiful, easy-to-maintain deck on a variety of budgets with Trex decking. Here are estimates of what you can do with your budget, depending on the deck’s size and features.

$2,000

Design and install a Trex Enhance deck of 125 to 150 square feet without railings or a long staircase.

$6,000

For this budget, you'll have enough for 300 square feet of Trex Enhance or Select decking plus a few stairs.

$10,000

You’ll be able to install Trex Select decking with railings and stairs with a total deck size of 300 to 400 square feet.

$14,000

Create a 300 to 400 square foot deck with railings and stairs made of Trex Select or Trex Enhance.

$18,000

Install a 400 square feet deck made of Trex Transcend, complete with perimeter railings and at least one staircase.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Trex Decking Yourself?

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, and that usually requires 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.

Trex Decking Cost Breakdown

Project costs include nearly equal material and labor costs, but you’ll need to budget more for materials if you want stairs, seating, or railings.

Framing

If you need to build framing under your deck, budget for $10 to $15 per square foot.

Trex Decking Material

Depending on the type of Trex decking you choose, plan on $5 to $15 per square foot for the boards alone. Trex Select and Enhance run $5 to $9 per square foot, while Trex Transcend runs from $10 to $12 per square foot.

Labor Costs

The complexity of your yard, difficulty accessing the space, and cost of labor in your area all contribute to the labor cost, ranging from $5 to $15 per square foot. If you need framing, stairs, and railings, you could spend anywhere from $15 to $35 per square foot on installation labor.

Rails

Adding a railing perimeter around your deck or lining a staircase with a railing can cost between $20 to $60 per linear foot, based on the number of posts you include.

Stairs

Trex decking stairs usually cost between $20 and $50 per square foot, depending on the complexity, height, and number of stairs.

Extras

Built-in seating ranges from $20 to $62 per square foot. If you want to add a feature like a pergola, you’re looking at $5,700 to $35,000 or more. Costs depend on style, color, and size.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Trex Decking by Type?

Trex decking comes in a few varieties that range 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 is 0.94 inches thick with a scalloped bottom. It comes in Naturals and Basics styles with a few color options, such as natural wood grain. Costs range from $5 to $7 per square foot.

Trex Select

With thinner boards at 0.82 inches, Trex Select ranges from $7 to $9 per square foot. The Select series offers more color choices than Enhance and is less expensive than Transcend. Select is easier and faster to install, saving on labor costs or making it a better DIY option.

Trex Transcend

Trex Transcend is 0.94 inches thick and comes in a huge selection of colors with optimal long-term performance. It costs $10 to $12 per square foot.

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 and moisture damage.

What Factors Influence the Cost to Install Trex Decking?

Trex decking cost depends mostly on the type of material you choose and whether you need framing, railing, and stairs. Check out the factors most likely to impact your Trex decking project price.

Square Footage

The larger the deck, the more materials you need and the more time and labor it will take to install.

Trex Decking Type

From Trex Enhance to Transcend, board thickness, durability, and style all impact the price.

Railings, Stairs, and Seating

Lining your deck with a railing or adding a long staircase increases the cost of your deck. If you want built-in seating or a pergola, that’ll cost more too.

Labor Costs and Season

The cost of contractors in your area, the season, and their availability all impact installation costs. Check with at least three deck building contractors to get quotes and project timelines.

Difficulty of Space

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.

FAQs about Trex Decking

Should I install Trex decking?

Trex decking offers the following benefits: 

  • Minimal maintenance: It doesn’t need to be painted, stained, or resealed.

  • Easy to clean: Just sweep the surface and gently clean with a sprayer.

  • Recycled materials: The decking is made of 95 percent recycled materials like plastic, wood, and sawdust.

  • Durable: Comes with a 25-year warranty and has 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 initially but will save you money in the long run due to its 25-year longevity and lack of maintenance costs.

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