Trex Decking: The Myths, Facts, Dos and Don’ts
So, you are thinking about adding to the beauty and value of your home by building a deck? It’s certainly a fantastic way to achieve both, but you are quickly going to discover that there are some decisions to be made and things to know before you break ground on your project. With every brand of building material, there is an interesting fact you should know, myths that you will want to be addressed, and the dos and don’ts. Don’t you want to know everything about the brand your buying from? In this article, we are going to touch on everything that you need to know about Trex decking and the reasons why Trex Decking is the ideal material for your next renovation.
Why Trex Is the Best Material Vs Wood Decking? What is Trex?
One of the most important choices that you will need to make is what type of material you will use to build the deck. While you may automatically think of wood, there are other options to consider. Trex decking is very high on the list of alternatives to wood decking, and the debate of Trex decking vs. wood decking is bound to pop up if you spend any amount of time researching decking options.
At first glance, you would be excused for mistaking Trex decking for wood, as it basically looks the same. What Trex decking is, though, is a composite material that is made from recycled materials such as wood fibers, plastic, and a bonding agent designed to hold it all together. What you are left with is something that looks a whole lot like wood, but which is a good deal stronger and sturdier. The question you have to ask now is whether you are set on wood or if something a little more durable might be the better option. If you are still on the fence, let’s see if we can help.
Let’s Compare Trex Decking to Wood Decking
There are a lot of things to consider when deciding between Trex decking and wood, so we are going to cover some of those points to try and help you make a more informed decision.
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Since there are so many factors that go into calculating the overall cost of building your deck, we cannot really give you accurate numbers. In general though, Trex decking does tend to be a little pricier than wood. While the cost of buying your supplies is very often seen as a contributing factor, this is an instance where you really need to look at the bigger picture. As mentioned earlier, Trex decking is stronger and more durable than even the hardest type of wood, which means that it’s going to last a good deal longer. At some point, you are going to start replacing warped and damaged boards on a wood deck, which means shelling out even more money over the life of your deck.
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This is not something that a lot of people think about when they have a new deck built. The assumption is that the finished product will stand strong and proud for many, many years to come. The reality, though, is that a wood deck needs to be well looked after if it is to stand the test of time. You may need to frequently reseal or paint the wood to keep the elements out. As we already mentioned, you are also going to need to replace warped or damaged boards, as they can become a safety concern if left unchecked. You also need to worry about critters, especially termites, as they will feast on your wood if given the opportunity. All this work quickly adds up, but none of it is required with Trex decking.
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When selecting a type of wood to use in your deck, a lot of attention is paid to selecting one that is just the right color or that has a great looking grain. As many options as there are, you are still somewhat limited in that regard. With Trex decking, you have access to a wide variety of different colors, making it far easier to get the exact look that you want for your deck. Imagine being able to select patio furniture and other accessories for your deck by using the color of the decking as a focal point. That is what you get with Trex decking. You also spare yourself the annoyance of seeing the color fade or having stains appear, both of which are common issues with wood.
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While it is now possible to go with reclaimed wood for projects, the reality is that you are probably going to end up using timber that has been harvested from forests. With Trex decking, you are looking at using a product that is made from recycled goods, lessening your carbon footprint and generally helping you feel a little bit better about doing your part for the planet. This may not be a huge deciding factor for a lot of people, but it is still one that needs to be considered.
At the end of the day, the choice you make of Trex Decking vs. wood decking will end up being a personal one. There are sure to be some of you out there who simply have your heart set on a wood deck, which is fine. If you are still unsure, though, we suggest that you take a closer look at Trex decking to see what it has to offer.
Diving Deeper into Trex
So, now you are educated on Trex as far as who they are and why they are supposedly better than traditional wood decking. However, we are sure there is more you want to know such as what it is made of and if they sell any other products. So, let’s talk about it!
Over twenty years ago, Trex took center stage in the composite decking market. Trex decking is constantly striving to keep its products at the forefront of the industry by continually challenging technology. Throughout this section of the article, we are going to break down some facts about Trex decking.
Trex decking is low-maintenance, easy to install, and will last decades. When making the decision to purchase any product, it is important to learn everything you can about the company and the product itself.
When it comes to building a deck, there are a lot of material choices out there. You may be wondering why choose Trex decking? Here are some interesting facts about Trex decking that make it stand out from other composite decking that you may not know:
What is in Trex Decking?
You may know that Trex decking is made from 95% recycled materials. However, you may not know what those materials are:
Grocery Bags
Bakery Bags
Water Bottle Packaging
Dry Cleaning Plastic
Newspaper Bags
Produce Bags
Toilet Paper and Paper Towel Packaging
Cereal Bags
Now you know what material Trex is and what it is made from. The next interesting thing about Trex is the other products they have. They carry all the same products like decking, railing, accent pieces, and lighting. Although, they do have one product line that is unique to the building material suppliers, outdoor furniture!
Each piece of Trex decking furniture is ergonomically designed for utmost comfort. The Trex decking furniture has all the same features that the decking does, meaning that it is long-lasting, durable, and won’t rot or splinter.
As we have said over and over, Trex decking is constantly striving to stay at the top of its game when it comes to its reputation. Another added benefit of purchasing Trex decking furniture is that Trex plants a tree for every piece of furniture sold! How awesome is that?
Other Trex Branded Products
Do you like backyard games such as cornhole?
Everyone is familiar with the timeless backyard game cornhole. Trex decking even has its own branded cornhole game! They are made with Trex decking, of course, which means that you can leave it outside all year long!
Trex Outdoor Kitchens
Trex decking has strived to be the “go-to” for outdoor living. To complement their composite decking and furniture lines, Trex decking has created its own signature cabinetry and storage units for outdoor kitchens. Completely built in to blend with your Trex deck, you will never know that they are there.
Trex LatticeWorks
Lattice is a timeless addition to backyards as privacy walls, garden walls, and décor under decks. Trex decking offers its own line of lattice which is available in a variety of decorative and durable options. The Trex decking lattice is made from the same material as the decking so it has the same characteristics give it lifelong longevity.
Spiral Staircases
Another unique feature that you won’t find with other composite decking lines is the option for a spiral staircase. Space-saving and beautiful, these outdoor spiral staircases will bring elegance to your Trex deck that your neighbors will envy.
Interested in Trex’s Quality Products?
If you are interested in using Trex’s extensive line of products but need some more info, give us a call! Our experienced staff would be happy to answer any questions you might have regarding your next project.
The Dos and Don’ts of Trex
So, when you are choosing a product to use in your renovation you want to be educated on the dos and don’ts of that specific product to avoid any mistakes or unnecessary damages. With Trex Decking there are a few do’s that you want to follow to make sure installation goes well and that the product lasts for years. Of course, just like everything, there are the don’ts that you want to avoid so your Trex Decking stays looking superior.
Renovating your home is always a good idea. There is nothing that shows your love for your house more than your investment of time and money in home improvements. Composite decking can make your house look more beautiful and elegant. It not only helps to intensify the beauty of your house, but it also adds value to the building both environmentally and financially. When you are planning on building a Trex deck at your house, then there are certain ‘dos and don’ts’ you need to follow.
Things to DO With Trex
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Some people have a passion to work in their homes. They try their luck at almost everything from being a plumber to being a gardener for their house. Some people try their luck with building a deck as well. The materials and tools required to build a composite deck can be easily bought from a home improvement store. That being said, the product knowledge needed to install a Trex Deck is not as well known. If you have the knowledge and skills, then you might be able to pull off building an amazing composite deck for your house. However if you are trying it for the first time and you aren’t skilled enough for it, then that might be a problem. It is always better to hire a professional to do the job. A professional would know better on how to build the deck as per the requirements of your house. They would be more experienced to judge what color, shades, pattern or material you should use for your deck. Most importantly a professional would be more equipped to build a composite deck that focuses on safety, as well as quality. Even though Trex decks are slip and splinter-free, they can still be dangerous if built by unskilled hands.
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When it comes to investing in building a composite deck at your house, it is always better to build a deck with Trex, as Trex is one of the most durable and efficient composites for decking. There are several companies in the market that sell Trex and other materials for decking, however it is crucial to choose materials that are high quality. You can also find several different qualities of Trex in the market, make sure you buy the best one. It might seem expensive to you, but it will always be good in the long run as the very little maintenance cost is associated with high quality Trex.
Things NOT to Do With Trex
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Even though Trex is relatively termite free as compared to wood decks, there are always chances for it to be infected by insects. Look for small holes on the surface and if you find a few, then it’s time to call a professional to get rid of the insects. In the long run, insect infection can drastically damage your deck even causing the entire set up to decay. You shouldn’t use any dangerous chemicals or insecticides to get rid of those insects as these products might also damage the surface of your Trex deck. Try to buy products that are approved by regulatory authorities. There are many companies that offer products that can be effectively used on your Trex deck in order to get rid of termites and other insects.
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Sanding is considered important or even necessary for traditional wood decks, however extensive sanding of composite decking should always be avoided. Sanding does have a lot of pros, but it is not without its cons as well. It can damage the surface of your deck and may require you to spend more money on improving your deck in the future. It should also be noted that there are many different tools and materials out in the market that can aid you in the sanding of your decks. If for some reason you must perform sanding, then make sure you use the right tools and materials.
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There are several different types of composites in the market including the following:
Timber
PVC
Stone
Hollow Composites
All these composites are good, however they lag way behind Trex when it comes to quality, durability, and maintenance. You should never compromise on quality when it comes to building a composite deck. Even if Trex is an expensive composite, building a Trex deck will always be worth it in the long run. It is always better to spend a large amount once instead of spending hundreds on maintenance and up keep every year.
The Myths of Trex
So far, we have touched on Trex as a whole, interesting things you should know, and the dos and don’ts. To wrap up this article let’s talk about the myths of Trex decking. With every product, there are things that are said by past and current clients that are sometimes untrue. These are those things being addressed.
The Myths
No matter the product, everyone has their opinion. When it comes to decking, wood decking used to be the standard go-to, but now there are other options. Over the past decade, composite decking like Trex decking has been developing a demand in the market. Because the manufacturing technology has been fine-tuned, Trex decking has far surpassed early expectations of the product and its performance. With any product like Trex decking that causes a buzz, there is excitement and skepticism. That is why it is important to know where the information you are receiving is coming from. With that in mind, there is a lot of miss information on the web regarding this exciting product. In this blog, we will break down some of the major myths about Trex Decking. If you are considering installing a Trex deck, there are some common myths that you will encounter. Hopefully, after reading this part of the article you will feel more confident in making your decision!
Myths About Trex Decking
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This was true back when composite decking was first introduced. In the beginning, Trex decking was about three times more expensive than a traditional wood deck. With improvements in manufacturing and technology, the price has come down significantly.
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Just to be completely honest, there is a small amount of maintenance required for your Trex deck, but it is NOTHING compared to a traditional wood deck. Basically, you will just need to spray down your Trex deck as needed to keep the surface clean as it will attract dirt.
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Today this is a myth, but was not back in the day. When Trex decking first made its appearance, it did not resemble real wood and did have a plastic look. After decades, production has been fine-tuned and Trex decking now looks like real wood. The custom colors and grain make Trex one of the leading composite decking lines around today. In fact, Trex offers two-grain patterns to choose from which is a unique feature of Trex decking. This makes it easier than ever to match any existing wood structures that you have.
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Over the years, Trex decking has made some advanced changes to its hardware making installation easier than ever. Trex decking is quicker and easier to install than a traditional wood deck because of its fastening system. It is so simple in fact that even an amateur DIY-er can do it without any problems! Trex has also created easy to understand how-to guides with step by step guidelines and pointers. You can also truly customize the size and shape of your deck with Trex. You have the ability to order special cuts.
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Modern-day Trex decking has a shell strength system that prevents any sort of staining, scratching, or fading. Other composite decking lines will eventually fade to grey over the years but not Trex. Trex decking also comes with a 25-year warranty to ensure its ability to stand up to wear and tear. When researching Trex decking, make sure that you get your information from a reputable site like Rocky Mountain Forest Products or Trex’s own website!
