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Trex vs Typical Wood Decking

Say goodbye to the hassle and maintenance of wood and hello to a beautiful, durable, and eco-friendly deck with Trex Decking!

Are you thinking of building a deck and wondering which material to use? The options can be overwhelming, but we have a clear winner: Trex Decking. This composite decking material has been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. In this article, we’ll give you five compelling reasons why Trex Decking is the way to go over traditional wood decking.

Let’s look at five reasons to take another look at Trex Decking while planning your decking project.

  1. Low Maintenance

    First and foremost, Trex decking is low maintenance. Unlike wood, Trex decking does not require staining, sealing, or painting. This means less time and money spent on upkeep and more time to enjoy your deck. In addition, Trex decking is resistant to fading, stains, and mold, ensuring that it will look great for years to come. Low maintenance also makes Trex decking a great choice for those who want a beautiful deck without the hassle of upkeep.

  2. ECO-FRIENDLY

    Trex decking is also an eco-friendly option. Unlike traditional wood decking, which is often sourced from old-growth forests, Trex decking is made from recycled materials. In fact, Trex decking is made from 95% recycled materials, including plastic bags, sawdust, and used pallets. This means that not only are you getting a beautiful deck, but you are also doing your part for the environment.

  3. SAFETY – KIDS & POOLS

    A very important upside of Trex decking is its safety features. Trex decking is slip-resistant, making it a great choice for families with children or for areas around pools or hot tubs. Additionally, Trex decking is resistant to termites and other pests, which can be a concern with traditional wood decking.

  4. VARIETY OF COLOR OPTIONS

    Yet another advantage, Trex decking is available in a variety of colors and styles. Unlike traditional wood decking, which can be limited in terms of color and style options, Trex decking comes in a variety of colors, from classic browns and grays to more unique colors like blue and green. Additionally, Trex decking can be designed to mimic the look of natural wood, without the maintenance issues that come with it.

    What would be your choice of Trex Deck colors?

    Havana Gold, Island Mist, Lava Rock, Spiced Rum, Tiki Torch, Gravel Path, Rope Swing, and Vintage Lantern. Find the perfect fit for your deck with our Trex Color Selector.

  5. DURABILITY

    Last but certainly not least, Trex decking’s durability. Trex decking is made of a combination of wood fibers and plastic, making it much stronger than traditional wood. This means that it is less likely to warp, crack, or splinter over time.  On top of all of this there are warranties for 50-Year Limited Residential and Fade & Stain.  With these warranties Trex decking ensures that it will stand behind its product to last.

Let’s look at the Pros and Cons of Trex decking and Wood decking:

Trex Decking

Pros:

  • Low Maintenance: Does not require staining, sealing, or painting, saving you time and money on upkeep.
  • Durability: Made of a combination of wood fibers and plastic, stronger than traditional wood and less likely to warp, crack, or splinter over time.
  • Eco-Friendly: Made from 95% recycled materials.
  • Safety: Slip-resistant for families with children and areas around pools or hot tubs
  • Aesthetics: Comes in a variety of colors and styles, and can be designed to mimic the look of natural wood.

Cons:

  • Cost: When installing it can be more expensive than traditional wood decking.
  • Heat Retention: Retains heat, making it uncomfortable to walk on in hot weather.
  • Susceptibility to Scratches: Be careful with your heavy furniture or sharp objects. They are likely to leave scratches.
  • Not Completely Maintenance-Free: Still requires occasional cleaning to maintain its appearance.
  • Installation: It can be more difficult to install than traditional wood decking and needs specialized tools.

Wood Decking

Pros:

  • Cost: Can be a more affordable, making it a popular choice for those on a budget.
  • Natural Look: Natural and traditional look that many homeowners prefer.
  • Repairability: Repairs can easily be sanded down and refinished to restore its appearance.
  • Variety: Comes in a variety of species, such as cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated pine.
  • Easy to work with: Easy to cut, shape, and install. A great DIY project.

Cons:

  • Maintenance: Requires regular staining, sealing, or painting. Lack of maintenance result in rot, mold, and other damage.
  • Durability: Will not last as long and is more likely to warp, crack, and splinter.
  • Environmental Impact: Sourced from old-growth forests.
  • Fire Risk: May not meet local fire codes in some areas.
  • Pest Infestation: More susceptible to pests, such as termites. Yikes.

Needless to say, Trex decking has become an increasingly popular option for a variety of reasons. From its low maintenance requirements and durability to its eco-friendliness and safety features, Trex decking has a lot to offer. And with its wide range of colors and styles, there is sure to be a Trex deck that is perfect for your home. When building your home with Welbilt Homes make sure to choose Trex decking for your outdoor projects.

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