Trex® Composite vs. the Competition: What's the Best Decking Material?

 

Trex outperforms other decking material options.


Designed with lasting beauty, incredible durability and easy maintenance, there’s no compromising with high-performance composite decking. That’s why high-performance composite is the only type of decking we make. We’ve paired Trex against other types of decking for a head-to-head comparison that proves Trex outdecks, outlasts and outperforms the rest. Go ahead and see which decking material is best for you!

Choosing the best decking material to match your personal style and budget is a critical step in the deck building planning process. Each material option has its unique aesthetic appeal, maintenance requirements and costs. While most decks are built with pressure-treated wood, wood-composites and PVC deck boards are gaining in popularity. Here, we break down your options.

Trex vs. Wood Deck Boards

Traditional wood decks can be beautiful, but they don’t stay that way for very long, requiring extensive upkeep to maintain their looks and safe qualities. Trex® composite decking, on the other hand, was designed to mimic the beauty of wood decking but without all of the maintenance hassles. Our high-performance, eco-friendly composite decking withstands years of sun, sleet and snow, keeping its rich color and durability for decades. When comparing composite decking vs. wood, there’s really no competition. Whereas Trex is low-maintenance and durable, wood decks:

 

  • Rot, split, swell, twist and fade
  • Crack from insect infestation
  • Require annual painting, staining or sealing 
  • Splinter easily
  • Contribute to deforestation
     

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Trex vs. PVC Deck Boards

PVC decking is another low-maintenance alternative to wood. Just like composite, PVC can resist rot, termites and mold. However, PVC decking is far less environmentally friendly, produced mostly from virgin plastic. Compare that to the ultra-green Trex board: made with 95% recycled materials and eco-friendly manufacturing processes, Trex never loses its sophisticated color or performance. Whereas Trex keeps its beauty, PVC decks:
 

  • Are prone to chalking
  • Are more likely to shrink and expand with temperature fluctuations than composites
  • Can fade and stain from rubber mats, sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Are recommended for use with after-market cleaning products to maintain aesthetics over time

Trex vs. Early-Generation Composite Deck Boards

Composite decking has come a long way since Trex invented the category nearly 30 years ago. Since that time, we've evolved the industry by engineering the most significant breakthrough in composite technology-the Trex high-performance, weather-resistant shell. Early-generation composites don't come close to the fade & stain resistance that Trex's current generation of boards guarantee. And not just for the first year, but for decades. Whereas Trex decking is fade- and stain-resistant, uncapped, early-generation composite boards were:

 

  • Subject to discoloration and staining over time
  • Need periodic cleaning with a deck wash
  • Were susceptible to mold and mildew, fading, staining and scratching

 

Since not all composites are created equal, our Trexperts take a look at some Trex competitors.

Trex Outdoor Living Collection

The Trex Outdoor Living Collection extends beyond decking. We have everything you need to transform your backyard into an outdoor oasis. With lighting, furniture, pergolas, fencing, and more, only Trex has a full suite of outdoor living products that give you everything you need to create a low-maintenance, high-design space from top to bottom.

 

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Why Wood You?™

Compare price, color, maintenance costs, and durability between wood and the Trex decking lines.

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