TREX decking took the industry by storm over 15 years ago. But now, as we see more and more homes with TREX decks that are over ten years old, the truth is…..it does not age well. Prone to discoloration, there is no way to restore color. Prone to swelling, similar to LP siding, it is impossible to replace pieces of TREX decking without having new boards stand out like a sore thumb.
Gorgeous when first installed, easy and quick to install, uniform in color and texture compared to wood, people love it when it is new. But there was ever anything that makes resale properties look tired, it is a worn and faded TREX deck.
Until there is a means by which this material can effectively be refinished, we recommend to all homeowners in the Northwest: stick with cedar. Yes, it’s a lot of work and expense to refinish every year or two. But the fact is, that it can be made to look good many times over with proper care. The same cannot be said of TREX.
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Greetings: Your comments on Trex are music to my ears. My company manufactures specialty wood products in Portland, Oregon. We make components out of Western Red Cedar and a Mahogany like specie (Meranti Bukit)for decking, fencing and porches (some interior as well). We have always thought that the tried and true materials, if installed correctly and maintained periodically are superior to the man make “perfectly” marketed composits and other plastics. I personally have a ten year old cedar deck and rails that I run maintenance on once per year and it looks like new each time. Major paint and stain manufacturers are beginning to produce products for composite decking that includes “cleaners” and “stains”, which are specifically made for “no maintenance” (yeah, right)composites.
Composites with no maintenance look just as bad as wood that has had no maintenance, only the wood is generally biodegradable, and the composites are not. Thanks for putting the truth out there. Sequester carbon, use wood! -dh
I think everything ages when it’s in the elements. A suggestion when you have it installed put several planks under the deck on a couple of bricks for a rainey day. Wood is always nice but when thinking green is it the best choice.
Bill and Diana,
Please take a look at our website: http://www.azek.com I feel strongly you will find a preferred alternative to any composite decking that is in the market which many homeowners are experiencing the same issues you shared. AZEK IS the new generation of decking, a truely low-maintenance without the fading. Feel free to give me a call and I would be more than happy to meet with you to discuss.
Regards,
Jamie Watt
AZEK Building Products
Territory Sales Manager
Cell: 253-651-5688