When building a new deck, homeowners face an important decision: choosing the best deck boards for their project. Two popular options are Trex composite deck boards and traditional wood boards. To help make the decision easier, here are nine key differences between Trex’s plastic-composite material and wood.
While a deck’s frame is typically constructed from lumber and hidden beneath the structure, the surface boards and railings are what homeowners see and use daily. This makes selecting the right materials for these visible and functional components crucial. Trex composite decking is a standout choice for many, offering durability and a polished finish.
What is composite decking?
As a high-performance option, Trex composite decking is a popular choice among homeowners who seek easy maintenance and few problems. The boards consist of wood fibers encased in plastic, hence the name wood-plastic composite decking boards or composite wood decking.
Trex composite decking comes in five tiers, from affordable to high-end. Trex Enhance, the most cost-effective option, features a scalloped underside and is lightweight. Trex Select, which is slightly higher in price, offers strong performance and a 35-year limited residential warranty.
Homeowners who expect plenty of foot traffic on their new deck might opt for Trex Transcend, featuring deck boards that are highly resistant to scuffs and scratches. Trex Transcend Lineage, with its heat-mitigating technology, is perfect for summer. Trex Signature is the most durable decking available.
What is wood decking?
Used in residential construction for ages, wood boards are familiar to homeowners, readily available and affordable. Despite these few conveniences, wood decking is prone to issues. Splinters, wood rot, and the need for regular maintenance make wood boards less appealing in today’s market.
Wood absorbs moisture—and without routinely applying sealants, stains, or paints, the material rots. Furthermore, wood deck boards are prone to warping as the moisture penetrates. Due to extreme weather, splintering and cracking are additional risks when opting for wooden deck boards.
What are the pros and cons?
1. Moisture
Moisture is an enemy to wood boards for the aforementioned reasons. A better option is composite decking. Composite deck boards, like the Trex brand, repel moisture and therefore withstand water exposure without decaying. Trex boards are ideal in areas with high-moisture conditions.
2. Splintering
Wood decks splinter after exposure to fluctuating temperatures and moisture—unlike composite deck boards. Since Trex composite boards are encased in plastic, they do not splinter even in adverse weather. This is an important consideration for people who walk barefoot on their deck.
3. Maintenance
Protecting a wooden deck from moisture, pests, and temperature requires ongoing maintenance: painting, staining, and sealing. Trex composite deck boards, on the other hand, require minimal upkeep, needing only the occasional sweeping or washing to keep the boards looking new.
4. Pests
Pests, like insects and rodents, attack wood materials, such as deck boards. Painting and sealing can help but fail to fully protect the boards. Composite deck boards from Trex, however, resist damage from termites and other wood-destroying pests, allowing the deck to endure.
5. Beauty
Appearance is a top reason homeowners seek wood boards. Rich, warm, and full of charm, wooden deck boards are inviting to homeowners and guests. But modern composite boards resemble traditional wood, making Trex composite deck boards an equally competitive option.
6. Affordability
Wood is relatively affordable, making them attractive to homeowners. While the initial cost of Trex composite boards is higher, they pay for themselves within 2 to 3 years. Wood boards demand ongoing maintenance, which puts the cost of this material higher in the long run.
The savings increase when comparing composite to wood decking. For example, pressure-treated pine boards are $10,000 less to purchase and install. However, in the span of 10 years, those same wooden boards will cost thousands of dollars more than composite boards to maintain.
7. Temperature
Sun exposure makes walking on wooden deck boards uncomfortable. Today’s composite boards, which still heat up, are cooler underfoot in comparison. This is due to their heat-absorption capabilities. Trex’s Lineage line as well as its range of light-colored boards efficiently mitigate heat.
8. Durability
Composite decking from Trex is durable and long-lasting. The boards hold up to exposure from the sun’s UV rays as well as water damage, making them the ideal choice for a homeowner’s new deck. Plus, the beauty of composite deck boards and their color endure, even over time.
9. Installation Ease
Installation is comparable when choosing either wood decking or composite boards. While wood materials seem easier to cut to size, composite decking is just as easy. The complexity of the installation lies more in the design of the deck rather than the materials chosen.
The differences between wood boards and Trex composite deck boards are worlds apart. Trex composite decking is the clear winner for many residential homeowners who seek low-maintenance, durability, ease of installation, and cost-saving as well as the beautiful aesthetics of wood.
Deck Installation from R3 Contracting
When you are planning a new deck, choose a certified Trex deck installer, like R3 Contracting. We provide high-quality deck installation services to give homeowners the extra outdoor living space they desire. No matter the size of your outdoor area, we can install a gorgeous and functional deck that fits.
The process starts by discussing your vision for the deck with our design team. We can recommend material options, so you make the best choice that meets your needs. Once the design is approved, we begin the exciting build phase, keeping you involved until the deck is completed.
As a Trex certified deck contractor, we provide you with a wide range of Trex products. Whether you prefer a budget-friendly option or Trex’s top of the line, we fulfill your decking needs with high-performance decking that comes with a lengthy limited residential warranty.
R3 Contracting is positioned to design and install the deck of your dreams. Our deck installation company is licensed and insured to give you confidence in working with us. We are proud to serve Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg, Illinois. Call our office today to start building your stunning new deck.
