For a typical 300-square-foot deck, Trex composite decking often costs about $7,500-$13,500 installed, while TimberTech AZEK PVC decking commonly runs $9,000-$16,500. Board line, framing, stairs, demolition, labor rates, and site access can shift either quote substantially.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trex installed deck | $25/sq ft | $35/sq ft | $45/sq ft | Standard framing and straightforward access |
| AZEK PVC installed deck | $30/sq ft | $42/sq ft | $55/sq ft | Varies by collection and design |
| Trex decking boards only | $5/sq ft | $8/sq ft | $12/sq ft | Board prices vary by product tier |
| AZEK decking boards only | $9/sq ft | $12/sq ft | $16/sq ft | PVC boards, excluding installation |
Assumptions: U.S. contractor pricing for a basic ground-level deck, standard colors, no major structural repairs, and ordinary access; local quotes may differ.
What Trex and AZEK Decks Cost Installed
Trex is a wood-plastic composite; AZEK is the PVC decking line sold under the TimberTech brand. For a basic 300-square-foot project, a reasonable planning range is $7,500-$13,500 for Trex and $9,000-$16,500 for AZEK, including common installation labor. More elaborate projects with stairs, railings, or elevated framing can exceed these ranges.
AZEK generally has the higher upfront board price, while total project cost depends just as much on framing and scope. For a 500-square-foot deck, the same basic installed rates imply roughly $12,500-$22,500 for Trex or $15,000-$27,500 for AZEK. These are budgeting estimates, not fixed national prices.
How Boards, Framing, and Labor Shape the Quote
Contractors may quote materials, labor, and job preparation separately or as one installed price. The table shows common U.S. estimate ranges; deck height, regional wages, and product selection affect the actual numbers.
| Quote item | Trex range | AZEK range | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck boards | $5-$12/sq ft | $9-$16/sq ft | Decking only, product tier varies |
| Labor | $8-$18/sq ft | $8-$18/sq ft | Installation and standard fastening |
| Subframe and hardware | $5-$12/sq ft | $5-$12/sq ft | Joists, ledger, fasteners, and blocking |
| Railings and stairs | $20-$60/linear ft | $20-$60/linear ft | Design and material determine rate |
| Removal and disposal | $3-$8/sq ft | $3-$8/sq ft | Existing deck removal, when needed |
Labor can be estimated with . A crew rate of $50-$100 per worker-hour is a broad planning benchmark, but many contractors price the completed deck by area or project instead of billing hourly.
Ask each bidder to identify decking, framing, fasteners, railings, demolition, and disposal separately. That makes competing Trex and AZEK estimates easier to compare.
Which Deck Specs Push AZEK Above Trex
Product tier is a major difference: entry-level and midrange Trex boards can cost less than capped or premium options, while AZEK PVC often carries a higher material price. Board color, surface texture, fascia, hidden fasteners, and matching trim also affect the materials allowance.
Deck size and shape matter. A simple 12-by-20-foot rectangle uses materials efficiently; angled edges, picture-frame borders, and multiple levels add cuts and installation time. A deck more than 30 inches above grade may require code-compliant guardrails, and staircases add structure and labor beyond the deck’s square-foot area.
Keep the comparison within similar product tiers and specifications. A low-cost Trex quote is not directly comparable to an AZEK quote with premium boards, fascia, and upgraded railings.
Where U.S. Labor Rates Change the Installed Price
Urban markets and high-cost coastal regions can price 10%-25% above a national planning estimate because of wages, overhead, access restrictions, and contractor demand. Smaller towns and rural areas may be 5%-15% below typical metro pricing, though travel charges or limited installer availability can erase that difference.
Season also affects scheduling more than material pricing. Spring and early summer are busy periods in many regions, so a short-notice project may face fewer available crews or a rush charge. Winter work can be less expensive in mild climates, but weather delays and frozen ground can make outdoor construction impractical.
Compare quotes from contractors working in the same local market and using the same project scope. A national per-square-foot average cannot account for local permitting, delivery distance, or difficult yard access.
How Long a 300-Square-Foot Deck Takes to Build
A straightforward deck replacement may take a three-person crew about 3-6 working days after materials arrive. A new build with footings, stairs, railings, or complex borders can take 1-2 weeks, excluding permit review and weather delays. A contractor’s labor allowance should account for removal, framing, decking, finishing, and cleanup.
Extra features can increase labor even when the deck’s square footage stays the same. For example, picture-frame borders or diagonal board layouts require additional measurement and cuts; multiple stair landings and railing sections add separate installation tasks.
Can Trex Save Money Without Cutting Structural Quality
Deck boards are a visible part of the quote, but the supporting frame determines the deck’s structure. If the existing joists and ledger are sound, an inspection may show that the frame can remain, reducing demolition and lumber expense. The contractor should verify spacing and condition against the selected manufacturer’s requirements before reusing it.
To reduce the price, choose a simple rectangular layout, limit decorative borders, and select a Trex tier that meets the project’s appearance and performance needs. Compare standard colors and fastening systems rather than paying for upgrades that do not matter to the design. Do not reduce required joist size, footing depth, or railing safety to lower the bid.
Repair or reuse is only a saving when the existing frame passes a qualified inspection. Replacing damaged framing later can cost more than addressing it during the decking project.
What Three Comparable Deck Quotes Might Include
These examples use basic framing assumptions and illustrate how size and finish can alter totals. They are not manufacturer price lists or guaranteed contractor bids.
| Example | Specifications | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Trex basic build | 300 sq ft, midrange boards, standard frame, no stairs | $9,000-$12,000 |
| AZEK replacement | 300 sq ft, PVC boards, sound frame reused, disposal included | $10,500-$15,000 |
| AZEK raised deck | 400 sq ft, premium boards, new frame, stairs and railing | $18,000-$30,000 |
Request at least three written bids with the same square footage, board tier, framing assumptions, railing length, stair count, and removal scope. A complete scope is the best way to tell whether AZEK’s higher board allowance is driving the difference or whether labor and added construction are responsible.