What is the downside to Trex decking?
Composite Can Still Develop Mold! Although composite decking is promoted as being waterproof, this doesn’t mean that a deck board can’t grow mold. The textured surface of the cutting board and the grooves on the end caps make it easy for water to get trapped there. The stagnant water then contributes to mold growth. Composite decks are susceptible to a wide variety of outdoor elements like mold and mildew, black spots, sap, grease, oil, food spills, pet stains, hard water, grass stains, ground-in dirt and rust stains.Rain may carry dirt, plant pollen, and other trash onto the surface of your deck. Over time, this may lead to a build-up of difficult to eliminate muck. Moreover, excessive humidity levels might create an environment favorable for the development of mildew and mold, thereby aggravating a dirty appearance.
Is Trex decking expensive?
Trex® decking costs around $6,000 to install, on average, and prices often fall between $1,850 and $9,600. Breaking Down the Cost of a 12×12 Trex Deck Materials: With a 144 square foot area, material costs might range from $2,160 to $5,472 depending on the Trex line. Labor: Installation prices can vary, averaging between $1,440 and $2,160.Labor costs to install composite decking range from $24 to $48 per square foot. Therefore, including the substructure, the cost of installing composite decking is between $40 and $80 per square foot. Ultimately, a 20’x20′ composite decking can cost between $16,000 and $32,000 to build.TimberTech sets an incredibly high standard for composite decking. Known for its innovation, sustainability, price, and long-lasting performance, TimberTech delivers the natural look of wood without tons of upkeep.According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, a typical wood deck recoups about 83% of its cost at resale, while a composite deck offers an ROI of roughly 68% nationwide.
Does a Trex deck increase home value?
In regions with mild climates where outdoor living is a year-round perk (think California or the Southeast), a Trex deck can significantly boost a home’s appeal and price. In colder climates with shorter outdoor seasons, the ROI might be lower, though the durability of Trex still gives it an edge over wood. Without adequate support, your Trex deck may sag over time—even with composite materials. Be sure your deck framework contains the right spacing between joists. Trex typically recommends spacing joists no more than 16 inches apart for standard decking or 12 inches for diagonal installations.Installing Trex RainEscape will protect your deck joists from rain, snow, and other outdoor elements. The system ensures moisture doesn’t leak through your decking boards onto the space beneath your deck. Trex RainEscape will provide a barrier, thus waterproofing whatever you have under your deck.For typical installations, decking requires joist spacing of 16 inches on-center (OC). When boards are laid out diagonally at a 45-degree angle, the spacing should be adjusted to 12 inches OC to provide extra support, as the angled design can put more pressure on the boards.The drying and shrinking of framing lumber can cause the composite boards to change shape and move with the frame, so it’s important that your deck builder uses proper materials for framing your trex deck. If installed incorrectly, the boards might come loose from their frame or curl up at the ends.
How much does a 20×20 Trex deck cost?
The cost of a 20×20 deck can vary greatly depending on materials, labor, location, and additional features. On average, you might expect to pay between $12,000 and $24,000 for a professional installation of this size. Factoring professional labor costs, a 16×20 deck costs around $9,600 to $19,200**. You can see how even a small increase in your deck size can have significant cost implications. How much does a 20×20 deck cost? The cost of a 20×20 deck can vary greatly depending on materials, labor, location, and additional features.Composite decking costs about $5 to $13 per square foot. A 12×12 deck would cost about $2,200 to $5,600. Brands like Trex are popular because they’re strong and need little care. Composite decks resist rot, insects, and moisture better than wood.Professional installation fees typically range from $24 to $48 per square foot. This means that labor alone could cost between $4,800 and $9,600 for a 200-square-foot deck. Elevated decks, multi-level designs, or decks with custom features will incur higher labor costs due to their increased complexity.A DIY deck building can indeed offer cost savings, particularly on labor. However, the benefits of hiring a professional, from assured quality to regulatory compliance, might justify the added expense, particularly when longevity and satisfaction are factored into the equation.
What is the lifespan of a Trex deck?
It also resists mold and rot in wet conditions, and it doesn’t fade in the sun. Trex composite decking is one of the longest-lasting deck materials and can last 25 to 50 years with minimum care. Should I replace my wood deck with Trex? Replacing your wood deck with Trex is a beneficial upgrade, as Trex decking offers greater durability. Trex decks resist fading, staining, scratching, and mold and require less maintenance.A Trex deck can be a great investment, but it’s not perfect. It can fade. It can scratch. It can grow mold or get hot enough to cook your feet in July.Trex decking, designed for outdoor use, is an excellent choice for creating a beautiful and long-lasting porch surface. Its innovative composite material is resistant to fading, staining, and moisture, making it perfect for withstanding the elements on a porch.If you’re looking to upgrade your outdoor space, you might wonder if you can install Trex decking directly over a concrete surface. While Trex decking is a fantastic choice for its durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal, it can only be installed over a concrete surface if you use a sleeper system.Modern Trex designs, engineered with advanced materials and a robust outer shell, resist fading, staining, and mold, ensuring longevity of up to 50 years, depending on the product line.
What is the controversy with Trex decking?
Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro filed a class-action lawsuit against Trex Company, Inc. In the suit, two customers of Trex decking product alleged that their decks suffered from surface flaking and that Trex failed to provide adequate remedies.Although Trex decking products with SunComfortable heat-mitigating technology are designed to be cooler than most other composite decking products of a similar color, on a hot sunny day, they will get hot.Trex decking, a popular choice for its resistance to rot, mold, and insects, can become treacherous when exposed to winter conditions. The composite material’s plastic surface, combined with snow or moisture, creates a slippery environment that poses a risk of slips and falls.Natural Weathering for Early-Generation Trex® Composites Typically 12-16 weeks after installation, an early-generation composite deck will fade to a lighter color, (see color swatches below).