Composite Fence Cost Per Foot (2026): Trex and WPC Prices
Prices are 2026 national installed ranges. Composite spans a wide quality range — capped and uncapped products differ substantially in fade resistance and warranty. Confirm which tier a quote covers.
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Composite requires manufacturer-specified fasteners to avoid splitting. Permits and site preparation are extra.
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How much does composite fencing cost per foot in 2026?
Composite fencing costs $20 to $80 per linear foot installed, and where you land depends almost entirely on product tier. Materials alone run $35–$70 per foot for mid and premium products, with professional labor adding $15–$30. It's the most expensive mainstream residential fencing material, priced roughly two to three times a standard wood fence.
| Tier | Per linear foot | 150 ft total | Typical brands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (uncapped WPC) | $20 – $30 | $3,000 – $4,500 | Big-box store lines |
| Mid-grade (capped) | $30 – $48 | $4,500 – $7,200 | Fiberon and similar |
| Premium (capped WPC) | $40 – $80 | $6,000 – $12,000 | Trex, TimberTech |
| Trex retail (6 ft material) | From ~$60 | Varies | $700–$900 per section installed |
Capped or uncapped: the spec that explains a 3x price gap
Composite panels come capped or uncapped, and it's the difference behind a $20-per-foot quote and an $80 one. Uncapped WPC is bare wood-plastic composite: cheaper, but more prone to fading, staining and moisture absorption at cut edges. Capped products wrap the core in a protective polymer shell with UV stabilizers, which is what delivers the 15–20 years of color retention the category advertises. Two quotes for "composite fencing" can describe fundamentally different products. Ask which it is, what the warranty covers, and for how long.
How much does a Trex fence cost?
Trex fencing costs $40 to $80 per linear foot installed, with retail material for 6-foot Seclusions starting in the low $60s per foot before labor. Contractors often quote by section instead: expect roughly $700 to $900 per section for 6-foot fencing including labor and materials. Small jobs may carry mobilization charges, and old fence removal, gate installation and site conditions are typically extra.
Trex Seclusions is rated to 130 mph wind, which is a genuine differentiator in hurricane and high-wind zones where wood panels fail first.
Is composite fencing worth it versus wood?
Over 25 years the gap is narrower than the sticker price suggests. Take a 150-foot fence: cedar costs about $4,500 installed, plus staining every three years and one partial repair around year 15, landing near $7,900 total if you do the staining yourself. Composite costs about $10,000 installed with essentially nothing after that. A $5,500 gap at installation shrinks to roughly $2,100 across the period.
Hire out the staining at $2,000–$3,000 per application and the comparison flips entirely — cedar becomes the more expensive fence. See our full wood versus alternatives comparison for the numbers across materials.
Does composite fencing fade?
Yes, and honest sellers say so: composite fades noticeably during the first six months as the surface weathers to its settled color. After that, quality capped products with UV stabilizers hold color for 15–20 years. Budget uncapped panels fade further and keep going. If you're matching a fence to existing composite decking, expect a color difference until the new material catches up — and pick from settled samples rather than fresh ones.
Where does composite make the most sense?
- Termite-heavy and high-humidity markets — composite doesn't absorb water, so it won't rot.
- Wind zones, where rated systems like Trex Seclusions carry engineering documentation.
- Long ownership horizons, where zero maintenance compounds in your favor.
- Owners who want a wood look without ever handling a stain brush.
It makes less sense on a short hold, on a tight budget, or where a simple chain link or pine fence does the job. The premium buys durability and appearance, not additional function.
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What should a composite quote include?
- Product tier and brand — capped or uncapped, and the warranty term.
- Post material — many composite systems use aluminum posts and rails, which resist rot like the panels do.
- Fasteners — composite requires manufacturer-specified screws; the wrong type splits panels.
- Old fence removal — adds $5–$8 per linear foot.
- Site prep — clearing vegetation or leveling uneven terrain is billed separately.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a composite fence last?
- Twenty-five to thirty years, considerably longer than wood's 15–20. Composite doesn't rot, warp, split or attract insects, so the practical failure mode is surface wear and fading rather than structural decay.
- Is composite or vinyl better?
- Composite suits buyers who want a wood-grain appearance and recycled content; vinyl is easier to clean and often slightly cheaper. Both eliminate staining. The deciding factor is usually looks: composite reads as wood, vinyl reads as vinyl.
- Can composite fencing be installed on a slope?
- Yes, though rigid panels are usually stepped down a grade rather than racked. Sloped installations add roughly 20% to labor, and complex terrain can push a project toward the top of the price range.
- Does composite fencing need maintenance?
- Effectively none beyond occasional washing. There's no staining, sealing or board replacement. That's the entire value proposition and the reason the lifetime comparison against wood is closer than the upfront prices suggest.
- Why is composite so much more expensive than wood?
- The raw materials cost more — recycled HDPE polymer combined with wood fiber, plus UV stabilizers and processing additives — and the extrusion manufacturing process is capital intensive. You're paying for engineered material rather than sawn lumber.
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Reviewed by the Home Fixs editorial team. Published June 12, 2026.
Pricing compiled from 2026 installed-cost data: HomeGuide, Angi, Fence Advisors, Trex retail pricing and regional contractor guides. Figures are national ranges; verify locally.