Trex® Frequently Asked Questions

Unsure if your deck is made with Trex? Start by reviewing our decking product lines to compare your decking against our collection. If you still can't tell, then please contact our UK distributor, Arbor Forest Products: 01469 532300.

Trex decking is designed for a low-maintenance experience. A simple soap-and-water clean is all it takes. For more details, visit our Care and cleaning section.

Our installation guide has you covered. Plus, you can explore Trex Academy for more tricks and tips along the way. Have questions or stuck with your install? Then give us a call at 01469 535 415!

Trex products offer superior durability and performance that you can't get from timber. Trex decking resists termites, won't rot, warp, or splinter-and never needs staining or painting. What's more, Trex decking is made from 95% recycled materials: That's an eco-friendly decking choice you can feel great about. To learn more please review our Trex vs. Timber page.

While most of the raw materials used in making Trex are recycled, these materials are carefully processed to ensure the highest level of quality and performance. The end result is decking that performs better than timber, lowering your cost over time through reduced maintenance. You can find out more on our Eco-friendly Decking page.

With pressure-treated timber decks, maintenance costs add up over time. Although Trex costs more initially, you'll never have to sand, stain or paint your Trex deck. Over the life of your deck, those reduced maintenance costs add up to a deck that’s better value than timber - and that’s not including the value of the added time spent enjoying your deck rather than working on it. To see the difference in maintenance costs for a deck made of timber vs composite, visit our Decking Comparison page.

You can find Trex decking samples a number of ways. At Trex.com/Shop, you can order samples of Trex decking in every colour. You also can find decking samples free of charge at selected local Trex dealers and retailers and through your local TrexPro® contractor.

If you've noticed any staining, scratching or fading over the years, it's likely you have early-generation decking. While our early-generation decking was groundbreaking for its time, spills and scuffs can still leave a mark. Newer-generation decking is easy to spot because of its resilience. Today's Trex decks resist blemishes with an innovative, high-performance shell that wraps around three sides of our deck boards.


Early-generation Trex decking
Early-generation composite decking (Trex Origins®, Trex Accents®, Trex Profiles®, Trex Brasilia® and Trex Contours®) represented a breakthrough for low-maintenance and durability. While wood decking inevitably suffered splinters, warping and rotting, and required considerable maintenance, early-generation Trex never had to be stained and did not rot, warp or twist like wood. Periodic cleanings with a composite deck cleaner were far easier than the dreaded sanding and staining required to maintain wood decks. As composite decking evolved, this early-generation decking was offered in additional colours and with grain patterns that reflected a more natural appearance. Even so, all early generation wood-plastic composites, whether Trex or a competitor's product, were not stain, scratch or mould-free, and faded slightly in colour as they naturally weathered. To address these issues, Trex introduced a new kind of high-performance decking in 2010. As of 2014, Trex no longer manufactures any early-generation composite decking.

Newer-generation Trex decking
Newer-generation Trex deck boards ( Trex Signature®, Trex Transcend® Lineage™, Trex Transcend®, Trex Enhance®, Trex Contour®) are manufactured with a high-performance shell that wraps around three sides of the composite board to protect it from the elements, providing resistance to fading, staining, scratching and mould. In addition to improved performance, the shell technology offers:

- Easier maintenance: requiring only an occasional clean with soap and water or a pressure washer.
- Enhanced aesthetics: richer, long-lasting colour palettes and natural wood grain patterns.
- Incremental warranty protection: 25-, 35-, and 50-year limited warranties for most products.

Yes, our free deck AR visualiser tool allows you to virtually “build” a deck in your outdoor space. You can download the app on the App Store or Google Play.

Yes, a groove can be cut in the side of Trex decking by using our Trex Groove Cutter to accept our recommended hidden fasteners, a system that enables deck installation without visible screw heads on the walking surface. More conveniently, Trex decking is also available in pre-grooved profiles, ready to install with our Trex Hideaway® Hidden Fastening System.

Timber or gas fire pits should not be placed on top of Trex decking. However, gas fire pits may be installed beside or between deck boards with a protective wall made of stone or other fire-resistant material used for insulation. 

Timber-burning fire pits should not be placed on top of Trex decking unless installed with DeckProtect™, a product designed to temper extreme heat and loose embers. For more information, please visit DeckProtect™ website..

The unyielding shell of our high-performance decking - Trex Transcend Lineage, Trex Transcend and Trex Enhance - means it never needs painting or staining. The rich colour and protective finish are engineered right into the shell, and the shell is designed to remain free of rotting, splitting, splintering and insect damage for the duration of the warranty. As well as this, painting Trex decking may void your warranty.

Most area rugs aren't a problem with Trex decking, but we do recommend cleaning underneath them regularly. In rare cases, rugs made of plastic or viscose materials may bleed, drawing colourant out of the decking or making them difficult to remove. Always allow your decking to dry fully before fitting a rug into place.

Trex does not endorse the use of any non-recommended fastener. If any condition occurs that is attributable to the use of a non-recommended fastener, such condition would not be covered under the Trex Limited Warranty. Please see our Installation Guide for more information.

Trex offers a wide variety of decking options and railing configurations capable of being custom curved. When considering a deck with these characteristics, use the Find a Builder tool to determine which professionals in your area work on curved profiles. When planning curved railing, visit our Trex Signature® Curved Railing page for design and ordering guidance.

Note: Due to the unique composition of Trex Signature® decking we do not recommend heating and curving this product.

Trex can only be installed over a solid surface when using a sleeper system; see the sleeper system guidelines in our Installation Guide.

Glue cannot be used as a primary fastener for Trex decking. When using Trex Fascia, glue can be used as a secondary fastener. See Fascia instructions in the Installation Guide for more details.

Trex products should not be ripped to reduce thickness, but can be ripped to reduce width. As long as the board can still be installed per the installation instructions, the warranty will be valid. Please use care when fastening ripped boards, as pre-drilling may be necessary.

Trex has recently engineered a new line of composite decking, Trex Transcend Lineage, which is designed with heat-mitigating technology that makes it our coolest decking yet*. Like many other outdoor surfaces, such as concrete, asphalt, beach sand, timber decking, and other brands of composite decking, etc., Trex decking can get hot due to weather and sun exposure. In hot weather, care needs to be taken to make sure skin does not have extended contact with the surface of the deck, especially with young children and those with special needs. If you are considering our traditional decking boards, please note that the darker the colour, the hotter the deck will feel. For hotter climates, consumers should consider choosing a lighter colour.

*Although Trex Transcend Lineage is designed to be cooler than most other composite decking products of a similar colour, on a hot sunny day, it will get hot. On hot days, care should be taken to avoid extended contact between exposed skin and the deck surface, especially with young children and those with special needs.

Newer-generation Trex decking holds strong against potential damage. All of our current decking lines also scratch-resistant, giving protection against nicks, cracks and splitting. For more information, see our 2023 Limited Warranty.

All Trex decking weighs between 0.82kg and 1.139kg per linear foot with our scalloped boards weighing slightly less than our solid profile boards.

All Trex products, when properly installed for approved applications, are either building code compliant or are undergoing rigorous code compliance review for the International Residential Code (IRC) and/or the International Building Code (IBC). Check with your local building control body for requirements in your area.

Nothing is more important than your safety outdoors. At Trex, we do everything we can to ensure it. Our Transcend and Select decking lines retain a Class B fire rating, while our Enhance decking lines have a Class C fire rating; however, they are not fireproof. 

Trex timber plastic composite products are not structural and should only be used for intended design purposes such as walking surfaces, guardrail systems, fencing and trim.

The breadth of the Trex lineup means that there are Trex products to suit nearly any residential or commercial need. Trex decking is widely used in commercial and public projects throughout the US and around the world, including a landing at Mt. Rushmore, a resort in Dubai, a pier in Philadelphia and boardwalks along the New Jersey -shore, replacing those destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. Of course, Trex is more than just decking. The sleek profile of Trex Signature® railing works as well for commercial and multi-unit residential complexes as it does for your garden, while Trex Outdoor Furniture™ can be found in many coastal resorts under Trex Pergola™ installations.

Trex high-performance decking and railing products combine low-maintenance upkeep and design-minded style - all backed by our 25, and 50-year limited warranties. The protective shell technology means all our deck boards resist staining, fading, and cracking and are resistant to scratching, with Signature decking our most scratch-resistant board. Beyond that, Trex offers a variety of high-performance railing choices to meet different levels of style, performance and affordability.

Decking lines

Luxury: Trex Signature® decking

Distinctively durable and luxuriously crafted with eco-friendly composite made out of recycled and reclaimed materials, Trex Signature decking sets a new standard for style in outdoor living. It offers homeowners and designers alike a new design material crafted with the most realistic timber grain that replicates the elegance of exotic hardtimber, all backed by a 50-year warranty. Signature is Trex's most scratch-resistant decking board.

Best: Trex Transcend® Lineage™ and Trex Transcend® decking

These decking lines offer the broadest range of decking colours and finishes. Engineered with a proprietary shell technology that protects against fading, staining, scratching, mould and mildew, our best decking lines are backed by a 50-year warranty. Plus, Trex Transcend Lineage uses heat-mitigating technology that makes it our coolest decking yet.*

*Although Trex Transcend Lineage is designed to be cooler than most other composite decking products of a similar colour, on a hot, sunny day, it will get hot. On hot days, care should be taken to avoid extended contact between exposed skin and the deck surface, especially with young children and those with special needs.

Good: Trex Enhance® decking

With its nature-inspired, authentic timber-grain appearance and lightweight, scalloped profile for simple handling, this collection offers the beauty of timber with the ease of composite. It is available in a variety of monochromatic and multi-tonal shades and backed by a 25-year warranty.

Railing lines

Best: Trex Signature® railing

Trex Signature aluminium railing offers a minimalist style with maximum strength. This railing is compatible with four unique infill options: glass, mesh, rod rail, and square balusters. Trex Signature performs equally well in residential or commercial settings and the aluminium it is made from is 100% recyclable. Trex Signature railing is backed by a 25-year warranty.

Trex decking is made from up to 95% recycled materials, including reclaimed sawdust and recycled plastic from many common household items, such as the plastic packaging for paper towels and toilet paper as well as dry cleaning bags, and shopping/carrier bags. Since its inception, Trex has recycled over 2 billion kilograms of plastic film and become one of North America's largest recyclers.

Yes, Trex decking can be used to make pool decks. Pool chemicals, such as chlorine and bromine, cause no fading or structural damage to the boards. Periodic cleaning, is advised, however..

Fibreglass-free Trex decking is approved for water contact applications. It is engineered to perform in splash zones. It can be submerged as long as the duration is intermittent and for short periods. Our decking is safe for the environment and marine life. Decking should be gapped 3/8” (10 mm) width-to-width to allow for increased drainage. Stainless steel fasteners should be used. If the dock comes into sufficient contact with petrol, we recommend grounding the dock. Saltwater can cause a haze/film over any decking surface, so periodic cleanings are advised.

Yes, all of our decking collections, made from up to 95% recycled material and fibre-glass free, are safe for marine life.

Trex decking is designed for a low-maintenance experience. A simple soap-and-water clean is all it takes. For more details, visit to our Care and Cleaning section.

There are many variables that go into the cost of redoing a deck railing. Use our Cost Calculator Tool to get an idea of what the railing may cost for your next project.

Railings usually consist of a top and bottom rail, post, post sleeve, balusters, or an infill option like glass or mesh. 

Railing costs vary significantly based on details such as material, labour, and design extras (such as curving, cocktail rails and lighting). Use our Cost Calculator Tool to get an idea of what the railing may cost for your project.

With different levels of expertise, the easiest railing to install is our Signature Assembled Panels and Signature Posts with Premounted Brackets. This system consists of pre-assembled parts that save you time and labour costs, without compromising the structural integrity or beauty of the classic Signature design. Watch our Signature railing installation video to see the time savings the assembled panels bring to a project.

Calcium chloride or rock salt can be used to melt ice and snow on Trex decking. Care should be taken to rinse it off when the weather makes this practical. Use plastic shovels (never metal) to remove snow and ice. A metal shovel could chip the decking surface and void the warranty.

Trex should never be sanded. Sanding will change the appearance and protective qualities of the Trex material and will void the warranty in relation to any condition caused by sanding.

We do not recommend the use of a power washer for our early-generation composite decking (Trex Accents, Trex Origins, Trex Brasilia or Trex Profiles). Use of a power washer will damage the decking surface and will void the warranty in relation to any condition caused by the power washing.

Trex high-performance decking (Trex Transcend and Trex Enhance) can be power washed. Use only a fan tip and up to a 3100 psi power washer to remove dirt and debris. The fan tip should be no closer than 8 inches (20.4cm) away from the protective shell during use.

A pressure washer with no greater than 3100 psi that has a fan attachment/adjustment and soap dispenser may be used to remove concrete dust, or other types of construction dirt. Spray the deck with soap, and then follow by gently scrubbing each deck board with a soft bristle brush. Spray/rinse each individual deck board using fan tip no closer than 8" (20.4cm) from the decking surface. RINSE THOROUGHLY. If dirty or hard water containing minerals is used for cleaning, a film-like surface may appear in spots after drying. Generally, these spots can be cleaned with white vinegar or a deck brightener product. On railing, they can be cleaned with Magic Eraser® or white vinegar. Refer to our Care & Cleaning Guide for more information on upkeep and warranties.

Trex decking requires far less maintenance than timber decking, but does require some maintenance to keep it looking good throughout the years, much like washing your car. For early generation composite decking (Trex Accents), periodic cleaning with a deck wash is required. Trex high-performance decking (Trex Transcend, Trex Enhance, Trex Select and Trex Signature) require less work - a simple soap-and-water cleaning is all that is necessary to maintain the beauty of the products. Refer to our Care & Cleaning Guide for more information on upkeep.

Newer-generation Trex decking holds strong against potential damage. All of our current decking lines are scratch-resistant, offering protection against nicks, cracks and splitting. For more information, see our 2023 Limited Warranty.

Regular cleaning may minimise the effects of weathering and remove dirt, and grime. The best way to maintain the appearance of your Trex Signature® railing is to occasionally wash it using a solution of warm water and a non-abrasive, pH neutral detergent solution. The railing surface should be thoroughly rinsed after cleaning to remove all residues. Use a soft white cloth, sponge or a soft bristle brush. DO NOT clean Trex Signature® railing with solvents such as thinners or solutions containing chlorinated hydrocarbons, esters, or ketenes.

The following cleaners are recommended for cleaning Trex Signature® railing:
- Formula 409® Cleaner Degreaser/Disinfectant
- Spray Nine® Cleaner/Disinfectant
- Simple Green® All Purpose Cleaner
- Fantastik® All Purpose Cleaner
- Windex® Cleaner

For more details, see our Care & Cleaning guide.

Trex Deck Lighting is easy to install, and even easier to enjoy. Our plug-and-play setup is one of the most intuitive and simple lighting systems on the market. Refer to this video for the basics, and if you have any questions feel free to give us a call. We're happy to help you add lighting to your new (or existing) deck.

You should use only the Trex transformer supplied with our lighting.