Trex Decking: 2025 Cost, Pros & Cons Guide

What Is Trex Decking?

Trex decking is a wood-alternative decking material, technically known as a wood-plastic composite (WPC). Unlike traditional pressure-treated lumber that requires regular sanding, staining, and sealing to prevent rot and splinters, Trex is engineered for longevity.

Its core is made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic, which is then wrapped in a protective outer shell. This shell, or "cap," is what gives the board its color, wood-grain texture, and resistance to fading, staining, and mold.

Trex Decking Product Lines: A 2025 Comparison

Trex organizes its decking into four distinct lines, each offering a different balance of price, performance, and aesthetics. Understanding these tiers is key to choosing the right product for your budget and needs.

How Much Does Trex Decking Cost in 2025?

The total cost of a Trex deck depends heavily on the product line you choose, your location, and whether you install it yourself or hire a professional. Prices verified June 2025.

• Materials Only: Expect to pay $10 to $27 per square foot for Trex deck boards, fascia, and hidden fasteners.

• Trex Enhance: $10-$14 / sq. ft.
• Trex Select: $13-$18 / sq. ft.
• Trex Transcend & Lineage: $16-$27 / sq. ft.

• Professionally Installed: The average installed cost for Trex decking is $15 to $30 per square foot, not including the substructure. For a typical 16'x20' (320 sq. ft.) deck, the total project cost often falls between $7,000 and $16,000.

Several factors influence the final price:

• Deck Size & Complexity: Larger and more intricate designs with multiple levels or curves cost more.
• Substructure Condition: If your existing deck frame needs to be replaced to meet code, this will add significant cost.
• Labor Rates: Contractor pricing varies widely by region.
• Add-ons: Features like deck railing options, lighting, and benches increase the total.

Pros and Cons of Trex Decking

Trex offers compelling advantages over wood, but it's important to understand the trade-offs.

Pros:

• Low Maintenance: No sanding, staining, or sealing required. A simple soap-and-water cleaning is all it needs.
• Exceptional Durability: Resists fading, staining, scratching, mold, and termites. It won't rot, warp, or splinter.
• Long-Term Warranty: Comes with a 25- to 50-year limited residential warranty, providing peace of mind.
• Eco-Friendly: Made from 95% recycled materials, saving millions of pounds of plastic and wood from landfills each year.
• Consistent Aesthetics: The color and grain you choose is what you get for decades, without the graying of traditional wood.

Cons:

• Higher Upfront Cost: The initial investment for Trex is significantly higher than for pressure-treated pine.
• Heat Retention: Like all composite decking, darker colors can get hot in direct sunlight. The Lineage line is designed to mitigate this.
• Potential for Scratches: While highly scratch-resistant, it's not scratch-proof. Dragging heavy, sharp metal furniture can cause damage.
• Not a Structural Material: Trex boards are for surfacing only and cannot be used for structural components like joists or support posts.

Trex Design & Color Options

One of the biggest draws of Trex is the wide array of design possibilities.

• Colors & Grains: From the simple, solid tones of Enhance® to the rich, tropical hardwood looks of Transcend®, there are dozens of options. Popular colors include "Spiced Rum," "Island Mist," and "Rocky Harbor."
• Hidden Fasteners: The Trex Hideaway® Hidden Fastening System installs between the deck boards, creating a clean, screw-free surface that's more comfortable on bare feet.
• Railing & Fascia: Trex offers a complete system of composite and aluminum railings, as well as matching fascia boards to trim the deck's perimeter for a polished, finished look.

DIY Trex Decking Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

While many handy homeowners can tackle a Trex installation, it requires careful planning and precision.

DIY Installation

If you have carpentry experience, building your own Trex deck can save thousands in labor costs. Key steps include:

1. Ensure a Code-Compliant Frame: Your substructure joists must be in good condition and spaced correctly (typically 16 inches on center).
2. Proper Gapping: Composite boards expand and contract with temperature, so leaving the correct gaps between boards is crucial to prevent buckling.
3. Use the Right Fasteners: Use either composite deck screws or the recommended hidden fastener system.
4. Ventilation: Ensure there is adequate airflow beneath the deck to prevent moisture buildup.

Always follow the official Trex Installation Guide to the letter, as improper installation can void the warranty.

Hiring a TrexPro®

For most homeowners, hiring a certified TrexPro® contractor is the best route. These installers are trained by Trex on best practices, ensuring your deck is built correctly, meets local building codes, and is fully covered by its warranty.

Maintaining Your Trex Deck

Maintaining a Trex deck is incredibly simple compared to wood.

• Routine Cleaning: Twice a year, use a soft-bristle brush and soap and water to scrub away dirt and pollen.
• Spills: Clean up food and drink spills quickly to prevent any potential for staining.
• Mold & Mildew: In damp, shaded areas, use a commercial deck cleaner designed for composites to remove any organic growth.
• What to Avoid: Never use a pressure washer with a concentrated tip, as it can damage the shell. Also, avoid using metal shovels for snow removal; a plastic shovel is much safer.

Trex Decking Durability, Warranty, and Lifespan

Trex is built to last. The entire system is backed by comprehensive warranties.

• 25- to 50-Year Limited Warranty: All Trex decking lines come with a warranty against material defects, ensuring they won't rot or suffer structural damage from termites.
• Fade & Stain Warranty: The same 25- to 50-year period also covers the deck against permanent fading or staining. This protection is a key advantage over both wood and early-generation composites.

With proper installation and basic care, a Trex deck can easily last 25 to 50 years or more.

Safety and Code Compliance

Modern Trex decking is engineered with safety in mind.

• Fire Ratings: Most Trex decking products have a Class B fire rating, making them suitable for use in many areas. For homes in high-risk fire zones, Trex offers special-order WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) compliant products that meet stricter fire-resistance standards required by building codes in states like California. Always consult the International Code Council (ICC) guidelines and local authorities.
• Slip Resistance: The textured grain patterns on Trex boards provide better slip resistance than painted or sealed wood, meeting or exceeding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for slip-resistant walking surfaces.

The Environmental Impact of Trex Decking

Choosing Trex is a sustainable choice. The company is one of the largest recyclers of plastic film in North America.

• Recycled Content: An average 500-square-foot Trex deck contains over 140,000 recycled plastic bags.
• Landfill Diversion: Trex's manufacturing process diverts more than 1 billion pounds of wood and plastic waste from landfills annually.
• LEED Credits: Using Trex can contribute to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) points for green building projects, a benefit for environmentally conscious builders and homeowners.

Trex vs. The Competition: Wood, TimberTech, and Fiberon

How does Trex stack up against other popular decking options?

When comparing composite vs. PVC decking, Trex's wood-plastic composite offers a more natural look, while brands like TimberTech AZEK offer pure PVC boards that are lighter and expand less.