WearDeck vs Trex cost depends on board type, deck size, framing, and local labor. For a standard 300-square-foot deck, a practical installed budget is about $7,500-$18,000 for Trex and $9,000-$21,000 for WearDeck, with premium designs or difficult sites costing more.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trex installed deck | $25/sq ft | $40/sq ft | $60/sq ft | Composite boards, typical framing and labor |
| WearDeck installed deck | $30/sq ft | $48/sq ft | $70/sq ft | PVC decking; freight and board selection affect price |
| Trex decking material | $5/sq ft | $9/sq ft | $15/sq ft | Board-only estimate |
| WearDeck decking material | $8/sq ft | $13/sq ft | $20/sq ft | Board-only estimate; verify dealer pricing |
Assumptions: U.S. contractor pricing, standard rectangular deck, sound site access, and no major stairs or structural changes. Product availability and local quotes vary.
What a 300-Square-Foot WearDeck or Trex Deck Costs
For a straightforward 300-square-foot replacement or new build, Trex commonly totals $7,500-$18,000 installed, while WearDeck often totals $9,000-$21,000. Midrange bids are roughly $12,000 and $14,400, respectively. These totals generally cover decking, routine fastening, labor, and ordinary framing work; they exclude elaborate railings, roofing, and major foundation repairs.
WearDeck often carries a higher board-material budget, while the complete project price can overlap when labor and framing differ. Trex is a wood-plastic composite line with multiple product tiers; WearDeck is a cellular PVC decking product. Exact pricing depends on the selected profile, color, board length, dealer, and freight. Request a quote using the same deck plan and accessory scope for both.
How Deck Boards, Framing, and Labor Shape the Quote
A decking quote includes more than the visible boards. The table gives planning ranges for a typical 300-square-foot deck; contractors may group several items into one line, so the ranges should not simply be added at their maximums.
| Quote component | Trex range | WearDeck range | Typical pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decking boards | $1,500-$4,500 | $2,400-$6,000 | $5-$15 or $8-$20/sq ft |
| Labor and fastening | $3,000-$7,500 | $3,000-$7,500 | $10-$25/sq ft |
| Framing and substructure | $1,500-$4,500 | $1,500-$4,500 | $5-$15/sq ft |
| Removal and disposal | $500-$2,000 | $500-$2,000 | Depends on old deck and access |
| Fasteners and trim | $300-$1,200 | $400-$1,500 | Hidden clips, screws, fascia |
Ask whether the bid includes framing repairs, fascia, stairs, and disposal before comparing totals. Labor can be estimated as . A crew rate of $50-$100 per worker-hour is a broad planning range, not a fixed national charge; crew size and job duration affect the final labor line.
Which Board Specs Change the Price Most
Product tier and deck geometry are major price drivers. Basic Trex boards generally cost less than higher-tier boards with richer colors, enhanced finishes, or longer warranties. WearDeck pricing also varies by profile and color, and PVC’s water and rot resistance can be useful where boards face frequent moisture exposure.
A 12-by-20-foot rectangle usually costs less to cover than a 300-square-foot deck with many corners, borders, and stair runs. Diagonal layouts can add about 10%-20% to labor and waste. A deck elevated more than 6 feet, stairs with several landings, or a framing span requiring reinforcement can push a quote beyond standard per-square-foot ranges. Confirm joist spacing and fastening requirements for the exact product before ordering.
Can Trex Save Money Compared With WearDeck?
Trex is often the lower initial-cost choice when comparing entry-level boards and ordinary installation. On a 300-square-foot deck, the difference might be $1,500-$3,000 for similar basic scopes, but that gap can narrow if a Trex premium line is compared with a standard WearDeck profile. Color upgrades, border boards, and matching fascia can shift either quote.
Compare the specified product lines, not just the brand names. Both products are designed to reduce routine upkeep compared with many wood decks, but they are not identical materials. Trex is composite; WearDeck is PVC. Obtain written details on product coverage, cleaning requirements, fastening, and any exclusions that affect the planned use. Warranty length alone does not establish equivalent coverage.
Labor, Tear-Out, and Hidden Charges on Deck Jobs
Replacing boards on a sound frame can cost substantially less than replacing the entire deck. Deck-board replacement labor and material may run about $15-$35 per square foot, depending on product and access. Full removal, hauling, and disposal can add $500-$2,000; heavy demolition, stairs, or difficult access may exceed that range.
Old-frame condition is a key unknown in any decking estimate. A contractor may charge separately for rotted joists, ledger repairs, new flashing, or code-required guardrails. Permit fees commonly range from $100-$500, but local rules and project value can change them. Ask whether the quote includes inspection corrections and whether hidden damage will be priced by unit or time.
Regional Decking Prices from Coastal to Inland Markets
Labor and freight create regional variation even when the board price is similar. Coastal metro projects can run roughly 10%-25% above a national-style estimate because of higher labor rates, access constraints, and local demand. Smaller inland markets may be 5%-15% lower, although remote delivery can erase savings, particularly for PVC boards shipped from a distant distributor.
Use local bids as the final benchmark rather than applying a national average literally. In hurricane-prone or wet coastal areas, fastening details, permitting, and corrosion-resistant hardware may add cost. In dense urban neighborhoods, carrying materials through a house or restricted yard can raise labor charges even when the deck itself is modest.
Three Deck Quotes for Common Backyard Sizes
These examples use ordinary access, standard framing, and midrange product selections. They are budgeting illustrations rather than contractor offers; railings, stairs, demolition, and regional labor can change totals.
| Deck scenario | Trex estimate | WearDeck estimate | Scope assumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 sq ft, ground level | $5,000-$12,000 | $6,000-$14,000 | Simple rectangle, limited trim |
| 300 sq ft, one stair run | $8,000-$19,000 | $9,500-$22,000 | Standard frame, moderate finish |
| 450 sq ft, elevated deck | $15,000-$32,000 | $17,000-$36,000 | Guardrails and structural labor included |
Stairs and elevated framing explain much of the jump between the smaller and larger examples. For a cleaner comparison, ask each contractor to quote the same square footage, board tier, railing length, stair count, fascia, disposal, and permit allowance.
How to Lower a WearDeck or Trex Decking Quote
Keeping the layout rectangular, choosing a standard board color, and limiting picture-frame borders can reduce waste and installation time. If the existing frame is sound and meets the selected product’s spacing requirements, replacing only the decking may avoid demolition and structural costs. However, a frame that is soft, poorly flashed, or incorrectly spaced should not be retained just to lower the initial bid.
Compare at least three itemized local quotes with matching materials and scope. Schedule work outside peak contractor demand when possible, but confirm that a proposed delay will not worsen water damage. Ask separately for the price of premium colors, fascia, and upgraded railings so optional features do not become hidden assumptions in the base estimate.