Trex® Composite Decking Boards vs Wood

The Hassle-Free Alternative To timber Decking

When you examine all the benefits that Trex® composite decking has to offer, a timber deck begins to feel like signing up for a second job. Unlike timber decks with all their maintenance requirements, Trex composite decking has superior durability, aesthetics, and requires very little maintenance. Factor in material consistency, long-lasting performance, and low-cost options on par with traditional timber, and composite decking has never been more appealing. Let’s review why Trex composites leave timber in the dust.

The hassles that come with timber

Redtimber, Pressure-Treated Lumber and Cedar

Needs seasonal painting, staining or sealing

Becomes a safety hazard when it rots, splits and splinters

Fades and stains easily, showing every spill and scuff

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.

Appearance of Composite Decking vs. Timber

Featuring high-definition timber grain patterns and rich, saturated colours, Trex composite decking looks and feels more natural than ever before. Colour options range from deep earth tones to trendy neutrals, including tropically inspired boards that feature distinct the streaked look of hardtimbers in designs that would fool even Mother Nature.

 

Timber decking that’s not regularly maintained loses it warm, earthy tones and turns a dull grey from years of exposure to the elements.

 

You don’t have to settle for the typical rectangular deck with Trex, either. Trex composite boards are well suited for speciality designs such as curves and inlays. Trex offers a wide variety of railing options capable of being custom curved, as well. To plan a curved railing, visit our Trex Signature® Curved Railing page for assistance in designing your deck and in ordering materials.

 

Eco-Friendly Decking

Building with timber contributes directly to deforestation, wiping out trees that local wildlife depend on for food and shelter. Alternately, composite decking provides the look and feel of real timber, but without the environmental impact.

 

The entire Trex decking portfolio is sustainably manufactured from 95% recycled content, including reclaimed industrial timber scraps and plastic film from common items such as mailer bags, shopping bags, newspaper sleeves and shrink wrap. In fact, Trex keeps more than 1 billion pounds of plastic and timber scrap out of landfills each year and has never cut down a tree in the making of its products. Trex pioneered eco-friendly composite decking in the early 1990s and continues to innovate in performance and aesthetics.

 

Consider all of the undeniable advantages that composite decking offers, the question really is why would anyone build a deck with timber anymore?

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Order a sample and see for yourself how our durable, beautiful, low-maintenance boards leave timber decking in the dust.

 
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This content was partially or fully generated by AI and has been reviewed by our team to ensure accuracy and relevance.

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