Trex is the biggest composite deck brand. It’s made out of a staggering 95% recycled materials—wood fiber and plastic film. This makes Trex environmentally friendly for customers. What really sets Trex apart are different product lines, such as Trex Transcend and Trex Enhance, for different uses.
Exploring Trex Product Lines
Choosing the right Trex decking means finding the best fit for your home. Each product line balances looks, performance, and cost.
Trex Enhance Basics
Trex Enhance Basics is the most budget-friendly option. It’s great for homeowners who want Trex durability without the premium price. You can choose between solid colors and a simple profile.
Trex Select
If you’re looking for a bit more style, Trex Select offers more color choices and better stability than Enhance. It sits in the middle price range, providing good looks without going overboard on cost. Select still delivers a solid performance for everyday use.
Trex Transcend
Transcend is the premium Trex deck board, providing a wide selection. That includes the high-performance Lineage series designed for ultimate durability and fade resistance. You also have premium colors and enhanced scratch resistance. That makes it a good choice if you have a lot of use on your deck and desire lasting color depth, or if your deck is in a sunny spot.
Trex Enhance Naturals
Trex Enhance Naturals is an improvement over the basics, offering a more natural, upscale look on a budget. It differs from Basics in that it has a multi-toned surface that mimics the beauty of natural wood. That’s why it’s a homeowner’s go-to choice if they want a stunning deck without the high maintenance of natural wood. With its stylish look and durability, it’s one of the best sellers.
Are Trex Decks Worth It? Weighing the Pros and Cons
While Trex is popular, it’s smart to see both the good and the bad before investing.
Advantages of Trex Decking
Trex decks do have certain advantages that will make them the choice of yours for your backyard.
One of the greatest benefits is low maintenance. No sanding, staining, or sealing required—just soap and water. This is a huge time-saver compared to regular wood, which will need to be stained every two years or so. Longevity is also a major benefit. Trex is resistant to mold, mildew, bugs, scratches, and rot—all more than wood in most environments. The eco-friendly aspect is also a benefit, as Trex is made up of over 95% recycled content.
Disadvantages of Trex Decking
There are a couple of downsides to using a Trex deck, like any other decking material.
The price is the largest drawback. Trex is about 15–25% more than wood to install. But lack of maintenance generally pays for itself in the long term. Heat gain can also be an issue—Trex heats up faster than wood when exposed to the sun. Utilizing a light color mitigates this. Furthermore, severe scratches or stains could be harder to repair, but overall durability makes these occurrences a rarity.
Comparing Trex to Other Decking Materials
You’ve looked at the upsides and downsides of Trex. Now, let’s compare Trex with wood and PVC to understand its true place in the decking market.
Traditional wood decks only last 10-15 years and require high maintenance. They must be sealed annually to keep out insects and maintain their beauty. While wood is cheaper initially, the cost of maintenance adds up over the years. PVC is also a low-maintenance and long-lasting option, but not all PVC boards offer the natural appearance that Trex offers.
Cost Breakdown: Are Trex Decks Worth the Investment?
Cost is where many homeowners hesitate. While wood decking is more economical ($15–$25 per square foot installed for pressure-treated lumber), it requires expensive maintenance to last for twenty years. That maintenance can offset initial savings, making Trex a more practical long-term investment. Considering deck services in Lansdale, PA, many homeowners find that Trex offers a balance of durability and long-term value.
Return on Investment (ROI)
The lifespan and appeal of Trex add to home values. Composite decking like Trex typically gets a good return on investment when you eventually sell your house. Since Trex lasts for years and doesn’t require constant care, it often provides a greater long-term return. If you’re considering pool decking Bucks County, PA, Trex can be a durable and attractive option that enhances your outdoor living space.
Conclusion
So, are Trex decks worth it? Not a one-size-fits-all perfect answer. You get long-term quality, low maintenance, and increased resale value. But the up-front cost may not fit every homeowner’s budget. For homeowners seeking longevity with minimal effort, Trex is an excellent choice. If you’re willing to spend money on a low-maintenance, long-lasting deck, give us a call today to discuss your project and obtain a quote!
