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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Trex Extras

Don’t forget to consider adding complementary Trex features and accessories to your deck. Check out these common Trex extras:

• Trex Outdoor Lighting: $11–$104

• Trex Pergola: Starting at $8,840

• Trex Pergola + ShadeTree Canopy: Starting at $8,600

• Trex Lattice: $195–$960 per lattice

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 Advantages

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.