Whether it’s a tiny balcony, a deck large enough to host a wedding or a space for a small barbecue grill, outdoor space is highly desirable for homeowners no matter where they live. What’s not so desirable is the maintenance that comes with a wood deck.
Trex composite decking, a solution for both low maintenance living and outdoor space since the company was formed in 1996, has continuously evolved with technology and engineering improvements over its nearly 30 years in business.
“For decades we’ve invested in technology to improve the options for our customers with innovations such as our SunComfortable technology that is more heat-resistant than traditional composite boards*, marine-grade materials that perform in high moisture conditions, and WUI-rated decking for fire resistance,” says Jodi Lee, senior vice president of marketing at Trex.
Trex started the composite decking industry with its invention of durable decks created from recycled plastic film and wood scraps that would otherwise have been added to landfill. Over the years, the company invested in improving the appearance of their decks to resemble wood grain and to add more color options for homeowners. In 2010, Trex introduced a protective shell technology that provides a higher level of performance and durability that’s resistant to fading, staining and mold.
In addition to increasing the performance of their decks, Trex gradually introduced new products such as railings, lighting, cladding and fasteners that work together for greater design appeal and durability, along with furniture, cabinets and pergolas.
Over the decades, climate concerns raised the bar for materials that could stand up to extreme temperatures, wildfire and increasingly intense storms.
“Trex’ marine-grade boards stand up to salt, water and moisture even for marinas, but today the technology we use also makes the product stronger,” Lee says. “In hot climates, we’ve worked to address the literal pain point of decks getting too hot underfoot with our SunComfortable heat-mitigating* technology that reflects the sun to keep the boards cooler than traditional composite decks.”
While wood decks offer traditional beauty when first installed, they typically require costly and time-consuming maintenance. They also need to be replaced approximately every 15 to 20 years. Trex composite decks last for decades. Depending on the product, they come with a warranty of 25 or even 50 years.
A Trex deck doesn’t fade or splinter, so homeowners won’t need to keep touching up or resealing their deck as they do with wood. Wood decks generally cost about $400 annually to maintain, while Trex decks cost about $10 per year to maintain. Depending on the age and type of composite deck, it needs to be cleaned with specifically made deck cleaners, or it can be washed with soap and water.
While certain wood materials are prized for their appearance, such as redwood, cedar, Ipe and other exotic decks, they still require the upkeep of staining, oiling and sealing to maintain their beauty. Trex offers composite decks in about two dozen colors with different wood grains for homeowners looking for nearly any aesthetic.
Affordability is a top issue for builders and homebuyers. Composite decking often has a higher upfront cost than wood, but its longevity and low maintenance costs can make it a better long-term value.
Trex offers a wide range of options from luxury to budget-friendly composite decking material. For example, Trex Enhance line resembles authentic wood grain with the durability of composite decking at a lower price point. This line is lightweight and comes in several colors, including two with heat-mitigating technology. The Enhance line is made of up to 95% recycled plastic film and reclaimed sawdust and comes with a 25-Year Limited Residential Fade & Stain Warranty.
“Trex continues to invest in innovative technology to improve its products to generate greater resilience to climate impacts,” Lee says. “We started this company based on a commitment to the environment and to our customers – builders, designers and homeowners – and we continue to make an impact on our own sustainability goals as well as our customers’ sustainability goals.”
*Trex SunComfortable decking stays cooler than our original boards, but like all decking, it will get hot in direct sun, especially darker colors. Care should be taken to avoid extended contact between exposed skin and the deck surface, especially with young children and those with special needs.
Publisher’s Note: Green Builder's 20th Anniversary celebration is sponsored by: Carrier, Trex, and Mohawk.