Some people think that Trex decking material is the best available material for building a new deck or resurfacing an existing one. At Zenna Decks, we use deck materials from several different manufacturers, however, Trex decking is one of our favorites. In fact, we have such extensive experience with the product that we are a Trex certified deck installer.
If you are thinking about building a deck, then there are some important things that you need know before you begin. Depending on what part of the country you live in, the deck design you are after and your budget, your decking material options will be specific to you and your project.
Each type of decking material comes with its own look and texture, maintenance requirements, and cost. All of these factors and more need to be taken into consideration when you are in the design and planning stage for your new deck.
What Is Trex?
Trex Composite Decking is one of the most popular types of decking in the U.S.
Although it looks exactly like wood, it is a highly durable composite that is made from recycled materials including plastic, wood fibers, and a bonding agent. In fact, using Trex for your new deck is a greener option than natural wood because no new trees are cut down in the manufacturing process and all of materials are recycled. Plus, Trex is more durable than wood, which is a huge plus!
The Benefits of Trex Decking
In any home construction project, there are key factors to consider in terms of the materials. As you will see, Trex has major advantages in each dimension.
Cost
As a general rule, Trex decking is more expensive than traditional wood decking material. However, in our experience, the extra upfront cost is more than offset by the lower maintenance costs over time that a Trex deck will deliver.
Inherent Strength
Known for its beauty and elegance, Trex is also known to be one of the most durable composite materials for decking. It is a very strong material that can be used to build extremely durable decks. Trex decking can last longer than any other type of composite available today and it is shown to stand up wonderfully to intense pressure and huge temperature swings.
Cost Effective
As mentioned above, Trex is more expensive than wood in terms of upfront cost, but it is more long lasting and durable in the long run and maintenance costs are much lower. Furthermore, Trex decks do not get damaged by water and can be easily cleaned at the beginning of each season.
Stands Up To Extreme Weather
Although the weather we experience in South Jersey and the Delaware Valley isn’t as extreme as in some parts of the country, we still experience intense heat, damaging rain and hail and other weather events that can impact your deck.
In order to maintain their durability and looks, wood decks require frequent staining (or painting) and resealing. For some of the older decks in our area, this means that maintenance needs to occur nearly every year. With a Trex deck, a simple cleanup with soap and water is all that is typically needed after a long winter
Resists Pests
Unfortunately, wood decks attract a lot of damaging and unwanted pests. This includes carpenter bees and termites. Stopping them from eating your wood deck every year can represent considerable effort and cost. Since it is mostly an artificial material, Trex doesn’t suffer from destruction by wood boring pests.
Environmental Benefits
Trex decking is made from 95% recycled materials, making it an excellent choice for those who want to use environmentally-sound materials in the construction of their new deck. Some of the recycled materials used include:
- Grocery and bakery bags
- Newspaper and produce bags
- Toilet paper packaging and paper towel packaging
- Water bottle packaging
- Dry cleaning plastic
Trex recycles these materials and others to make their decking! Compared to wood decking, which is primarily made from new timber harvested from forests this is definitely the environmentally sound choice.
Safety
Although most composite decking material is designed for strength and safety, Trex provides a relatively better experience for homeowners. In our Trex decks, no nail goes through the deck itself, which makes it a safe place to walk on barefoot.
Trex is slip resistant, which makes it easy to clean with water. Unlike wood it does not have any splinters and can be walked on barefoot. You don’t have to worry about your kids playing on the deck as the modern decking is one of the safest home improvement experiences you’ll ever get.
Beauty & Aesthetics
In order to fit the character of your home, the aesthetics of a deck is of utmost importance. If you are using wood for a deck, you must look at the color and natural wood grain of the pieces you are using in construction first.
Trex decking offers a variety of colors to choose from, making it much easier to match your vision for your home. You also will avoid stains and fading, which a common problem with wood decking.
Designing & Building Your Deck
Zenna Decks is your local deck building expert. If you would like to talk about a Trex Deck or any other deck project, please call us today at: 609-332-5685 to set up a fee, no obligation consultation. Our team is here to help you create the deck of your dreams.
