Trex® Cost Calculator Answers Your Top Questions

“How much does it cost to build a deck?” One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners is, “Where do I start?” With the Trex Cost Calculator, you can plan and budget your new outdoor living space with confidence and ease. This handy online tool allows you to quickly calculate a price range or dig deeper for a more comprehensive and detailed cost estimate for decking materials based on your personal deck parameters and preferences.

It also allows users to compare pricing between different decking and railing lines and layer in essentials such as substructure materials, fasteners and fascia for a more holistic project projection. "The Trex Cost Calculator offers valuable guidance to consumers in the early stages of planning to help them make informed decisions." It addresses the all-important cost question upfront so consumers can feel confident and comfortable with their choices," shares Leslie Adkins, Vice President of Marketing and ESG Development at Trex Company.

Four Factors that Impact Deck Pricing

When planning a deck, there are four main factors that impact pricing: size, design, materials and labour.

Size

The size of your deck makes a big difference in pricing. These dimensions determine the amount of materials needed to build your deck and also the amount of labour that will be required. Simply put, the larger your deck, the more expensive it will be.

Design

The design, shape and chosen product line for your deck will affect material and labour costs depending on its complexity and price point. Square and rectangle designs are simpler to build and, therefore, will be more affordable in most cases. More complex deck designs with curves, stairs or multiple levels require special framing, tools and expertise that add cost to a project.

Materials

Materials make up about about one-third the cost of a deck. Likely the first material choice you will make is the decking itself. When evaluating materials, be sure to consider both short- and long-term costs. For instance, while traditional pressure-treated timber may cost less upfront, a composite deck will last much longer and return greater value in the long run. High-performance composite decking, like Trex, is warrantied to last up to 50 years. You also never have to worry about sanding, staining or sealing a composite deck. So, while you may pay more initially, you will spend less over time in repairs and maintenance.

In addition to decking, you will need to consider substructure materials, railing and hardware, as well as any design-based add-ons such as fascia and lighting – all of which add cost to a project. If you’re replacing a deck, you may be able to use the existing substructure. As long as the foundation is in good condition, you can save a great deal of time and money by installing new deck boards atop the same frame. Be sure to thoroughly inspect the structural joists and beams for any signs of mould, mildew or structural damage before you build.

Labour

Labour and management account for nearly two-thirds of total costs no matter your deck design. If you hire a contractor, you'll save time, energy and money on equipment. You'll also have a trusted partner with extensive building knowledge to help you see your project through. However, you'll need to consider the professional's rate and fees associated with your project.

Building your deck yourself can be a cost-saver if you've got the right skills, tools, and time. Luckily, there are loads of resources out there to help you out. Our Trex Academy site, for instance, offers a comprehensive library of step-by-step how-to guides and videos for navigating a DIY deck build. We also offer a robust mix of tools, including a decking colour selector, and a user-friendly deck designer tool, that make designing a deck easy and fun.

But here's the deal: trying to DIY your deck without the right tools, skills, or time can leave you with an unusable outdoor space for way longer than you'd want. And it might even cost you more if you need to hire someone to fix any mistakes.

Want to see if you're up for the challenge? Take our quiz to see if you're ready to DIY. Or, if you'd rather not go solo, use our Find a Builder tool to locate skilled contractors in your area.

Using the Trex Cost Calculator

With the Trex Cost Calculator, you have the choice of obtaining a Quick Estimate or a Detailed Estimate depending on where you are in the planning process.

The Quick Estimate will give you a rough idea of material costs in three simple steps:

#1: Choose a standard deck size or enter your deck’s estimated dimensions.

#2: Note whether or not your deck will require a new substructure.

#3: Select whether your deck will need/have railing.

After entering this basic information, you will have the opportunity to compare pricing between various Trex decking and railing combinations to identify the products that best fit within your desired budget scope. You can then elect to receive a price and materials breakdown by email.

The Detailed Estimate follows a similar process but allows for more specificity along the way with the opportunity to review the full portfolio of Trex decking and railing options and narrow choices down to specific collections, colours and styles. You can also elect to add fascia and fasteners to your materials list for a more complete project estimate. The Trex Cost Calculator will then calculate an estimated price range for materials and deliver a detailed pricing and materials breakdown via email.

Note: Trex Cost Calculator does not provide labour costs due to the inconsistency in contractor rates. These costs vary greatly based on geographic region, site location, seasonality and the complexity of a deck design.