Trex Deck Price Calculator

Trex Deck Price Calculator

Trex Enhance® (Good) Trex Select® (Better) Trex Transcend® (Best)

No Railing Basic Trex Railing (e.g., Trex Select) Premium Trex Railing (e.g., Trex Transcend/Signature)

function calculateTrexDeckPrice() { // Get input values var deckLength = parseFloat(document.getElementById("deckLength").value); var deckWidth = parseFloat(document.getElementById("deckWidth").value); var deckingLine = document.getElementById("deckingLine").value; var railingType = document.getElementById("railingType").value; var numStairSections = parseFloat(document.getElementById("numStairSections").value); var substructureCostPerSqFt = parseFloat(document.getElementById("substructureCostPerSqFt").value); var laborCostPerSqFt = parseFloat(document.getElementById("laborCostPerSqFt").value); // Validate inputs if (isNaN(deckLength) || deckLength <= 0 || isNaN(deckWidth) || deckWidth <= 0 || isNaN(numStairSections) || numStairSections < 0 || isNaN(substructureCostPerSqFt) || substructureCostPerSqFt < 0 || isNaN(laborCostPerSqFt) || laborCostPerSqFt < 0) { document.getElementById("result").innerHTML = "Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields."; return; } // Define material costs (approximate, including hidden fasteners for decking) var costPerSqFtEnhance = 5.50; // Material cost per sq ft for Trex Enhance var costPerSqFtSelect = 7.00; // Material cost per sq ft for Trex Select var costPerSqFtTranscend = 9.50; // Material cost per sq ft for Trex Transcend var costPerLinearFtRailingBasic = 60; // Material cost per linear ft for basic railing var costPerLinearFtRailingPremium = 90; // Material cost per linear ft for premium railing var costPerStairSection = 500; // Combined material and labor cost per stair section // Calculate Deck Area var deckArea = deckLength * deckWidth; // 1. Calculate Decking Material Cost var deckingMaterialCost = 0; if (deckingLine === "enhance") { deckingMaterialCost = deckArea * costPerSqFtEnhance; } else if (deckingLine === "select") { deckingMaterialCost = deckArea * costPerSqFtSelect; } else if (deckingLine === "transcend") { deckingMaterialCost = deckArea * costPerSqFtTranscend; } // 2. Calculate Railing Material Cost var railingMaterialCost = 0; if (railingType !== "none") { // Assume railing on 3 sides for a typical attached deck, or 4 sides for a freestanding deck. // For simplicity, let's calculate perimeter and assume railing on all sides for now. // User can adjust labor/substructure to account for less railing. var railingLinearFeet = (2 * deckLength) + (2 * deckWidth); // A common practice is to subtract the length of the house side if applicable. // For this calculator, we'll assume full perimeter for a conservative estimate. // If the deck is against a house, the user might manually reduce the perimeter. // Let's assume 3 sides for a typical attached deck: (2 * width) + length // Or, for simplicity, let's just use the full perimeter and var the user adjust. // Let's refine: assume railing on 3 sides (2*width + 1*length) for a typical attached deck. // If the user wants 4 sides, they can adjust the length/width to simulate. // For a general calculator, full perimeter is safer. // Let's use full perimeter for now, as it's a simpler calculation. // If the deck is attached to a house, one side typically doesn't need railing. // Let's assume railing on 3 sides: (2 * deckWidth) + deckLength var effectiveRailingLinearFeet = (2 * deckWidth) + deckLength; // Assuming one long side against house if (railingType === "basic") { railingMaterialCost = effectiveRailingLinearFeet * costPerLinearFtRailingBasic; } else if (railingType === "premium") { railingMaterialCost = effectiveRailingLinearFeet * costPerLinearFtRailingPremium; } } // 3. Calculate Stair Material & Labor Cost var stairMaterialLaborCost = numStairSections * costPerStairSection; // 4. Calculate Substructure Material Cost var totalSubstructureMaterialCost = deckArea * substructureCostPerSqFt; // 5. Calculate Total Labor Cost var totalLaborCost = deckArea * laborCostPerSqFt; // 6. Calculate Total Estimated Cost var totalEstimatedCost = deckingMaterialCost + railingMaterialCost + stairMaterialLaborCost + totalSubstructureMaterialCost + totalLaborCost; // Display results var resultHTML = "

Estimated Trex Deck Cost Breakdown:

"; resultHTML += "Deck Area: " + deckArea.toFixed(2) + " sq ft"; resultHTML += "Decking Material Cost: $" + deckingMaterialCost.toFixed(2) + ""; resultHTML += "Railing Material Cost: $" + railingMaterialCost.toFixed(2) + ""; resultHTML += "Stair Material & Labor Cost: $" + stairMaterialLaborCost.toFixed(2) + ""; resultHTML += "Substructure Material Cost: $" + totalSubstructureMaterialCost.toFixed(2) + ""; resultHTML += "Installation Labor Cost: $" + totalLaborCost.toFixed(2) + ""; resultHTML += "

---

"; resultHTML += "Total Estimated Project Cost: $" + totalEstimatedCost.toFixed(2) + ""; document.getElementById("result").innerHTML = resultHTML; }

Understanding Trex Deck Pricing: Your Comprehensive Guide

Trex composite decking has become a popular choice for homeowners seeking a durable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor living space. Unlike traditional wood, Trex decking resists rot, splinters, and insect damage, and never requires sanding, staining, or painting. However, understanding the cost involved in building a Trex deck can be complex, as many factors contribute to the final price.

What Influences Trex Deck Costs?

The total cost of your Trex deck project is a sum of several key components:

1. Deck Size and Shape: Naturally, a larger deck requires more materials and labor, increasing the overall cost. Complex shapes with angles or curves will also incur higher costs due to increased material waste and specialized labor.
2. Trex Decking Line: Trex offers several product lines, each with different aesthetics, features, and price points.
   • Trex Enhance®: The most economical option, offering basic durability and a natural wood grain.
   • Trex Select®: A mid-range option with enhanced durability, a more refined grain pattern, and a wider range of colors.
   • Trex Transcend®: The premium line, boasting the highest durability, deepest wood grain, and most extensive color palette, often with multi-tonal streaking for a luxurious look.
3. Railing System: Railings are a significant cost factor. Trex offers various railing systems (e.g., Trex Select, Trex Transcend, Trex Signature) in different materials (composite, aluminum) and styles. The linear footage of railing needed and the chosen line will impact the price.
4. Stairs: Adding stairs to your deck increases both material and labor costs. The number of steps, width, and complexity of the stair design will affect the price.
5. Substructure Materials: While Trex is the decking surface, it needs a sturdy substructure underneath. This is typically built from pressure-treated lumber or, for a more premium and durable option, steel framing. The cost of these materials and their installation is separate from the Trex decking itself.
6. Labor Costs: Installation labor is a substantial portion of any deck project. These costs vary widely based on your geographic location, the complexity of the deck design, the contractor's experience, and local market rates.
7. Additional Features: Elements like built-in lighting, pergolas, benches, planters, or custom designs will add to the total project cost.
8. Permits and Site Preparation: Don't forget to factor in the cost of necessary building permits and any site preparation work (e.g., excavation, grading).

Cost Breakdown Examples (Using Realistic Numbers)

Let's look at how different choices impact the total cost for a typical 12×16 foot (192 sq ft) deck, assuming a substructure material cost of $7/sq ft and labor cost of $15/sq ft, and one stair section ($500).

Example 1: Basic Trex Enhance Deck

• Deck Size: 12×16 ft (192 sq ft)
• Decking Line: Trex Enhance ($5.50/sq ft material)
• Railing: Basic Trex Railing (approx. 52 linear feet @ $60/linear ft material)
• Stairs: 1 section ($500 material & labor)
• Substructure Material: 192 sq ft @ $7/sq ft = $1,344
• Labor: 192 sq ft @ $15/sq ft = $2,880
• Estimated Total:
  • Decking: $5.50 * 192 = $1,056
  • Railing: $60 * 52 = $3,120
  • Stairs: $500
  • Substructure: $1,344
  • Labor: $2,880
  • Total: ~$8,900

Example 2: Mid-Range Trex Select Deck

• Deck Size: 12×16 ft (192 sq ft)
• Decking Line: Trex Select ($7.00/sq ft material)
• Railing: Basic Trex Railing (approx. 52 linear feet @ $60/linear ft material)
• Stairs: 1 section ($500 material & labor)
• Substructure Material: 192 sq ft @ $7/sq ft = $1,344
• Labor: 192 sq ft @ $15/sq ft = $2,880
• Estimated Total:
  • Decking: $7.00 * 192 = $1,344
  • Railing: $60 * 52 = $3,120
  • Stairs: $500
  • Substructure: $1,344
  • Labor: $2,880
  • Total: ~$9,200

Example 3: Premium Trex Transcend Deck with Premium Railing

• Deck Size: 12×16 ft (192 sq ft)
• Decking Line: Trex Transcend ($9.50/sq ft material)
• Railing: Premium Trex Railing (approx. 52 linear feet @ $90/linear ft material)
• Stairs: 1 section ($500 material & labor)
• Substructure Material: 192 sq ft @ $7/sq ft = $1,344
• Labor: 192 sq ft @ $15/sq ft = $2,880
• Estimated Total:
  • Decking: $9.50 * 192 = $1,824
  • Railing: $90 * 52 = $4,680
  • Stairs: $500
  • Substructure: $1,344
  • Labor: $2,880
  • Total: ~$11,200

Tips for Budgeting Your Trex Deck

• Get Multiple Quotes: Always obtain estimates from several reputable contractors to compare pricing and ensure you're getting a fair deal.
• Consider DIY for Small Parts: While professional installation is recommended for the main structure, you might save on labor by handling smaller tasks like painting substructure or basic landscaping yourself.
• Phase Your Project: If budget is a major concern, consider building a smaller deck initially and expanding it later, or adding premium features in phases.
• Factor in Long-Term Savings: Remember that Trex decking, while a higher upfront cost than some wood options, offers significant long-term savings on maintenance (no staining, painting, or sealing).
• Don't Skimp on Substructure: A strong, properly built substructure is crucial for the longevity and safety of your deck, regardless of the decking material.

Use the calculator above to get a personalized estimate for your Trex deck project. Remember that this tool provides an approximation, and actual costs may vary based on specific product availability, regional pricing, and contractor rates.