Trex decking boards typically cost $3-$8 per linear foot for materials, while installed decking often runs $15-$30 per square foot before major framing work. Board profile, deck size, labor rates, removal, and whether the quote includes a substructure can change the total substantially.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trex board material | $3 per linear ft | $5 per linear ft | $8 per linear ft | Board width, color, and product line affect price |
| Installed deck surface | $15 per sq ft | $22 per sq ft | $30 per sq ft | Typically excludes extensive framing changes |
| Complete new deck | $25 per sq ft | $40 per sq ft | $60+ per sq ft | Includes framing and may include railing or stairs |
What Trex decking costs per linear foot
Trex composite boards commonly cost about $3-$8 per linear foot, with many standard grooved or square-edge boards landing around $4-$6. A typical 16-foot board may therefore cost roughly $48-$96 before fasteners, delivery, tax, or waste. Premium lines and specialty colors can exceed that range.
For surface boards alone, budget about $5 per linear foot as a planning midpoint. A standard 5.5-inch-wide board covers about 0.46 square feet per linear foot, so $3-$8 per linear foot is approximately $6.50-$17.50 per square foot of board coverage. Assumptions: standard-width boards, U.S. retail pricing, ordinary access, and no framing replacement.
How board, labor, and fastener charges shape quotes
Installation quotes may be presented by square foot rather than linear foot. For a standard deck surface, labor and fastening commonly add about $8-$18 per square foot, depending on layout and local rates. The table separates the major quote components; actual proposals may combine materials and labor.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes it | Common billing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trex boards | $6.50-$17.50 | Product line, width, color | Per sq ft of coverage |
| Installation labor | $8-$18 | Cutting, pattern, access | Per sq ft |
| Hidden fasteners and screws | $1-$3 | Grooved boards and fastening system | Per sq ft |
| Removal and disposal | $2-$6 | Old deck material and disposal distance | Per sq ft |
| Delivery and accessories | $100-$500 | Order size and trim requirements | Per project |
Ask whether the quote covers only deck boards or also labor, fasteners, fascia, and disposal. Carpenter rates often fall around $50-$100 per hour, though many installers bid the whole surface as a project.
Deck size, board grade, and framing that raise the price
Board choice and deck geometry make a measurable difference. Entry-level Trex lines tend to cost less than premium lines with enhanced color variation or surface features. Picture-frame borders, diagonal layouts, stairs, and many corners increase cutting waste and installation time; allow roughly 5%-10% extra boards for a simple layout and 10%-15% for complex patterns.
A 200-square-foot surface needs about 435 linear feet of standard 5.5-inch boards before waste. At $3-$8 per linear foot, its board material is roughly $1,305-$3,480 after allowing 5% extra. If joists are damaged or spaced too widely, framing repair or replacement can add several thousand dollars; Trex installation generally requires joists spaced no more than 16 inches apart for common perpendicular layouts, subject to product instructions.
Regional labor rates change installed Trex prices
Local labor and delivery can shift installed pricing even when board costs are similar. Metropolitan areas with high construction wages may price 10%-25% above national midrange, while rural markets can be 5%-15% lower when access and contractor availability are favorable. Remote delivery, difficult site access, and seasonal backlogs can erase those savings.
Compare quotes using the same scope and board line, not just the per-foot number. A $20-per-square-foot bid that excludes demolition or fascia may cost more than a $25 quote that includes them. Request material quantities, labor, haul-away fees, and framing assumptions in writing.
Removal, stairs, and railing add-ons to budget
Replacing only the surface is less expensive when the existing frame is sound. Removing old decking often adds $2-$6 per square foot, and hauling a large or heavy deck can push disposal charges higher. Trex fascia, stair treads, railing, and skirting are commonly priced separately rather than included in a basic surface rate.
Stairs and railing can turn a simple resurfacing quote into a broader project. Composite railing may add about $50-$150 per linear foot installed, depending on style and posts. Stair construction often costs $100-$300 or more per step, especially when framing changes are needed.
Three Trex quote examples by deck size
A 120-square-foot rectangular resurfacing with standard boards and sound framing might total $2,400-$3,600, or $20-$30 per square foot. A 200-square-foot replacement surface with removal, midrange boards, and new fasteners might run $5,000-$8,000. A 300-square-foot new deck with framing, stairs, and basic railing could reach $9,000-$18,000 or more.
These examples illustrate scope differences, not fixed national rates. A small job can have a higher per-square-foot price because mobilization, delivery, and setup costs are spread across fewer square feet.
Trex versus treated wood for the same deck surface
Pressure-treated wood usually has a lower initial board price, often about $2-$5 per square foot for materials, compared with roughly $6.50-$17.50 per square foot of Trex board coverage. Installed treated-wood surfaces may run about $10-$20 per square foot, depending on labor and finish. Trex costs more upfront but avoids routine staining and sealing.
Compare the complete ownership expense, not just the board price. Wood may need cleaning, sealing, or board replacement over time; composite decking still requires cleaning and may need repairs from damage or installation problems. Product warranties differ, and warranty coverage depends on installation and maintenance conditions.
Lower the Trex price by controlling scope
Choose a simple rectangular layout, standard board length and color, and a straightforward installation pattern. Keep the existing framing only after inspection confirms it is sound and meets the decking maker’s requirements. Avoid ordering excess specialty trim, and verify board quantities against the planned layout before purchase.
Collect at least three itemized bids for identical materials and work. Compare labor, demolition, delivery, waste allowance, fascia, stairs, railing, and warranty terms. Scheduling outside peak spring and summer demand may improve availability, but material promotions and contractor calendars vary by region.