How much does a trex deck cost to install?

Introduction to Trex decking

Trex deck is a type of composite decking, first introduced in the 1990s. It’s environmentally friendly – made from 95% recycled materials – and has a high-performance coating, making it a very low-maintenance option.

They are the largest manufacturer of timber-alternative decking that combines form and function for a visually stunning feature that lasts. Whilst building a Trex deck is not cheap, especially compared to wood, the cost to install a Trex deck is in line with other composite decking manufacturers.

In this article, we’ve calculated the average prices to install Trex composite decking in any garden.

You may also find our garden decking cost guide useful.

Average cost of Trex decking installation

If you’re looking to build an ultra-low maintenance outdoor living space, Trex is the perfect solution that can add value to a home.

A single level solid core composite decking area of 15 square metres would cost around £1,500 for the materials and £300 for the installation.

Factors affecting the cost of Trex decking

Whilst Trex decking is more expensive than some other brands. The boards only contribute a small amount to the overall cost of renovating your garden. Many factors play a role in the Trex deck cost, including:

Garden design: If Trex decking is a part of a wider garden transformation, there may be costs associated with designing your garden and buying and installing hard and soft landscaping materials.

Labour: Depending on the project’s scope, if any groundworks are required or if you want any raised structures, the labour cost can be the largest or smallest part of the project cost. If you install the Trex deck yourself or hire a deck builder when their demand is lower (typically in the winter months), this can help bring the cost down.

Trex board type: Trex comes in different versions, colours and styles designed to suit a range of budgets, including Trex Select, Enhance and Transcend. Limited edition colours tend to cost more. For those on a budget, we recommend the Trex Select range.

Add-ons: A Trex deck is more than just the flooring. If you want railings, stairs, roofing, lights, benches or other features, these will add to the cost.
Size: The larger the area or the more unusual the shape, the greater the cost. Curved designs cost more to build than simpler, straight sections. To calculate the size of the space, measure the length and the width in metres.<

Depending on your answers to the questions above, you can expect to pay around £100 per square meter for the boards with any add-ons priced separately.

Trex installation cost calculator

To calculate the cost of installing Trex decking, you’ll need to measure the size of the area you want to cover with the decking to work out how much material you’re going to need. On top of the material costs, you’ll need to add the labour costs. And if you want any specific fixtures, fittings or finishes, then the costs of those also need to be added into your calculations.

Trex installation quote

Before hiring a tradesperson, getting several different Trex installation quotes from local experts is always a good idea. That way, you can ensure that you’re being quoted fair and competitive costs for your Trex installation.

As part of the quotes, ask each of them to include a detailed breakdown of all the costs – including all materials, labour and equipment needed for the Trex installation. With those prices, you can easily compare the quotes to see the differences.

Trex installation hourly rates

The average hourly rate for Trex installation is around £35 per hour or £300 per day. The exact rate you pay for the installation will depend on where you live in the country and the individual tradespeople you hire.

Is Trex decking worth the cost?

With high durability and an expected life of over 25 years, Trex pays for itself over time. Here’s how it compares to other types of decking:

Timber – Unlike traditional timber decking, Trex composite boards don’t rot or go mouldy. Whilst wooden boards can often vary in quality, Trex boards are always consistently high quality, helping to reduce waste and speed up the installation process.

Stone – Stone flooring can be prone to cracking, erosion and damage over time. It’s also slippery when wet. Trex decking does away with all of these problems.

PVC – Whilst PVC is low maintenance. It’s less environmentally friendly and prone to fading and staining over time. Trek is equally low maintenance, without the other drawbacks.

Other composite decking products do exist, including Dura and TimberTech.

What does the installation of Trex decking entail?

In most cases, you do not need to apply for planning permission for decking. You will only need to apply when:

• The decking will stand more than 30cm above the ground.
• More than 50% of the garden space will be covered by decking and other outdoor buildings and extensions.
• The privacy of neighbours or their property value will be negatively affected.>

Expect to pay a deck builder or specialist contractor in the region of £300 per day to install Trex decking, with most projects only taking a day or two. The good news is that the cost to install a Trex deck is roughly the same as that of wooden decking. No special tools are required, and any decking installer will be well suited to conduct the installation.

We always recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions for installation if doing it yourself. Trex has a fantastic resource guide full of installation instructions. We also have a handy guide on< what you need to know when installing decking on grass.

One key thing to consider is thermal expansion. Depending on the temperature, the decking will move, so sufficient spacing should be left between the individual boards and adjacent walls to allow for this.

Trex deck maintenance tips

This is thanks to a high-performance shell that protects the core composite board. Also known as ‘capped composite decking’, an extra coating is added to protect against the elements, such as rain and termites. The material won’t rot, warp or splinter and there’s no need to stain or paint it. As a result, it’s virtually maintenance-free.

For further peace of mind, Trex decking has a 25-year limited residential warranty and a 25-year fade and stain warranty, which shows just how long the product is designed to last.

Need a Trex decking quote?

Use our free search feature to find a local, reputable tradesperson in your area and get a quote for Trex installation costs.

Key takeaways for Trex decking

• Trex decking is low maintenance and long-lasting, but it can cost more than other options.
• Labour can add a lot to the cost to install a Trex deck, especially if groundworks are required. Your chosen tradesperson may also need to factor in the removal of existing skirting and decorating or making good of existing wall finishes if required.
• Add-ons such as stairs and benches can make for an amazing space if your budget can stretch to them.
• Be sure to check if you need planning permission before seeking installation costs.
• Trex’s two 25 year warranties provide long term peace of mind.