
If you’re updating a deck or staircase with a modern railing, you may be wondering how much cable railing costs. We dive into the cost factors you need to know.
Trex® decking costs around $6,000 to install, on average, and prices often fall between $1,850 and $9,600.
Trex decking costs $20 to $62 per square foot, including labor.
The price depends on the type of Trex decking, the size of the deck, installation complexity, additional features, and more.
Professionals can do the job safely and efficiently, but DIYers with moderate experience might install Trex decking themselves, as long as they have a suitable substructure.
Trex decking is a leading brand of composite decking material that requires little maintenance. A 100-square-foot Trex deck can cost anywhere from $1,550 and $20,800, with homeowners paying an average of $6,000. The price often breaks down to $20 to $62 per square foot, including labor. 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 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 warranty, protecting you from material defects or fading.
As a durable option, Trex Signature® has photorealistic woodgrain for a visually appealing deck. It comes in multiple color choices, and homeowners receive a 50-year limited residential warranty. You can expect to pay $14 to $16 per square foot.
If your deck gets warm in the summer sun, Trex Transcend Lineage ® might be a good option. It has heat-mitigating technology for a cooling effect. As for appearance, this type of Trex comes in seven colors and has a linear grain pattern. The cost is around $12 to $14 per square foot. It also comes with a 50-year limited residential warranty.
Trex Transcend® costs $10 to $12 per square foot. Its six rich colors and grain pattern are inspired by the appearance of natural wood. The surface resists scuffs and scratches, and it’s made of reclaimed sawdust and 95% recycled plastic film. Homeowners will enjoy a 50-year limited residential warranty for this Trex decking type.
With the appearance of real wood, Trex Select® costs $7 to $9 per square foot and has a 35-year limited residential warranty. The surface resists fading and staining, and it comes in five color options.
Trex Enhance® decking costs $5 to $7 per square foot. It’s lightweight, thanks to scalloped boards, and comes in seven color options. Heat-mitigating technology keeps the Trex Enhance® decking cooler than other composite options, though it still gets hot in the sun. Expect a 25-year limited residential warranty with this product.
Decking Type | Average Material Cost (Per Square Foot) |
---|---|
Signature | $14–$16 |
Transcend Lineage | $12–$14 |
Transcend | $10–$12 |
Select | $7–$9 |
Enhance | $5–$7 |
Your deck size affects your project costs more than any other factor. Smaller decks (100 to 200 square feet) work for setting up a small lounge area to enjoy your yard. However, if you plan to invite guests 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 $16 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 Size in Feet | Square Footage | Materials Cost |
---|---|---|
14 x 20 | 280 | $1,400–$3,360 |
16 x 20 | 320 | $1,600–$3,840 |
20 x 20 | 400 | $2,000–$4,800 |
When installing Trex decking, the design and complexity also impact the final cost. For example, simple designs (such as rectangles and squares) are more cost-effective than complex designs with curves, angles, and patterns. That’s because complicated designs require more labor time and material waste.
Another consideration is the number of levels. Naturally, a single-level deck will be the least expensive to build, especially if it’s level to the ground. Adding stairs or additional levels will automatically raise your labor and material costs.
Extra features—including railings, lighting, built-in seating, drainage systems, and more—will also cost more money.
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.
If you need to build framing under your deck, budget $10 to $15 per square foot.
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.
Trex decking stairs cost between $20 and $50 per square foot, depending on the complexity, height, and number of stairs.
Don’t forget to consider adding complementary Trex features and accessories to your deck. Check out these common Trex decking extras:
Deck Add-On | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
Trex Outdoor Lighting | $15–$110 |
Trex Pergola | $5,500+ |
Trex Pergola + ShadeTree Canopy | $8,600+ |
Trex Lattice | $195–$960 each |
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.
Adding a Trex Pergola™ to your deck starts at about $5,500. You can choose from a wide range of colors and styles, and your final cost will depend on the size and design you select.
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.
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.
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.
If accessing your backyard is challenging, it may raise the cost of labor. Building on a slope versus flat land 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.
Labor costs for building Trex decking range from $8 to $22 per square foot. The complexity of your build, accessibility of the space, and cost of living in your area will all contribute to the price.
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 project takes around a week to complete, though your final timeline varies based on the size and style of your deck.
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.
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 |
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 can increase the value of your home. The long-term benefits are appealing to potential buyers, and they include the following:
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.
Building a deck is a worthwhile home improvement project that's highly likely to offer you an impressive return on investment. Remodeling by JLC's 2023 Cost Value Report found that wooden decks offer a 52.4% ROI on average, and composite decks offer a 39.8% ROI nationally.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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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.
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