Maybe you’ve heard the term being thrown around by your local deck builder or read about it online or in a magazine and found yourself wondering, “What exactly is Trex Decking?”
Well, Trex is a brand name, and currently the largest manufacturer of alternative decking options. They market themselves as being the best environmentally responsible option for alternative decking, using only recycled or reclaimed materials for their products. With many different options for styling available, Trex Decking is a well-known option for deck builders to choose for their deck building projects.
Trex was formerly a division of Mobil Corporation, formed by several Mobil executives. With a manufacturing facility in Virginia and another in Nevada, they serve the greater portion of the US with quality deck building materials.
Options For Trex Decking
Trex offers a variety of decking materials to suit the varying needs of deck builders.
Some of their products include:
- Trex Transcend – This selection offers a reinforced plank for your deck by protecting it on 3 sides, while allowing the bottom to remain open. By letting the bottom of the decking stay exposed, the materials have a chance to stretch and contract as needed without influencing the flow of your custom deck design. This decking is the strongest Trex option, being as much as 3 times stronger than competing brands.
- Trex Enhance – This option is a simple faux wood classic. With no specific designs, this decking is a great value for those looking to simplify their deck. It is available in two colors and advertised as the premium decking for those worry-free relaxation areas.
- Trex Select – Trex offers supreme affordability without compromising in durability. With Trex Select, you’ll enjoy the luxurious feel of premium decking, without the cost.
- Trex Accents – Here is the Trex Decking for those with creativity in mind. Deck contractors will have no problem implementing some patio design with Trex Accents. Different sizing and colors of planks invite inspiration for all deck building projects.
- Trex Reveal – This last type of Trex Decking offers the best durability to those with blending in mind. Trex Reveal is for the minimalist, offering no standout designs or strategic plank placements to distract from the peace of a relaxing deck. This style is best for those long panoramic stretches of decking.
Why Trex Decking?
Trex Decking brings many unique features and qualities to the table that have helped to establish its reputation as the go-to choice for deck building contractors.
Here are some of the aspects that put Trex Decking in a league of its own:
- Steel Substructure – Deck contractors can rest assured when choosing Trex for their decking needs, especially with regard to the framing of the deck. By using galvanized steel for the substructure of this decking, the longevity and durability is significantly increased. Traditional lumber used for this purpose has a lifespan of a mere 15 years, while Trex Decking’s steel structure is backed by a 25-year limited warranty.
- Design – With all of the options Trex offers, no two decks will be alike! There are 9 standard colors and, since Trex Decking is easily paintable, the possibilities are literally endless. Railing options allow you to choose natural looking safe zones that maintain the consistency you want in a backyard oasis.
- Durability – This firm material can withstand up to 160 mph winds! Trex Decking is also prepared for rain or snow. With the materials combined to create this decking, strength is the most common side effect of this purchase!
- User-Friendly Kits – Trex pre-cuts their decking components and hardware, making building your custom deck a breeze. Kits include all the boards and hardware needed to complete your Trex Decking installation.
Negative Aspects Of Trex Decking
As with any composite decking alternative, there are going to be some disadvantages to consider as well when choosing Trex Decking:
- Weight – Trex Decking weighs more than its wood competition. While weighing as much as 70 percent more, the durability and performance that you get makes up for it.
- Cost – With prices between 7 and 9 dollars per square foot, which is higher than some other alternative decking solutions, you’ll also want to keep in mind that additional costs for installation and design can be curtailed by choosing to install the deck yourself and/or lengthening the amount of time you need to get your custom deck completed.
- Damage – Because you cannot sand and re-stain Trex Decking, scratches that have exposed the plank to the elements will need to be replaced, since repair is not an option. While this makes for a low-maintenance option, it does add to the cost of the deck.
- Heat – Because this decking contains ingredients other than wood, it absorbs heat, making it difficult to walk barefoot in the summer. Rinsing it off with water before use will help with this issue.
How Will your TREX Decking Look?
Like many other alternative decking options, Trex Decking looks just like real wood. With up to 9 different color selections (depending on the style you choose), your patio design can be customized to your aesthetic preference. Depending on the style of Trex Decking you choose, you can have a simple wood deck look, or a deck with designs in between planks. The choice is yours!
How Do You Care For Trex Decking?
Like any other composite decking, sweeping and the occasional rinsing of the deck is necessary to maintain that quality look. While there are certain chemicals offered by Trex to clean specific mold or mildew areas, these tend to strip the coloring and cause premature fading. Your best bet is to occasionally spray it off with water, and resist letting water accumulate for long periods of time.
Activities like sanding, staining, and repainting have no place here! No sealants or weather-proofing are needed.
Tips For Maintaining That Low-Maintenance Look:
- Clean up outdoor cooking spills immediately. Grease and oil can damage your decking if left too long.
- Mats underneath the grill. Consider keeping the floor of your grill padded, protecting your deck from simple spills and scratches from movement.
- Avoid pressure washing. While pressure washers can be used on composite decking, caution needs to be taken with it. The best solution is to avoid use all together.
- Don’t use shovels to remove snow or ice from your Trex custom deck. Abrasive contact with a shovel may cause scratches, exposing sections of planks to the elements.
Conclusion:
Splinter-free time on your outdoor custom deck is sure to be had with Trex Decking. The simplicity offered with installation as well as the sleek and consistent look will comfort you for years. And, with Trex Decking’s commitment to maintaining a carbon footprint-free company, choosing them not only helps you, but the environment around you!