Trex Compared to Wood Decking

Trex Decking Material

• Trex decks are referred to as composite decks, because the material contains a composite of recycled materials. While Trex does contain some recycled wood, it also contains bits of recycled plastic and sawdust. The Trex company claims that it does not cut down any trees but uses only reclaimed wood along with the other materials .By contrast, standard wood decking material often consists of lumber that has been cut specifically for commercial purposes.

Appearance

• Although Trex decking does not consist entirely of wood, it does have a natural wood grain appearance. To the untrained eye, a Trex deck looks identical to a wood deck, based on the cut of the material and the direction of the grain. Since Trex decking is specially designed and manufactured to imitate the appearance of wood, it can sometimes have a smoother and cleaner appearance than natural wood, particularly if the wood has warped or splintered in any way.

Durability

• The durability of wood decking varies greatly. An unfinished deck can easily become subject to mildew, mold, dry rot and warping. You can prevent these problems using a strong wood finish and a commercial mildew-resistant paint. Trex decking comes prefinished and is not subject to rot, according to the Trex company. Trex decking, much like wood decking, may lose some of its color as a result of sun exposure.

Maintenance

• When it comes to cleaning, you can care for Trex and wood decks in precisely the same manner. Sweep your deck regularly to remove dust and dirt. At least a couple of times each year, scrub your entire deck with a soft-bristled brush and soapy water, using only a few drops of mild detergent for each gallon of water. You may also use oxygen bleach, which kills mold and stains using natural oxygen ions. Use chlorine bleach cleaners only for heavy accumulations of mold.