When considering a deck replacement, choosing the right materials is key to long-term satisfaction and durability. Trex decking, a popular composite decking option, offers numerous benefits that make it an ideal choice for homeowners. Known for its blend of sustainability, low maintenance, and weather resistance, Trex decking provides an attractive, eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood. Whether you’re looking to enhance the beauty of your outdoor space or reduce the time spent on upkeep, Trex decking stands out as a versatile solution that elevates both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your deck.

What Is Trex Decking?

Trex decking refers to a premium type of composite decking made by the renowned brand, Trex. At first glance, it may resemble traditional wood decking, but it offers much more beneath the surface. Trex decking stands out for its innovative materials, exceptional aesthetics, and superior performance, making it a game-changer for outdoor spaces. Let’s explore why Trex has become the gold standard in decking solutions.

What Is Trex Decking Made Of?

What sets Trex apart from its competitors is the innovative materials it uses to create its decking. Recognizing that eco-friendly solutions are the future, Trex engineers made sustainability a priority. As a result, 95% of Trex decking is crafted from recycled materials, including wood fibers, grocery bags, water bottles, and even items like toilet paper packaging. And the other 5%? We’ll dive into that shortly.

Benefits of Trex Decking for Deck Replacements

Now that you’re familiar with Trex decking, let’s explore the key benefits of installing it in your outdoor space.

1. Eco-Friendly Materials

In the face of climate change and environmental challenges, Trex is committed to making a positive impact. Beyond using recycled materials, the company employs an eco-friendly manufacturing process to create its decking. Concerned about the wood fibers? Rest assured, no trees are harmed—Trex exclusively uses reclaimed wood, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

2. Low-Maintenance

If you own a wooden deck, you’re likely familiar with the ongoing maintenance it requires. Regular cleaning and pressure washing are just the start; annual staining is needed to preserve its vibrant appearance. Plus, dealing with rot and mold from rain can be a major hassle. Fortunately, Trex decking eliminates these concerns.

Constructed from recycled plastic and wood fibers, Trex decking is highly moisture-resistant, preventing the absorption of rain and the resulting rot. This means your deck will maintain its visual appeal with minimal upkeep. Additionally, thanks to Trex’s innovative manufacturing process, the colors are embedded within the decking material itself, so they won’t fade over time, saving you the cost and effort of frequent staining.

3. Long-Lasting Structure

You’ve probably heard that wooden decks can last up to 20 years, but that’s rarely the whole story. Without regular maintenance, their lifespan is significantly reduced. Enter Trex decking: if you’re skeptical about using a product made predominantly from recycled materials, thinking it might lack durability, think again.

Trex engineers have mastered the art of creating long-lasting decking. Remember that 5% of the materials? These are carefully selected additives designed to enhance the deck’s durability and extend its lifespan. Plus, Trex subjects its recycled materials to a rigorous manufacturing process to ensure top-notch quality. As a result, Trex decking not only requires minimal upkeep but also offers impressive longevity.

4. No Painful Splinters

If you’ve ever stepped on a splinter from a wooden deck, you know how unpleasant it can be. With Trex decking, you can eliminate that concern.

Trex decking incorporates wood fibers, but they are fully encased in plastic, which prevents splintering. This design ensures a smooth, safe surface for walking barefoot, protecting your feet from sharp, irritating splinters.

5. Diverse Aesthetics

Installing a deck involves creating a comfortable outdoor space that enhances your home’s visual appeal. Trex simplifies this process with its wide range of decking styles and colors, making it easy to find an option that complements your home’s design. With Trex, you’re sure to find a decking solution that meets your aesthetic needs effortlessly.

6. Pest-Resistance

You can take all the necessary steps to maintain a wooden deck—regular cleaning, staining, and applying waterproof sealant—but these measures won’t protect it from pests like carpenter bees and termites, which can cause significant structural damage.

Composite decking, like Trex, is less attractive to pests. While not entirely pest-proof, it significantly reduces the risk of infestations. Termites prefer natural wood due to its cellulose content, and carpenter bees are drawn to unfinished wood for egg-laying. As a result, Trex composite decking is less likely to be targeted by these pests.

7. Constant Evolution

As a natural material, there isn’t much manufacturers can do to make wood stronger. All the available methods are either too limited or too expensive.

On the other hand, Trex is always striving to improve the manufacturing process of its deckings. Using modern technology and peak human innovation, there will always be room for growth, which isn’t really available with natural wood.

8. Long Warranty

Many composite decking manufacturers offer long warranties, but Trex’s warranty stands out. With coverage ranging from 25 to 50 years, Trex demonstrates exceptional confidence in its product’s durability and performance. This extensive warranty reflects the company’s commitment to quality and its assurance that their decking will stand up to years of use.

Types of Trex Decking

Trex offers a broad selection of designs to suit various styles and preferences:

1. Trex Enhance

Despite being the company’s cheapest decking variant, Trex Enhance is more luxurious than other deckings on the market. What makes it special? The scalloped bottoms. They make the boards easy to carry, resulting in a seamless installation process.

Visually, Trex Enhance comes in various natural colors, making the boards compatible with different outdoor settings. It also comes with a 25-year warranty.

2. Trex Select

Select may not be Trex’s most advanced variant, but it’s definitely one of the most popular ones. With a high-performing shell and a classic design, it offers durability, longevity, and breathtaking aesthetics.

What sets Select apart from Enhance, though, is the quality-to-price ratio. Sure, it may not have scalloped bottoms, but it comes with an incredible build and a cheaper price. So, it offers more value for money.

That’s not all there’s to it, though. Unlike its Enhance counterpart, Trex Select comes with a 35-year warranty. So, you’ll get the sense of security every deck owner is looking for.

3. Trex Transcend

Transcend is one of Trex’s premium offerings, designed to evoke a charming, rustic feel reminiscent of a cozy countryside cabin.

What sets Transcend apart is its array of striking color options. With six vibrant, multi-chromatic shades available, you can easily tailor the look of your outdoor space to your preferences. Additionally, Transcend boards feature robust shell protection that preserves their vibrant colors over time, even with extensive sun exposure.

To top it off, Transcend comes with a 50-year warranty, underscoring its exceptional quality and durability.

4. Trex Transcend Lineage

Transcend Lineage represents Trex’s most advanced decking option, evident in every design detail. While it offers fewer color choices than the standard Transcend line, the available colors are calming and ideal for creating a serene outdoor space.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Lineage features cutting-edge engineering. Unlike traditional wooden decks that can become unbearably hot in summer, Lineage boards are designed to remain cooler, allowing you to walk barefoot comfortably. While they may still warm up on extremely hot days, they provide superior heat protection compared to other decking options.

As a premium product, Lineage comes with a 50-year warranty, underscoring its exceptional quality and durability.

5. Trex Signature

As its name implies, Trex Signature is the brand’s luxurious option, combining simplicity, elegance, and allure. Designed to capture the natural beauty of wood despite being a composite product, it successfully achieves a sophisticated and authentic look.

However, compared to other Trex variants, Signature offers a more limited color palette, which may limit its visual versatility.

Trex Decking Costs

You’re sold, aren’t you? You want to know how much installing Trex decking costs? Well, there isn’t one universal answer to that question, as it depends on the deck’s type, size, design, materials, and add-ons.

Your location might also affect the price. That said, here’s a table of the average cost of installing a Trex deck:

Deck Dimensions	Deck Square Footage	Trex Decking Cost Range
10×10	100	$1,500 – 3,000
12×12	144	$2,160 – 4,320
14×20	280	$4,200 – 8,400
16×20	320	$4,800 – 9,600
20×20	400	$6,000 – 12,000

You also want to consider labor costs and whether you’ll install the deck yourself or hire a contractor to do it. If you do it yourself, the price will obviously be lower. 

FAQs

What to use to clean Trex decking?

Luckily, Trex decking doesn’t require special equipment to clean. All you need is soap, water, and a soft bristle brush. Start by spraying the deck with water to remove excess debris, then dip your brush in warm, soapy water and start scrubbing.

If you don’t want to put in the effort, you can always use a pressure washer, and It’ll get the job done in no time. Stick to the ones with a fan attachment and a PSI of less than 300.

What colors does Trex decking come in?

Each type of Trex decking comes with different color choices:

Trex Enhance: Foggy Wharf, Rocky Harbor, Toasted Sand, Coastal Bluff, Honey Grove, Beach Dune, Saddle, Clam Shell, and Tide Pool.

Trex Select: Pebble Grey and Saddle Select.

Trex Transcend: Island Mist, Tiki Torch, Havana Gold, Spiced Rum, Lava Rock, and Rope Swing.Trex Transcend Lineage: Island Mist Lineage, Biscayne, Rainier, Carmel, and Jasper.