Trex Composite Decking vs. timber

Because your deck should be where life happens, not where work begins.

Why Wood You?

Over 30 years ago, we asked a simple question: why does a deck have to be so much work? Wood worked for a while, but it faded, splintered, and needed constant upkeep. We believed there had to be a better way, so we invented it.

We took reclaimed materials and turned them into something extraordinary: decking that looks amazing, lasts for decades, and frees you from the never-ending cycle of sanding and staining. It’s a deck designed to fit your life. Welcome to more time spent hosting, relaxing, and making memories, and less time dealing with repairs. It’s more than a deck—it’s a new way to live outside.

This image features a close-up view of a wooden deck with visible signs of weathering and peeling paint. The boards are aligned horizontally, showing natural wood grain and texture. The setting suggests an outdoor environment, with a rustic and aged appearance. No visible text, numbers, or identifiable brands are present in the image.

The image shows a close-up view of several light brown composite decking boards arranged in parallel lines. The boards have a wood grain texture and are installed with visible gaps and fasteners between them. The perspective emphasizes the linear pattern and smooth finish, suggesting a modern outdoor flooring setting. No visible text, numbers, or logos are present.

Trex® Composite Decking Offers Unmatched Benefits Over Traditional Timber

No sanding, sealing, or painting—ever

Resistant to rot, fading, staining, mould, and splintering

Made with up to 95% recycled materials.

Ditch the Downsides of Wood

Wood comes with its challenges — from environmental impact to constant upkeep and eventual decay. It's time for something new.

A group of ants is seen traversing a weathered, decaying piece of wood. The image captures the insects in sharp focus, highlighting their segmented bodies and reddish-brown coloration. The background is blurred, drawing attention to the ants' movement and the texture of the wood. No visible text or numbers are present in the image.

Insect Damage

Wood is highly vulnerable to damage from destructive insects like termites and carpenter bees.

A large tree stump dominates the foreground of a barren, deforested area. The ground is covered with cut branches and debris, while a dense forest remains in the background under a clear sky. The scene conveys the aftermath of logging or deforestation, highlighting environmental impact and loss of woodland.

Deforestation

Harvesting virgin wood contributes to deforestation, habitat destruction, and increased carbon emissions, significantly impacting the environment.

A detailed view of several wooden planks shows a rustic, weathered surface with visible grain and natural imperfections. The boards are arranged side by side, with some splinters and rough textures evident. The lighting highlights the warm brown tones and aged character of the wood. No visible text, numbers, or logos are present in the image.

Splinters

Over time, wood can develop cracks and splinters, turning your deck into a less comfortable and safe space for bare feet and hands.

A light-colored wooden surface is shown with a prominent liquid stain spreading across several planks. The setting appears to be indoors, with the focus on the texture and grain of the wood. The stain has an irregular shape and a slightly reddish tint, contrasting with the natural wood color. No visible text, numbers, or identifiable brands are present in the image.

Tough Clean Up

Spills on wood don’t just stay on the surface—they tend to seep in. Cleaning often requires extra effort, like scrubbing, sanding, or refinishing, to restore its appearance.

melanie-lissick-010-wood-deck-before-hole.jpg

Rotting

Moisture and wood aren’t the best combination. Over time, exposure to rain and humidity can lead to rot, compromising the deck’s strength and durability.

The image shows a close-up view of several vertical wooden planks arranged side by side. The wood features visible grain patterns and a mix of light and dark brown tones, suggesting a natural or lightly finished surface. The planks are evenly spaced, and small metallic fasteners are visible along the edges. No text, numbers, or logos are present in the image.

Color Fading & Staining

Wood can lose its original charm as UV rays cause fading, and stains leave lasting marks, requiring consistent maintenance to keep it looking its best.

See What Contractors Really Think About Trex Decking

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The Trex Difference

Trex decking isn't just built to last—it's made to transform your outdoor space into a place you'll love for years, with less work and more wow.

A Deck That Lasts

While timber decks often call it quits around the 15-year mark, Trex is built differently. Performance-engineered for the long haul, Trex decking comes with warranties ranging from 25 to 50 years, depending on your product line.

Colour that Won't Fade

Trex decking keeps its vibrant colour year after year, no touch-ups required. Unlike timber, which fades in just a year or two and needs constant refinishing, Trex is made to look stunning for the long haul.

Decking That Raises the Bar — Not the Temperature

Select Trex colours that feature SunComfortable™ heat-mitigating technology*, designed to reflect more of the sun’s rays and stay cooler to the touch on the hottest days compared to traditional composite boards.

Eco-Friendly Living

Trex decking is crafted from up to 95% recycled and reclaimed materials, providing an eco-friendly choice.

More Free Time

Trex deck owners spend less than an hour per year on upkeep, while timber deck owners often dedicate an entire weekend annually to sanding, staining, and sealing.

Savings That Add Up

While the upfront cost of timber may seem lower, over 50 years—Trex's top warranty length—on average, a timber deck costs 40% more in maintenance due to frequent repairs, sanding, and staining.

Safe & Splinter-Free

Trex decking won't rot, crack or splinter, giving you a smooth, safe surface that lasts for years. Timber decking can’t say the same.

Here For You

From your first question to final installation and beyond, our customer care team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Feel the Difference Yourself with a Trex Sample

Get hands-on with Trex. See the colours, feel the texture, and experience the quality that sets us apart — all delivered to your door.

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Cost of Trex vs. Wood Over Time

Is Trex® Worth the Investment? Let’s Break It Down

The cost of building a deck depends on materials, design, and installation—but long-term savings matter, too. Timber decks can cost up to $400 annually for maintenance like stains and sealants, plus the time and effort to keep them looking good. With Trex, maintenance costs are as low as $10 a year, and its durability shines with warranties up to 50 years—far outlasting timber’s 15-year average lifespan. Even better, Trex offers decking lines designed to rival the upfront costs of the most popular types of timber, making it a smart investment from day one.

Curious how Trex stacks up against timber over time?

See the Full Comparison

Discover a detailed comparison of decking materials with our Trex vs. wood cost analysis chart. See how Trex Enhance® and Trex Select® offer long-term savings with steady, low-maintenance costs, while wood decks like Pressure-Treated Pine require costly maintenance and replacement after 15 years. Explore the cost-effective benefits of Trex for your decking needs.

Material	Cost Per Sq. Ft.
Pressure-Treated Pine	$2.50 - $4.50
Redwood	$5 - $15
Ipe	$15 - $22
Mahogany	$15 - $25
Cedar	$8.50 - $20
Trex Composite Decking	$4.60 - $13.60

Material Cost of Deck Boards

The cost of building a new deck depends on its size, design, material choice, and installation expenses. Labor typically accounts for about two-thirds of the total project cost, but both labor and installation fees can vary by region. Additional features like railings, lighting, and benches will also increase material costs. Let's take a look at the average cost of the most common decking materials.

So when you choose Trex, you’re not just saving money long-term—you’re saving your weekends, your energy, and your peace of mind. The only question left is how you’ll enjoy all that extra free time.

*Average price range excludes Trex Signature® decking, our luxury decking collection. Trex actual material costs and install costs can and will vary based on geographic area, site location, seasonality, design complexity, whether the product is stocked locally, and additional features such as stairs, angles, curves, lighting, etc. For most professionally installed projects, materials constitute up to one third of the total cost.

Material Cost of Deck Boards

Material	Cost Per Sq. Ft.
Pressure-Treated Pine	$2.50 - $4.50
Redwood	$5 - $15
Ipe	$15 - $22
Mahogany	$15 - $25
Cedar	$8.50 - $20
Trex Composite Decking	$4.60 - $13.60

Wood Makes Us Look Good

Explore these transformations from homeowners who decided to make the upgrade to Trex.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dive into the answers to our most common questions about how Trex compares to wood.

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Does timber or composite decking last longer?

A wooden deck typically lasts around 20 years with consistent upkeep, but exposure to harsh conditions or neglect can cut that lifespan in half. Ipe decking offers greater durability and longevity than softwoods, but it’s costly and still requires regular maintenance to preserve its appearance.

Trex composite decking takes durability to the next level. While some Trex products can last up to 50 years, our baseline decking options come with a robust 25-year limited residential warranty. Resistant to rot, fading, splintering, and mould, Trex delivers a low-maintenance solution that eliminates the need for frequent staining or sealing, so you can spend more time enjoying your deck and less time maintaining it.

How does composite decking compare to a pressure-treated deck?

Pressure-treated decks have long been the go-to option—timber, splinters, stains, and all. But just because they’ve been the default doesn’t make them the best choice. At a similar cost, Trex Enhance moves past those compromises. Say goodbye to the constant cycle of staining, sealing, and repairing. Trex composite decking resists rot, mould, and fading, with colours that stay vibrant year after year.

Some options even feature SunComfortable™ heat-mitigating technology, keeping your deck cooler underfoot because comfort should always be part of the package. And unlike pressure-treated timber, Trex is backed by a 25-year limited residential warranty. It's a deck built for the modern world—effortless, durable, and designed to outlast the old way of doing things.

How does composite decking compare to cedar or redwood decking?

Cedar and redwood have long been seen as premium options—natural, beautiful, and durable. But beauty fades, literally. Over time, these woods require regular staining, sealing, and maintenance to stay in shape, and even then, they can splinter, warp, or succumb to rot.

Trex composite decking rewrites the rules. Whether you choose Trex Select, Trex Transcend, or the innovative Trex Lineage, you’re stepping into a world of low-maintenance, high-performance design. Trex Select offers timeless style and durability backed by a 35-year limited residential warranty. Trex Transcend and Trex Lineage go even further, with 50-year warranties for unmatched peace of mind.

And Lineage doesn’t just last—it keeps things cool. Thanks to SunComfort™ heat-mitigating technology, it’s engineered to make even the hottest days more enjoyable. This innovative decking line combines long-lasting durability with everyday comfort—because your deck should feel as good as it looks.

It’s a smarter way to deck—effortless, enduring, and made to outlast the best of yesterday.

How does composite decking compare to Ipe and exotic hardwood decking?

Ipe and exotic hardwoods are often celebrated for their rich beauty and strength, but that beauty comes with a price—literally and figuratively. These woods demand constant upkeep to retain their appearance, from regular oiling to protect against fading, to sealing that combats moisture and weathering. Even with diligent care, they can splinter, warp, or show signs of wear over time.

Trex Signature changes the game. With its sleek design, long-lasting performance, and minimal maintenance, it’s the modern answer to exotic hardwoods. Backed by a 50-year limited residential warranty, Trex Signature offers unparalleled durability and peace of mind. Unlike hardwoods, it resists fading, rot, and splintering—keeping its pristine look year after year without the endless upkeep.

Effortless, enduring, and built for the way you live today, Trex Signature doesn’t just match the elegance of hardwood—it surpasses it. It’s time to leave the compromises behind and choose a deck that works as hard as you do.

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*Although Trex decking products with heat-mitigating technology are designed to be cooler than most other composite decking products of a similar color, on a hot sunny day, it will get hot. Although engineered to be more comfortable, they can still get hot to the touch when direct sunlight and high temperatures converge for extended periods of time. On such days, care should be taken.

The hassles that come with timber

Redtimber, Pressure-Treated Lumber and Cedar

A person is applying wood stain to a deck using a small paintbrush. The setting is an outdoor wooden deck with a railing, surrounded by greenery. The image captures the process of staining, with a clear contrast between treated and untreated wood. Only the person's arm is visible, focusing attention on the activity. No visible text or numbers are present in the image.

Needs seasonal painting, staining or sealing

A detailed view of several aged wooden planks shows deep cracks, rough textures, and visible grain patterns. The wood appears weathered and distressed, with some nails embedded in the surface. The color palette is dominated by natural browns and grays, highlighting the rustic and organic feel. No visible text or numbers are present in the image.

Becomes a safety hazard when it rots, splits and splinters

A close-up view of a wooden floor shows a prominent wet stain in the center. The floorboards are aged and have a rustic, weathered appearance with visible grain and knots. The lighting is soft, highlighting the texture and imperfections of the wood. No people, text, or numbers are visible in the image.

Fades and stains easily, showing every spill and scuff

The image shows a section of forest where trees have been cut down and the ground is covered with charred branches and stumps. In the background, a line of surviving trees stands, some with brown, dying leaves. The scene highlights the stark contrast between the lush green forest and the damaged, deforested area. No visible text, numbers, or identifiable brands are present.

Contributes to deforestation, cutting down trees that local wildlife depend on for food and shelter

Does timber or Composite Last Longer?

Most timber decks are built from pressure-treated pine, cedar, redtimber or from a few exotic species such as ipe. Depending on the timber chosen, a well cared for timber deck can last about 20 years. But many timber decks don’t make it that long because they require extensive upkeep to maintain and protect and those maintenance hassles become more than some homeowners can bear. If left untreated and uncared for, timber loses its lustre, absorbs water, warps, rots and splinters. Therefore, to extend the life of the deck, homeowners must regularly apply stains, sealers or paint to protect it against the elements, requiring significant time and money.

In contrast, Trex composite decking is ready when you are. You never need to worry about sanding, staining or painting. Just an occasional soap-and-water cleaning is all that’s needed to maintain superior stability and beauty for decades. Trex’s high-performance, weather-resistant shell resists fading, staining and damage from sun, rain and insects. And not just for the first year, but for 25 or more.