Ipe decking typically costs $20-$40 per sq ft installed, while Trex composite decking usually costs $15-$35 per sq ft. For a 300-sq-ft deck, that puts many projects around $6,000-$12,000 for Ipe and $4,500-$10,500 for Trex, with size, framing, labor, board grade, and location driving the final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipe installed decking | $20/sq ft | $29/sq ft | $40/sq ft | Decking and installation; framing may be extra |
| Trex installed decking | $15/sq ft | $24/sq ft | $35/sq ft | Varies by product line and installation method |
| 300-sq-ft Ipe deck | $6,000 | $8,700 | $12,000 | Basic rectangular deck, normal access |
| 300-sq-ft Trex deck | $4,500 | $7,200 | $10,500 | Basic rectangular deck, normal access |
Ipe and Trex Decking Prices for a 300-Square-Foot Deck
Trex generally costs less upfront, while Ipe can command a higher installation price because it is dense hardwood that takes more time and specialized tools to cut and fasten. Installed Ipe commonly falls between $20 and $40 per sq ft. Trex installation often runs $15-$35 per sq ft, including decking boards and standard labor, but not necessarily stairs, railings, demolition, or new structural framing.
At the midpoint, a straightforward 300-sq-ft project might cost about $8,700 for Ipe or $7,200 for Trex. These estimates assume a ground-level or moderately elevated rectangular deck, standard-quality materials, and typical access. A small deck can have a higher per-square-foot price because minimum crew charges and delivery costs are spread across fewer square feet.
Materials alone commonly run about $6-$15 per sq ft for Ipe boards and $5-$12 per sq ft for Trex boards, depending on grade, product line, width, and retailer. Premium capped composite, hidden-fastener systems, and top-grade hardwood can exceed these ranges. Assumptions: U.S. midmarket pricing, standard board profiles, sound framing, and no major site work.
What Ipe Boards, Trex Products, and Labor Add to the Quote
Decking boards are only part of the estimate; labor, fasteners, trim, and removal can materially change the total. The table gives common planning ranges for a 300-sq-ft deck. Line items vary by contractor, product selection, and whether the existing structure can be reused.
| Cost item | Ipe range | Trex range | Typical pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decking boards | $1,800-$4,500 | $1,500-$3,600 | $6-$15 or $5-$12 per sq ft | Grade, profile, product tier |
| Installation labor | $2,400-$4,500 | $1,800-$3,900 | $8-$15 or $6-$13 per sq ft | Cutting, fastening, layout |
| Fasteners and trim | $450-$1,200 | $300-$1,050 | $1-$4 per sq ft | Hidden clips, fascia, border details |
| Removal and disposal | $600-$1,800 | $600-$1,800 | $2-$6 per sq ft | Old deck size and debris access |
| Delivery and waste | $150-$600 | $100-$500 | Per project | Distance, order size, board waste |
Labor may be quoted by the square foot or by time. A crew rate of roughly $50-$100 per worker-hour is a useful comparison point, though contractors may price the entire job rather than disclose hourly billing. Ask whether the bid includes layout, edge finishing, stairs, and cleanup; exclusions can make a low initial quote appear cheaper than the completed project.
For both surfaces, a contractor may charge separately for framing repairs, ledger work, flashing, railings, or permits. A full rebuild can add $15-$35 or more per sq ft for structural framing and related work. Those costs should not be attributed to the decking material alone, so compare bids with the same scope and framing assumptions.
How Board Width, Deck Height, and Layout Change the Price
Project geometry and material specifications can shift the quote by thousands of dollars, even when the deck footprint stays the same. Ipe’s density increases cutting and fastening effort; boards often need predrilling, and installers may charge more for custom patterns. Trex boards are easier to handle in many installations, but hidden fasteners, picture-frame borders, and premium colors can add product and labor costs.
For a simple 200-400-sq-ft rectangle, standard installation is generally more economical than a deck with multiple angles or curves. Diagonal or intricate layouts can increase labor and waste by roughly 10%-25%. A border or breaker-board design may add about $3-$10 per linear ft for trim material and extra fitting, depending on the board and detail.
Height also matters. A deck 2-3 ft above grade may need ordinary access and a limited set of stairs; a structure 8 ft high can require more extensive railing, stairs, and safety measures. Stairs commonly add $500-$2,000 or more, while complex stair runs and landings may cost substantially more. Guardrails often add $40-$100 per linear ft, depending on material and design.
Board selection affects both price and performance. Ipe sold as clear or select-grade decking usually costs more than boards with visible variation. Trex product lines differ in cap construction, color, texture, and warranty. Moving from an entry-level composite to a premium line can add roughly $2-$6 per sq ft in material cost. Assumptions: Typical U.S. residential work; structural repairs and unusually difficult access are excluded.
How Regional Labor Rates and Installation Time Affect Ipe vs. Trex
Local labor and delivery can narrow or widen the material-price gap between Ipe and Trex. In high-cost coastal metros and major cities, installed decking bids can run about 15%-30% above a national midmarket estimate. Lower-cost rural markets may come in 10%-20% below it, although limited contractor availability or long delivery distances can offset some savings.
Ipe may carry an additional labor premium because crews need suitable saw blades, careful predrilling, and efficient handling of heavy boards. On a straightforward 300-sq-ft deck, installation can take roughly 3-6 working days for a small crew, with Ipe sometimes taking longer than a similar Trex layout. Stairs, intricate borders, demolition, and weather interruptions extend the schedule.
Quotes can also reflect seasonal demand. Spring and early summer are busy periods in many regions, so availability may be limited and scheduling less flexible. Booking in the off-season can help in some climates, but winter conditions may prevent installation or delay delivery. Compare the contractor’s proposed start date, crew size, and number of workdays, not just the total price.
Delivery is particularly relevant for Ipe because the boards are heavy and may come from a specialized supplier. A long-distance delivery or small custom order can add several hundred dollars. Trex is more widely stocked in many areas, but uncommon colors or a large quantity can also require special ordering. Ask whether freight, unloading, and job-site handling are included.
Three Deck Quotes Show the Price Difference in Real Projects
Comparing the same footprint and job scope makes the Ipe-versus-Trex cost difference easier to judge. These examples use illustrative midmarket rates, include ordinary labor and materials, and exclude taxes, railings, major framing replacement, and permit fees. Actual contractor bids will vary with location and site conditions.
| Project example | Material and scope | Labor assumption | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small ground-level deck | 180 sq ft; Ipe at $29/sq ft installed | 2-person crew, 3-4 days | $5,200-$6,500 |
| Mid-size replacement | 300 sq ft; Trex at $24/sq ft plus $900 removal | 2-3-person crew, 4-6 days | $7,200-$8,100 |
| Large elevated deck | 450 sq ft; Ipe at $34/sq ft plus stairs and trim | 3-person crew, 6-9 days | $16,000-$19,000 |
In the small-deck example, the lower total reflects fewer square feet, not unusually cheap Ipe. The large elevated project costs much more because it combines a larger area with stair and trim work. A Trex version of that project could have lower board and installation costs, but the final difference depends on the chosen product line and structural scope.
When reviewing an estimate, check the measured deck area and whether it includes waste. Contractors commonly order several percent more board than the measured surface requires to account for cuts and defects. A complicated layout may require additional material. Verify that both bids cover the same railing, fascia, stair, demolition, and framing work before treating the totals as directly comparable.
Which Decking Needs More Upkeep After Installation
Ipe may cost more to maintain if the owner wants to preserve its brown color, while Trex avoids routine staining and sealing. Untreated Ipe naturally weathers toward gray; that change is mostly cosmetic. Maintaining a richer brown appearance generally involves cleaning and applying an appropriate oil or finish, often once or twice a year depending on sun exposure and local weather.
Professional cleaning and oiling may cost about $1-$3 per sq ft, with small jobs sometimes subject to a minimum service charge. A homeowner doing the work can spend roughly $50-$200 on cleaner and finish for a modest deck, depending on product coverage and deck size. Sanding or correcting neglected boards can add labor and material expense.
Trex typically needs washing to remove dirt and debris rather than periodic staining. Basic owner-performed cleaning may cost under $50 in supplies. Professional deck washing can run approximately $0.25-$0.75 per sq ft, subject to minimum fees and surface condition. Composite is not maintenance-free: scratches, stains, heat exposure, and board damage may require cleaning or replacement, and warranty terms differ by product line.
Over five years, a 300-sq-ft Ipe deck that is professionally oiled annually could incur about $1,500-$4,500 in care, depending on service rates. The same size Trex deck might require $0-$1,125 for occasional professional washing. These are optional upkeep estimates, not guarantees; owner labor, climate, shade, and finish expectations substantially change the comparison.
Cut the Ipe or Trex Bill by Controlling Scope and Upgrades
The most dependable savings come from simplifying the design and comparing complete, like-for-like bids. A rectangular deck with straight board runs usually takes less time and creates less waste than curves, diagonal layouts, or multiple border details. Keeping stairs, landings, and railing within the actual safety and access needs can also prevent unnecessary additions.
Ask whether existing joists, beams, and ledger connections can remain. Reusing sound framing can avoid a substantial rebuild charge, but the contractor should verify condition, spacing, fastening, and code compliance. Composite products may require tighter joist spacing than some wood installations, so old framing is not automatically suitable for either material.
Choose a board tier based on needed features rather than appearance alone. An entry or midrange Trex product may meet the project’s color and maintenance goals without the price of a premium line. For Ipe, compare grades and board lengths; consistent, long boards can cost more, while a planned layout may make shorter lengths usable with fewer visible seams.
Get at least three written estimates that separately identify decking, labor, demolition, disposal, framing, fasteners, stairs, and delivery. Ask contractors to price Ipe and Trex using the same square footage and finish details. Bundling a deck replacement with related work may reduce mobilization charges, but it is only a real saving if the combined scope is necessary.
Repairing Existing Boards Can Beat Replacing the Whole Deck
Replacing only damaged decking may be less expensive than a full material conversion when the frame remains sound. Individual Trex replacement boards commonly cost about $50-$150 each for materials, depending on length and product availability; labor may add $100-$300 or more per board when access or hidden fasteners make removal difficult. Matching a discontinued color can be challenging.
For Ipe, replacement boards often cost roughly $30-$100 each before installation, with labor commonly adding $100-$300 or more per board. Matching the existing weathered color may require time and finishing. A small repair can also carry a contractor minimum, so replacing several boards during one visit may lower the effective price per board.
A full resurface generally makes sense to price when a large share of boards are damaged, loose, or at the end of their useful life. If the frame is compromised, a decking-only repair can conceal rather than solve the problem. Request an inspection that distinguishes surface-board work from structural repairs, then compare the repair estimate with the cost of replacing the entire deck surface.
Material compatibility matters in a partial replacement. Trex boards from different generations may have different profiles or colors, and Ipe varies naturally in grain and tone. A contractor can sometimes place replacement boards in less prominent areas or use a contrasting border, but that design choice should be priced before work begins. Repair ranges assume ordinary access and do not include hidden rot or structural reconstruction.