Trex decking combines durability, style, and eco-friendly practices, setting a new standard in the industry. As a leader in composite solutions, it offers a reliable and sustainable alternative to traditional wood.
This article will cover what makes Trex unique, focusing on its material composition and key benefits.
Sustainability in Trex Decking Materials
Trex decks use 95% recycled content, blending reclaimed wood fibers with polyethylene plastic films sourced from everyday products like grocery bags and packaging. This approach minimizes waste and promotes sustainability.
- Recycled Wood Fibers: The reclaimed wood comes from sawdust and other wood byproducts, reducing the need for new lumber and preserving forests.
- Plastic Film: Trex collects and recycles plastic films, diverting millions of pounds of waste from landfills. The plastic component lends flexibility and resistance, ensuring the boards do not warp or crack over time.
- This innovative combination of materials gives Trex a robust structure that mimics the look of natural wood but offers superior durability and sustainability.
- Trex is recognized as one of the largest recyclers of polyethylene film, annually diverting over 400 million pounds of plastic waste from landfills.
Their commitment extends beyond recycling by ensuring eco-friendly sourcing and production practices. With a focus on quality and sustainability, Trex’s manufacturing process seamlessly transforms recycled materials into durable, high-performance decking.
The Trex Manufacturing Process: How It’s Made
The manufacturing process highlights Trex’s commitment to quality and sustainability. Reclaimed wood and recycled plastic films are combined, heated, and shaped into resilient decking boards.
- Mixing and Heating: The plastic and wood fibers are blended and heated, forming a malleable composite that can be shaped into boards.
- Forming the Boards: The heated mixture is pressed into molds using profile dies, creating boards with various profiles and finishes.
- Cooling and Inspection: After the boards are molded, they are cooled and undergo rigorous quality checks to ensure consistency, strength, and color accuracy.
Trex uses a specialized capping process where the boards are coated on three sides. This cap protects against moisture, UV damage, and scratches, which preserves the board’s appearance and extends its lifespan. The result is a low-maintenance product that does not need painting or sealing, making it a convenient choice for homeowners.
The benefits of Trex’s innovative material composition extend far beyond sustainability, offering features that set it apart from traditional wood decking.
Why Choose Trex: Key Advantages of Composite Decking
Trex’s blend of materials results in a deck board that offers exceptional performance and minimal environmental impact:
- Durability: Trex decking is highly resistant to common issues like rotting, mold, and mildew. Unlike traditional wood, Trex does not splinter, crack, or warp, even under harsh weather conditions. The capping technology helps resist scratches and prevents color fading, maintaining its appearance over time.
- Low Maintenance: Cleaning Trex decks is straightforward, requiring only soap and water. The boards are designed to resist fading and staining, so there’s no need for painting, sealing, or frequent upkeep. This low-maintenance quality is a key reason why many homeowners opt for composite over wood. Its resistance to mold and mildew also contributes to easier care.
- Eco-Friendly Choice: Trex’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its products. The company has recycled over 5 billion pounds of plastic film to date, making it one of the largest recyclers of polyethylene film in North America. This initiative has significantly reduced the company’s carbon footprint and supports eco-friendly construction practices.
Understanding how Trex compares to traditional wood and other materials helps highlight why it’s a preferred choice for modern decking solutions.
Trex Decking vs. Traditional Wood and Other Materials
Transitioning from traditional wood to Trex decking offers several benefits. Here’s how Trex compares:
- Longevity: Traditional wood decks often need replacement within 10-15 years, even with regular maintenance. In contrast, Trex boards can last over 25 years, with warranties that match this lifespan. Unlike wood, which is prone to rot, cracking, and insect damage, Trex boards maintain their structural integrity across different climates.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Despite a higher initial cost, Trex proves economical over time. Unlike wood, it avoids the recurring expenses of sealing, painting, or frequent repairs, making it a long-term, budget-friendly option. Composite decking also reduces the need for regular maintenance and treatment, cutting down on upkeep costs.
- Visual Appeal: Trex boards are designed with a natural wood-like grain, offering various colors and finishes that mimic traditional hardwood without the downsides. The boards retain their appearance over time, resisting fading and staining, unlike wood, which may lose its color and require refinishing.
Trex offers a range of product lines, each designed to meet specific needs and preferences, making it easy to find the perfect fit for any project.
Exploring Trex’s Product Lines: Options for Every Project
Trex offers different product lines to meet various needs, each with its distinct qualities.
Trex Signature®
- Description: Trex Signature features premium aesthetics, replicating exotic hardwood textures. It’s engineered to be scratch-resistant, making it ideal for upscale designs.
- Warranty: 25 years
Trex Transcend®
- Description: This line is designed for high-performance use, featuring a protective shell that resists fading and staining. Available in a wide range of colors, it suits various design preferences. The three-sided shell protection makes it particularly resilient against UV damage and everyday wear.
- Warranty: 25 years
Trex Select®
- Description: Offering durability and a classic look, Trex Select is ideal for those who seek a balance between quality and affordability. It retains the key features of Trex but at a more accessible price point. Its scalloped profile helps reduce material usage, making it lighter and easier to handle during installation.
- Warranty: 25 years
Trex Enhance®
- Description: Enhance provides a budget-friendly option with a scalloped profile that reduces the amount of material used. Despite the lower cost, it retains Trex’s durability and aesthetic qualities. It’s available in two styles: Enhance Basics for simple, classic decking and Enhance Naturals for more varied, wood-like textures.
- Warranty: 25 years
For those seeking reliable and sustainable decking solutions, Lumber Plus provides an extensive selection of Trex products backed by expert support.
Why Choose Trex Decking from Lumber Plus
At Lumber Plus, you can explore a diverse range of Trex decking options, suited for both large-scale projects and personal DIY ventures. Our team offers guidance to help you choose a durable, eco-friendly deck that combines long-lasting quality with visual appeal. With Trex from Lumber Plus, you are opting for sustainable innovation that enhances outdoor living.
Ready to Upgrade Your Decking Experience?
Experience the benefits of Trex composite decking by partnering with Lumber Plus. Our selection of Trex products caters to various needs, ensuring that you find the perfect match for your design vision and budget.
Contact us today for more information.
