3 Types of Trex Decking: Enhance vs Transcend vs Select

When selecting decking material, homeowners often gravitate toward durability, aesthetics, and sustainability. Trex composite decking stands out by addressing all three factors while also offering variety to meet different needs. The Trex lineup includes Enhance, Select, and Transcend, each with distinct features, performance capabilities, and price points. 

This guide will walk you through the types of Trex decking, helping you choose the best fit for your project, whether you’re looking for budget-friendly options or premium quality.

Trex Decking Options

Trex composite decking is a reliable alternative to traditional wood, boasting features like resistance to rotting, fading, and staining. All Trex boards are made from 95% recycled materials, which adds sustainability benefits to the equation. With warranties ranging from 25 to 50 years, you can expect long-lasting performance from whichever line you choose. Let’s explore the three primary options below.

Trex Enhance®: Affordable Durability

Trex Enhance® decking installed on front porch.
Trex Enhance® decking installed on front porch. (Photo Source)

Trex Enhance offers both affordability and performance, and is available in two color categories, Enhance Basics and Enhance Naturals.

Key Features of Trex Enhance:

  • Lightweight Design: The scalloped profile reduces material weight, making Enhance easier to transport and install—especially appealing to DIY enthusiasts and contractors. The lighter boards are also more cost-effective, making this the most affordable Trex line.
  • Aesthetic Versatility: Enhance Naturals mimics the look of real wood with multi-tonal colors like Coastal Bluff and Rocky Harbor, offering a higher-end visual appeal compared to Basics.
  • Durability: Both Enhance Basics and Naturals offer fade and stain resistance, backed by a 25-year warranty, ensuring long-term use without significant wear from UV exposure or spills. This makes it a practical choice for those seeking low maintenance.

The textured surface of Enhance Naturals provides an appealing finish similar to Trex Transcend, but at a lower price. While Enhance lacks the deeper grain patterns found in Transcend, its cost savings make it an excellent choice for budget-conscious projects, such as small residential decks or commercial applications that prioritize both cost and durability. Additionally, Enhance supports hidden fastener systems, giving the deck a sleek, seamless look while minimizing the risk of visible hardware on the surface.

Trex Select®: Balanced Performance

Image of Trex Select® decking in pebble grey with a white railing.
Trex Select® decking in pebble grey with a white railing. (Photo Source)

For homeowners seeking a balance between cost and premium performance, Trex Select® is the ideal mid-tier option, offering great durability with a lighter build.

Key Features of Trex Select:

  • Balanced Durability: With its 7/8-inch thickness, Select boards offer a middle ground between the lightweight Enhance line and the heavier Transcend, making it easier to install without sacrificing durability.
  • Color Options: Available in five neutral shades, such as Pebble Grey and Woodland Brown, Trex Select complements any outdoor aesthetic while keeping things budget-friendly.
  • Affordability: Priced between Enhance and Transcend, Select provides excellent value with added benefits like better scratch resistance than Enhance, making it a smart choice for moderate-traffic areas.

Unlike Enhance, Trex Select boasts a full protective shell that covers both the top and sides of the board, offering superior protection against moisture and scratches. Its compatibility with hidden fastener systems gives it a clean, polished appearance, ideal for decks with minimal visual interruptions. Select’s slightly thinner build also makes it easier to handle during installation, making it a preferred choice for those wanting durability without the challenges of heavier boards.

Trex Transcend®: The Ultimate Decking Solution

Image of Trex Transcend® decking on a large wrap around porch.
Image of Trex Transcend® decking on a large wrap around porch. (Photo Source)

At the top of the Trex product line, Trex Transcend stands out for its luxury finishes, superior durability, and extensive color options.

Key Features of Trex Transcend:

  • Premium Durability: Known for its thicker boards and enhanced scratch resistance, Trex Transcend performs exceptionally well in high-traffic areas, making it the preferred choice for both residential and commercial decks.
  • Aesthetic Range: Trex Transcend offers vibrant tropical colors such as Havana Gold and Tiki Torch, along with earth tones like Rope Swing and Vintage Lantern, allowing for design flexibility in any outdoor space.
  • Heat-Resistant Innovation: The Lineage series introduces a heat-mitigating technology that keeps the deck surface cooler in direct sunlight, making it an excellent option for hot climates.

Trex Transcend comes with a 25-year warranty, covering both fade and stain protection. This comprehensive coverage ensures long-lasting performance while reducing the need for maintenance. The combination of durability, aesthetics, and warranty coverage makes Transcend the go-to choice for homeowners seeking a high-end, low-maintenance outdoor deck that stands the test of time.

New Line:  Additionally, the heat-resistant innovation found in the Lineage series makes this a standout option for anyone living in warmer climates, offering a more comfortable surface during hot summer months. This feature is exclusive to Trex Transcend, providing a competitive edge over other composite decking options.

When choosing the right Trex decking for your project, it’s important to weigh your priorities in terms of budget, design preferences, and the level of durability required for your outdoor space.

Choosing the Right Trex Decking for Your Project

Image of a backyard, multi level deck using Trex decking.
Image of a backyard, multi level deck using Trex decking. (Photo Source)

When deciding between Trex Enhance, Select, and Transcend, the choice will depend on factors such as your budget, deck usage, and aesthetic preferences. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Trex Enhance: Ideal for budget-friendly projects where cost is a priority but quality and sustainability are still required.
  • Trex Select: A middle-ground solution offering solid durability and aesthetic flexibility at a moderate price.
  • Trex Transcend: The premium choice for long-term durability, luxury aesthetics, and high-traffic outdoor spaces, with Lineage adding an extra layer of comfort for hot climates.

Explore Trex Decking Solutions with LumberPlus

For a comprehensive range of Trex products, visit LumberPlus. Whether you’re planning a small DIY project or a large outdoor transformation, we have the decking materials to meet your needs. With Trex’s sustainable and durable options, you can build a deck that will stand the test of time. 

Contact us today for more information.

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