Every year we witness an increase in the demand for Trex composite decking, which is known for its eco-friendliness and low maintenance features. But how does this US-based decking company compare to other decking materials?
Modern home owners try their best to avoid all the hassle of high maintenance and expenses. This is why Trex decking — as many other composite decking brands — have gotten plenty of attention in recent times. It is assumed that this persistent need to significantly reduce time and money investment and embrace more greener products will continue to influence homeowners’ choice of building product especially in an eco-conscious society.
The aesthetic appeal and low-maintenance benefits of Trex decking boards have continued to make rounds across the internet and even in local communities.
In this article, we will closely analyse the manufacturing process of Trex decking and look at its competitors around the world. We hope digging deeper into these issues will help you decide if Trex decking is best for your property.
What Is Trex Decking?
Trex decking is a wood fibre-polymer composite board that is used for deck installation mainly in homes.
Trex initially gained a reputation as a deck board manufacturer but now they are widely known for their complete decking system. Their products are known for their low-maintenance, durability, eco-friendliness and the ability to enhance the beauty of outdoor spaces.
As you may know, composite material is not susceptible to decay, rust or splinter. It is moisture resistant and can’t be attacked by pests.
In 2010, Trex introduced a new feature to their decking board: a strong outer shell. This casing adds an additional layer of protection, as it safeguards the composite core from discoloration, wear and the buildup of mould. This ensures that their products are long-lasting, simple to maintain and more eye-catching.
Trex composite decking also has several advantages over wood. Trex fasteners are used to secure deck boards together, ensuring a clean and blemish-free walking surface. Are you a fan of curves? Trex Customcurve enables for spectacular, expansive curves and wraparounds in deck layouts.
On top of everything, Trex composite’s manufacturing process is eco-friendly. The company claims to use roughly 95% recycled materials. It was rumoured that Trex utilised up to 50% of the total recycled plastic sheets in the US.
Between the years 2007 and 2012, Trex rescued almost 3 billion tonnes of polymer and wood refuse from landfills. In fact, there are over 130,000 recycled plastic bags on an average 500-square-foot Trex board.
How Trex Products are Manufactured
Trex composite decking is manufactured through a process called co-extrusion. Raw materials are blended and afterwards fed into an extruder, which heats up everything and drives it through a “Cast” that shapes it in the form of a board.
At this stage, some deck makers encase the board with a strong vinyl or polymer shell.
To minimise debonding, the coat is securely affixed to the core of the plastic/wood. This also enhances the durability and sturdiness of the decking board.
At this stage, colour is added to the board, which conceal any sign of chips or scratches. UV filters are added to the tough outer shell to improve the fade resistance properties of the board.
5 Best Alternatives to Trex Composite Decking
Ultra Decking
Ultradecking is a household name in the UK decking market. Each year, they serve over a thousand homeowners with quality decking material.
Their business objective was to build a brand with a sterling reputation. They have achieved just that as the company is known for affordability and high quality.
Ultra Decking is regarded as a dominant player by landscapers, industry professionals and customers. Their manufacturing process has met the highest quality standards, utilising the most innovative composite technology and methodology.
They also boast of being the most eco-friendly decking material today as their manufacturing process is devoid of any toxic chemicals. With Ultra decking, customers can be sure to enjoy the best quality deck and aesthetics at the lowest price possible.
Moisture Shield
Moisture Shield is another high-quality composite decking brand. The company claims their deck board can be submerged underwater without compromising structural integrity.
Their patented solid core is at the heart of their decking board, providing a tough barrier that protects against rot, decay, pest, moisture and other destructive elements.
Their decking core is so strong that it prevents any long-term deterioration or warranty problems. Moisture core decking boards are durable, low-maintenance and designed to endure for years.
NewTechWood®
NewTechWood® is a market leader in composite decking, cladding, deck panels, balustrade, and other outdoor solutions.
They have been at the forefront of wood plastic composite innovation since its inception in 2004, developing products that offer elegance and functionality to locations all around the globe.
They are known around the world for producing high-quality, innovative, and trustworthy wood plastic composite materials in a variety of colours.
They are committed to providing unrivalled performance and delight to their customers.
DuraLife
DuraLife composite decking comes in diverse colour and non-repeating wood grain designs for a realistic wood grain look that’s even more stunning — and more long – lasting —than wood deck boards. With their decking board, you can now enjoy all of the benefits of polished hardwood without the drawbacks and high maintenance of wood decking.
DuraLife composite decking is extremely strong and long-lasting. It remains 18% cooler than typical composite decking in the blistering summer sun, leaving your feet pleasant and comfy. DuraLife decking is resistant to slips, ensuring optimal safety when wet.
DuraLife composite decking is also formaldehyde-free and environmentally friendly.
Lumberock
Using unique extrusion technology, the Lumberock decking board is made through the combination of HDP plastic and mineral-fill solution. This manufacturing technique results in a strong, impenetrable board that is resistant to decay, fade, splinter or crack. The decking board is also impervious to mildew, mould or moisture since no organic content is utilised in its manufacturing process.
Lumberock decking boards are ideal for places with high humidity or damp areas thanks to their non-porous surfaces. Owners wouldn’t need to worry about insects, rodents or bacteria infesting their decking area.
Lumberock boards are covered by a limited lifetime warranty, a testament to the strength and durability of the product
Taking Care of Your Trex Deck Board
Maintaining your Trex deck should be a breeze!
You’ll never have to repaint, polish, or refinish it, and little chips or scratches will scarcely show up because the colour runs completely through each board.
To maintain your Trex deck, you only need a simple rinse with soapy water. You can pressure wash every now and then.
If one of the boards needs to be replaced, this could be a challenge.
Instead of screws hammering through each board, modern composite decks utilise hidden fastening mechanisms. While these boards are simple to install, even for novices, they are more difficult to work with if a board needs to be replaced later.
Cost of Trex Decking
When comparing Trex to timber, the Trex Enhance Basics line is priced to match with pressure-treated timber decking and then goes up from there.
The higher upfront cost, according to Trex, lowers the expense and labour needed to maintain a wood deck on a yearly basis.
The Trex deck will end up saving you money in the long term.
