What is Trex Decking? Everything You Need To Know!

If you’ve been thinking about building a new deck, you’ve most likely come across the term “Trex” and wondered what it is. Composite decking, such as Trex decking, is a type of decking material that gives you the look and feel of real wood, while avoiding the pain and cost of maintaining wood decking. If you are looking for a long-lasting, low-maintenance option for your deck, keep reading. This Blog will walk you through the pros and cons of composite decking, and everything in between.

What is Trex Decking?

Trex decking refers to a specific brand of composite decking. Which begs the question: “What is composite decking?” I’m glad you asked! Composite is a type of decking made of both wood (or other minerals) and plastic. While Trex is simply a brand of composite decking, the terms are often used interchangeably. Some lesser-known companies are Timbertech, Deckorators, and Wolf. This type of decking is becoming more and more popular among homeowners. Let’s find out why in the next section.

Benefits of Composite Decking

As a decking option, Trex, or composite decking lasts much longer than standard wood, and requires less maintenance. Because of the decreased maintenance needed, composite decking means long-term costs savings. This makes composite decking a popular choice among many homeowners. Composite decking is advertised as “High-performance” and “eco-friendly”, and it’s true! Companies like Timbertech and Deckorators offer a minimum 25-year structural warranty as well as a minimum 25-year stain and fade warranty. To put that in perspective, a well-maintained pressure treated deck’s life expectancy is 15-20 years. So, the minimum warranty offered for composite decking is still 5 years longer than the life expectancy of a traditional wood deck! On top of that, the plastic used in composite decking is all recycled, keeping waste from filling landfills! Composite decking isn’t only an investment in your home, it’s an investment in the planet as well.

Another benefit of composite decking is that it comes in a wide range of colors and styles. If you’re creative, or have a specific color scheme in mind, Composite decking is a great route, because there are dozens of color options. Having well over 20 deck colors, almost anything you can picture, you can have. Whether you have a home on the coast or a cabin in the woods, there are options to match and enhance the aesthetic of your home. These options also create endless possibilities when it comes to designs. You can add an accent board or an inlay design to your deck to make it stand apart from the rest. Composite decking gives you versatility in your designs.

Hidden fasteners are an overlooked perk of using composite. If you look at any traditional wood deck, you can see all the nails or screws that hold down the decking. If you’re lucky, whomever built it took the time to install the fasteners in a straight line. Often, that is not the case. Many deck builders don’t take the time to precisely place their screws, so you end up with a zig-zagged line of screws that would drive anyone crazy. Additionally, these screw holes typically splinter around the screwhead. This looks bad and creates an unpleasant experience if you walk around barefoot. These issues are avoided with composite decking because it is installed with hidden fasteners. This means you won’t see the fasteners at all, giving your deck a clean finished look.

Cons of Composite Decking

 

Although Composite decking claims some advantages, there are still some drawbacks homeowners must consider before installing. While Composite is my preferred decking materials, I don’t have rose-colored glasses on. I realize that there is no perfect option. So what are some of the cons?

The most common drawback for many is the investment. The upfront investment for traditional lumber is much less than for composite decking. Though the decreased maintenance costs of composite will even out the price in the long run, this is an important detail for homeowners with a smaller budget.

Another common complaint is that the decking can feel hot in the sun. While all deck boards, including wood, get hot in the sun, composite decking tends to transfer heat more quickly. So if your deck sees a lot of sun, a lighter color, or PVC decking might be a better option for you.

Additionally, some people feel that the composite decking doesn’t look enough like traditional wood. While this objection can be somewhat subjective, I would recommend getting your hands on some samples. Most composite decking brands, like Trex, Timbertech, and Deckorators will send you free samples that you can see in person, compare colors, and leave out in the sun for hours to see how it feels for yourself.

When Should You Use Composite Decking?

Composite decking is great for building a wide range of deck styles. It holds up especially well in areas that see a lot of rain and snow. Here are the types of projects you can build with composite decking:

·      Attached or detached deck, or multi-tier decks

·      Pool, hot tub, or sauna deck

·      Outdoor walkways

·      Outdoor benches,

·      Planters and shelves

·      Docks or piers

·      Privacy screens

·      Accent walls in your outdoor living space

Composite Decking Considerations

Deciding if composite decking material is worth the higher upfront investment depends on your priorities. Here are somethings you should consider before deciding:

·      Are you okay with the look and feel of composite decking?

Are you a wood purist who would be disappointed with anything other than authentic wood boards, or does composite work? Rich colors and textured graining can go a long way in making composite boards look the part. But I would recommend getting your hands on some samples to see for yourself.

·      How important is the price?

Are you more interested in long-term savings, or will upfront cost sway your decision? Composite decking offers low-maintenance decks at a premium price, so you’ll have to decide which feature is most important: upfront cost, or long-term savings.

·      How handy are you?

Your weekends are valuable. Especially if you’re going to a lake house or vacation home. While some people love to tackle home improvement projects in their spare time, others want to kick up their feet and use their deck as it was intended. If sanding and staining deck boards is more of a chore for you, or you don’t want to keep paying for that service every other year, Composite deck options might be your best bet.

Still aren’t sure?

If you’re thinking about composite decking, why not let a professional give their insights? A professional deck builder near you can inspect the site, consult with you on the best materials to fit your needs, and provide you with a quote. Ask me about my opinion on different materials, my experience installing them, and any other questions you may have. Chatting with a contractor in the Berkshires will help you design a deck you can enjoy for decades to come.