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Composite decking—like Trex—is a blend of plastic film and wood fibers. The plastic film that goes into composite decking can include polypropylene or polyethylene. These plastics work well with wood fibers to create a strong, resilient material that is more stable than 100% plastic decking.
Is Trex better than wood?
The composite material is touted as superior to traditional wooden decking because it is resistant to weather, needs less maintenance and is stain-proof. With a Trex deck, you can wipe up the blemish with a wet paper towel and the surface is as good as new. Natural decking tends to splinter over time; composites don’t.
Is Trex decking worth the money?
Yes, composite materials on decking and trim are worth the money. The labor to install composite is the same as the labor to install wood, which will rot and require a lot of maintenance. Sun beaming on the wood deck and foot traffic also is very damaging to wood.
What are the problems with Trex decking?
Many Trex deck owners have complained of flaking, deterioration and even in extreme cases virtual disintegration of their Trex decks. It seems that under some conditions the coating seal placed on Trex composite decking can fail, exposing it to the elements.
What is the life of a Trex deck?
Trex and TimberTech Composite Decking Warranties Composite decks have a lifespan of at least 25 to 30 years — and they have warranties to match.
What are the disadvantages of composite decking?
Cons of Composite Decking A pricey alternative to wood. Durability comes at a cost, as composite decking is more expensive than wood. Composites aren’t natural. Composite decks aren’t completely maintenance free. You’ll need to comparison shop.
Do Trex decks get hot?
Like many other outdoor surfaces, such as concrete, asphalt, beach sand, wood decking, other brands of composite decking, etc., Trex decking can get hot due to weather and sun exposure.
Does Trex warp in sun?
Composite decking is fade resistant, but it may fade over time in strong sunlight.
Is Trex decking slippery?
Trex decking is a low-maintenance decking solution that requires a fraction of the work of wood decks and is less likely to get slippery when wet. It still requires occasional attention to keep it looking its best, but you’ll be delighted with the finished results.
How much does Trex deck cost?
Trex Decking Cost Trex decking costs $1,600 to $9,600, averaging about $4,800. That’s $5 to $12 per square foot for just decking boards and $5 to $15 per square foot for installation. Size is the biggest price factor, with 144 square feet ranging from $1,440 to $3,900 compared to $3,000 to $8,100 for 300 square feet.
Does composite decking attract rats?
The simple answer is NO – in isolation, garden decking does not ‘attract’ rats and there are several easy things you can do to deter rats from your garden. Rats are attracted to readily available sources of food and water – the most common example being the abundance of spilled nuts or seeds from bird feeders.
Is Trex decking maintenance free?
Demand for environmentally friendly, virtually maintenance-free Trex composite decking grows every year. Demand for environmentally friendly, virtually maintenance-free Trex composite decking grows every year.
Can you pressure wash a Trex deck?
Trex does not recommend the use of a pressure washer. The use of a pressure washer on deck surface could damage the decking surface and will void the warranty with respect to any condition caused by the pressure washing.
Is Trex decking cheaper than wood?
“Wood decking can be more expensive than composite in the long run,” says Trex’s Adkins, “once you account for the annual time and labor costs required to sand and stain a wood deck and railing.” Maintenance on a composite decking is minimal, which is one of the material’s main selling points.
Is composite decking really worth it?
There is no doubt that composite decking material is more expensive than wood. However, it is valued for its striking resemblance to natural wood and efficiency making it an excellent choice for decking. It is easier to clean and maintain which makes it last long enough to transfer the same value to the next homeowner.
What is the best decking boards to use?
Cedar. Pros: Most purists love cedar and redwood decks, particularly due to their gorgeous, rich color. Cedar wood has a lovely natural hue and is widely available throughout the US. It’s also extremely lightweight, yet strong, making it ideal for places with inclement weather conditions.
Is Trex hot on your feet?
While wood gets hot enough to make walking with bare feet uncomfortable, composite decking gets even hotter. In some cases, Trex can become so hot that it may become unusable under intense, direct sunlight. The darker the Trex decking material, the more heat is retained.
Can you put a gas fire pit on a Trex deck?
You should not place your fire pit directly on your composite decking. Trex decking can soften and become damaged at temperatures as low as 176F. A temperature barrier can be bricks, stone or ceramic tiles or fire mats.
Does composite decking get hot to walk on?
Wood composite decks exposed to direct sunlight can easily become too hot to walk on with bare feet. Unfortunately, hot decking prevents homeowners from fully enjoying their investment and presents a safety risk for children and pets.
