Composite Decking Cost Calculator
Compare Trex vs. Wood pricing, labor rates, and 10-year maintenance costs.
2026 National Average: Composite decking typically costs between $35 and $75 per square foot installed (Materials + Labor). While pressure-treated wood is cheaper upfront ($25–$45/sq. ft), composite decking often pays for itself within 7–10 years due to zero maintenance costs.
Composite Decking Cost Calculator 2026: Trex vs. Wood Price Guide
Building a deck is one of the smartest upgrades you can make to your home. According to the Cost vs. Value Report, a deck addition consistently offers a high return on investment (ROI) at resale. However, if you have shopped for lumber recently, you know that prices have changed significantly in 2026. While pressure-treated wood is still the "cheap" option upfront, composite decking (brands like Trex or TimberTech) has become the go-to choice for homeowners who want to stop sanding and staining every summer.
The hard part is figuring out the real price difference. Is the premium cost of composite actually worth it? Does it really pay for itself? Using a reliable composite decking cost calculator is the best way to see the numbers clearly. Below, we break down material prices, labor rates, and the hidden maintenance costs that contractors often forget to mention.
How Our Composite Decking Cost Calculator Works
Contractors usually quote decking projects by the "square foot." In 2026, national averages have stabilized, but labor remains the biggest variable. A good composite decking cost calculator doesn't just look at the board price; it factors in the screws, the framing, and the labor.
Composite Decking Price Ranges (2026)
For a professionally installed deck, expect to pay between $45 and $75 per square foot. This range depends heavily on the "Tier" of decking you choose.
- Basic Composite (Materials): $7 – $10 per sq. ft. (Great for budget renovations).
- Premium PVC/Capped (Materials): $12 – $22 per sq. ft. (Best for heat resistance).
- Professional Labor: $35 – $55 per sq. ft.
Wood Decking Price Ranges
Pressure-treated (PT) pine is much cheaper on day one, but it comes with a "labor debt" because you have to maintain it forever.
- PT Wood (Materials): $2.50 – $4.50 per sq. ft.
- Cedar or Redwood (Materials): $6 – $9 per sq. ft.
- Professional Labor: $30 – $45 per sq. ft.
Wood vs. Composite Decking Cost Calculator Analysis
The biggest mistake homeowners make is only looking at the "Day 1" price tag. A deck sits in the rain, sun, and snow for 20 years. To find the real value, you have to look at the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
The Initial Price Tag vs. Long-Term Value
Wood is organic; it rots. To keep a wood deck safe and looking good, you must clean, strip, and stain it every 2–3 years. Composite is synthetic; you just wash it with soap. When you run the numbers through our composite decking cost calculator, you will see how maintenance changes the math.
Why Wood Maintenance Costs More
Over a 10-year period, the cost of stain, sealer, and the labor to apply it can exceed the initial cost of the wood itself. This is why composite decking often has a higher ROI despite the higher upfront price tag.
| Cost Factor (300 sq. ft.) | Pressure Treated Wood | Composite (Mid-Range) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Build Cost | $12,000 | $18,000 |
| Maintenance (10 Years) | $4,500 (Stain/Seal 4x) | $200 (Soap/Water) |
| Repairs (10 Years) | $800 (Warped boards) | $0 |
| Total 10-Year Cost | $17,300 | $18,200 |
The Verdict: While composite costs about 30–40% more upfront, the "break-even" point usually hits around Year 8. After that, the composite deck is actually cheaper to own because you aren't buying stain or paying a handyman to seal it.
Calculate Your Exact Break-Even Point
Use our deck pricing calculator to compare your specific size and labor rates to see your maintenance savings.
👉 Run My Cost EstimateLabor Rates: Using a Deck Cost Estimator for DIY vs. Pro
Labor is the single largest expense, typically accounting for 50% to 60% of the total project. In 2026, skilled labor shortages are still keeping prices high.
The DIY Option
If you are handy, you can save $5,000 to $10,000 by doing it yourself. But be warned: composite is unforgiving. If you scratch a wood board, you can sand it out. If you scratch a composite board, it's ruined. Using a composite decking cost calculator helps you separate material costs from labor so you can see exactly what you are "paying yourself" to do the work.
Hiring a Pro
Professional deck builders charge between $35 and $55 per square foot for labor. This covers:
- Demolition: Hauling away your old rotted deck.
- Framing: Digging new footings (the hardest part) and framing joists.
- Installation: Installing hidden fasteners, which takes longer than screwing down wood.
Material Tiers: Basic vs. Premium Boards
Not all composite is the same. Brands like Trex, TimberTech, and Fiberon have different "Tiers."
🥉 Tier 1: Basic (e.g., Trex Enhance)
Cost: $6–$8 / sq. ft.
These boards often have a "scalloped" bottom to save weight and money. They are durable but may look a bit more like plastic than real wood.
🥈 Tier 2: Mid-Range (e.g., Trex Select)
Cost: $9–$11 / sq. ft.
Solid boards with better grain patterns. This is the "sweet spot" for most homeowners using a wood vs composite cost 2026 comparison.
🥇 Tier 3: Premium (e.g., Trex Transcend / Azek)
Cost: $13–$20 / sq. ft.
The highest realism and scratch resistance. Some are "capped PVC," which stays cooler in the sun than standard composite.
Hidden Costs You Must Budget For
When you use a standard deck pricing calculator, it might just give you the decking price. But a deck is a structural project. Don't forget these invisible costs:
1. The Substructure (The Frame)
Even a "composite" deck uses a wood frame underneath. If your old frame is 15 years old, it likely needs to be replaced. You will need pressure-treated 2x8s or 2x10s for the joists.
2. Permits & Taxes
Almost every deck requires a building permit. Fees range from $100 to $500 depending on your municipality. If you skip this, you can be fined or forced to tear it down when you sell the house.
3. Concrete & Hardware
A solid deck needs deep footings. You'll need bags of concrete (check our Concrete Calculator for this) and galvanized hardware that won't rust.
20-Year Cost Projection & ROI Calculator
To see the real value of your deck, you should look beyond the upfront price. Here's a comparison of 300 sq. ft. decks over 20 years:
| Cost Factor (20 Years, 300 sq. ft.) | Pressure Treated Wood | Composite Decking (Mid-Range) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Build Cost | $12,000 | $18,000 |
| Maintenance & Staining | $12,000 | $500 (Soap/Water) |
| Repairs & Replacement | $2,500 | $200 |
| Total 20-Year Cost | $26,500 | $18,700 |
Insight: Composite decking typically breaks even around Year 8–10. After that, it becomes the cost-saving choice due to minimal maintenance.
Eco-Friendly Considerations: Wood vs. Composite
Modern homeowners care about environmental impact. Here's how the two materials compare:
- Composite Decking: Often made from 90–95% recycled materials. Long lifespan reduces waste. No chemical stains or sealers required.
- Wood Decking: Natural material but needs chemical treatments (stain, sealer) regularly. Shorter lifespan increases waste over time.
Choosing composite decking is not only low-maintenance but also a greener choice for long-term sustainability.
Design Options & Aesthetic Choices
Your deck is not just functional—it sets the tone for your outdoor space. Here’s a quick guide:
- Colors: Composite boards come in light, medium, and dark shades. Wood colors vary naturally but fade over time.
- Grain & Texture: Premium composite boards mimic real wood grain and resist scratches, while wood offers authentic texture.
- Layouts: Multi-level decks, built-in benches, pergolas, or planters—composite is easier to maintain in complex designs.
Consider your aesthetic goals and how much time you want to spend maintaining your deck when choosing the material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer: Construction costs vary wildly by zip code, season, and material availability. This guide provides national average estimates for 2026. Always obtain at least three written quotes from licensed contractors before beginning any project.