Project Calculator
Composite Deck Cost Calculator
Estimate costs for composite decking from Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon, and more. Compare materials and calculate total project costs based on your deck size, brand preference, and region.
TL;DR — Composite Decking Costs
Average cost: $25–$70+ per square foot installed. Typical 300 sq ft deck: $7,500–$21,000+. Material only: $4–$12/sqft for boards. Key factors: Brand tier (Trex Enhance vs Transcend), deck height, and regional labor rates. Premium composites (Trex Transcend, TimberTech Pro) cost more but last 25–50 years with minimal maintenance.
Estimate Your Composite Deck
Range: $10,200 – $15,600
Composite Decking Brand Comparison
| Brand / Line | Material Cost | Warranty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trex Enhance | $5-7/sqft | 25 years | Budget composite |
| Trex Select | $6-8/sqft | 25 years | Mid-range value |
| Trex Transcend | $9-12/sqft | 25 years | Premium durability |
| TimberTech Edge | $6-8/sqft | 25 years | Budget-friendly |
| TimberTech Pro | $9-11/sqft | 30 years | High performance |
| TimberTech Legacy | $12-15/sqft | Lifetime ltd | Premium aesthetics |
| Fiberon Good Life | $4-6/sqft | 25 years | Entry level |
| Azek Vintage | $12-16/sqft | Lifetime ltd | Luxury PVC |
Composite vs Wood Decking Costs
| Material | Upfront Cost | 20-Year Cost | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Wood | $15-25/sqft | $35-50/sqft | Annual staining |
| Cedar | $25-35/sqft | $45-65/sqft | Biannual sealing |
| Composite (mid-range) | $35-50/sqft | $35-55/sqft | Soap and water |
| PVC/Azek | $50-70/sqft | $50-75/sqft | Almost none |
Composite costs more upfront but saves money over 20 years due to minimal maintenance. No annual staining, sealing, or board replacement needed.
Composite Deck Costs by Region
Labor costs vary significantly by location. Here’s how total installed costs compare for a 300 sq ft mid-range composite deck across different regions.
| Region | Labor Rate | 300 Sq Ft Deck | Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific (LA, SF, Seattle) | $28-45/hr | $15,500-19,500 | $52-65 |
| Northeast (NYC, Boston) | $26-40/hr | $14,500-18,000 | $48-60 |
| Midwest (Chicago, Detroit) | $22-32/hr | $11,500-14,500 | $38-48 |
| Mountain (Denver, SLC) | $24-34/hr | $12,000-15,000 | $40-50 |
| Southeast (Atlanta, Miami) | $20-30/hr | $10,500-13,500 | $35-45 |
| Southwest (Phoenix, Dallas) | $18-28/hr | $10,000-13,000 | $33-43 |
| Rural/Small Town | $16-24/hr | $9,000-11,500 | $30-38 |
Note: 2026 estimates for Trex Select or TimberTech Edge tier. Urban areas within each region tend toward the higher end.
How to Save Money on a Composite Deck
Choose Mid-Tier Brands
Trex Select and TimberTech Edge offer 90% of premium performance at 60-70% of the cost. The 25-year warranties match premium products.
Keep It Simple
Rectangular decks cost less than multi-level or curved designs. Simpler layouts reduce labor by 15-25% and minimize material waste.
Skip Exotic Colors
Standard brown and gray tones cost $1-3 less per square foot than specialty colors. The boards perform identically.
Build Ground Level
Ground-level decks skip the framing and stair costs of elevated builds. You’ll save $3,000-8,000 on a typical 300 sq ft deck.
Buy Material Off-Season
Composite decking prices drop 10-15% in fall and winter. Order materials in November for spring installation.
DIY the Substructure
Building the pressure-treated frame yourself saves $2,000-5,000. Hire pros just for composite board installation where precision matters most.
Ready to Build Your Deck?
Get free quotes from licensed deck builders in your area. Compare prices and reviews.
Find Deck Contractors Near You →Need Financing for Your Deck Project?
See monthly payment options. Many homeowners finance composite decks for under $200/month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trex or TimberTech better?
Both are excellent. TimberTech has slightly better fade/stain resistance at premium tiers. Trex has more color options and wider availability. At similar price points, they’re comparable in quality.
How long does composite decking last?
Quality composite decking lasts 25-50 years. Premium capped composites (Trex Transcend, TimberTech Pro) resist fading, staining, and mold better than entry-level products.
Does composite decking get hot?
Yes, composite gets warmer than wood in direct sun – typically 20-40°F hotter. Lighter colors stay cooler. Some premium lines have heat-reflective technology.
Can I install composite decking myself?
DIY is possible but challenging. Composite requires specific fasteners, gap spacing, and substructure. Mistakes void warranties. Most homeowners save 40-50% on labor by DIY but risk quality issues.
What’s the difference between composite and PVC decking?
Composite is wood fiber + plastic. PVC is 100% synthetic. PVC (like Azek) costs more but won’t absorb moisture, mold, or rot. Best for wet climates or pool areas.
How do I finance a composite deck?
Options include home equity loans (best rates for $15K+), personal loans (quick approval), or contractor financing. Many deck builders offer 0% promotional financing. See financing options.
Can composite decking be painted or stained?
Generally no. Composite decking is designed to be maintenance-free with built-in color. Painting or staining voids most warranties and requires frequent reapplication.
What’s the best composite deck brand for hot climates?
Choose lighter colors in any brand. Azek PVC stays coolest. Trex and TimberTech offer some lines with heat-reflective technology. All composites get warmer than wood in sun.
How do I clean composite decking?
Soap and water for routine cleaning. Pressure wash on low (under 1500 PSI) for deep cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals. Most stains can be removed with composite deck cleaners.
Does composite decking add home value?
Yes. Deck additions return 60-80% of costs at resale. Composite may perform slightly better than wood due to perceived low maintenance and longevity.
How far apart should composite deck boards be?
Typically 1/8″ to 3/16″ between boards for drainage and expansion. Follow manufacturer specs exactly – improper spacing voids warranties. Hidden fastener systems handle this automatically.
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