Date: May 11, 2024

The Superiority of Decorators MBC over Trex Composite: A Comprehensive Analysis

When it comes to choosing materials for outdoor decking and railings, homeowners and contractors have numerous options. Decorators MBC and Trex are two well-known brands in the composite decking industry, each offering a range of products with unique features and benefits. In this comprehensive analysis, we will explore the key differences between Decorators MBC and Trex composite decking, focusing on warranties, components, core, capping, aesthetics, and durability.

Warranties:

Decorators MBC offers a 25-year limited stain and fade warranty, 25 year removal and replacement warranty and a 50 year structural warranty.
Trex provides a 25-year limited stain and fade warranty, up to years replacement warranty, and un-specified structural warranty.

Decorators beats Trex warranty, ensuring long-term protection for your investment.

Components:

Decorators MBC decking is made from a blend of minerals and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a durable protective shell. This combination creates a strong, stable, and lasting decking material.
Trex decking is manufactured using a mixture of wood fibers and polyethylene (PE), which is a recyclable plastic.

Core:

Decorators MBC features a solid core construction, which means the composite material is consistent throughout the entire board. Decorators Voyage’s solid core construction further enhances its resistance to thermal movement, as the material is uniform throughout the entire board. This solid core enhances the deck’s structural integrity and resistance to moisture damage.
Trex decking has a dense, closed-cell foam core that is encapsulated by a protective shell. This core structure helps reduce weight while maintaining strength and stability.

The solid core construction of Decorators MBC may provide better overall durability and resistance to moisture compared to Trex’s foam core.

Capping:

Decorators MBC utilizes a proprietary capping technology called polymer, which protects against fading, staining, and scratching. Since its creation in 2007, Surestone™ technology has perfected the substrate found in Deckorators Voyage and Vault decking. This unique process starts with a mixture of polypropylene and calcium carbonate that’s pull-extruded for cavitation. Cavitation creates tiny air pockets that keep the boards lightweight but with a fiber-like structure similar to wood, giving it unmatched strength.The capping also features a realistic wood-grain texture for an attractive appearance. Additionally, Decorators Voyage features a textured surface that mimics the natural grain of wood. This textured finish provides excellent slip resistance, even when the deck is wet or exposed to moisture.
Trex employs a three-sided shell protection called Trex Shell, which covers the top and sides of the deck boards. This protective layer offers resistance against fading, staining, and scratching while providing a natural wood-grain appearance.

While both brands offer effective capping protection, Decorators MBC’s Chromacore multi-layered capping may provide slightly better fade, stain, and slip resistance compared to Trex’s three-sided shell protection.

Aesthetics:

Decorators MBC offers a wide range of color options and realistic wood-grain patterns, allowing homeowners to find the perfect match for their outdoor design preferences. The Surestone™ Technology capping technology enhances the visual appeal and provides a more natural look.
Trex provides a variety of color options and wood-grain patterns that closely resemble natural wood. The Trex Shell protection layer helps maintain the deck’s appearance over time.

Both brands offer attractive color options and wood-grain patterns, but the aesthetics ultimately come down to personal preference.

Durability:

Decorators is the strongest decking in the world, and one of the most stable options on the market. It is made of a blend of advanced plastic polymers and durable minerals, combined and then stretched (pull extruded). The results of this process are a fiber-like structure that is extremely lightweight and strong, with a strength-to-weight ratio similar to wood. Deckorators MBC boards contain zero wood fibers, which make common pitfalls like mold, rot and insects virtually non-existent.
Trex’s dense foam core and protective shell also provide good durability, resisting damage from moisture, insects, and decay. However, the foam core may be slightly more susceptible to moisture infiltration compared to Decorators MBC’s solid core.

Both brands offer durable products, but Decorators MBC’s solid core construction may give it a slight edge in terms of overall durability.

Based on this comprehensive analysis, Decorators MBC composite decking appears to have a advantage over Trex in terms of components, core construction, capping technology, and overall durability. Ultimately, the choice between Decorators MBC and Trex will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.

When evaluating the merits of Decorators MBC and Trex Composite, it is clear that Decorators MBC emerges as the superior choice. Its exceptional durability, aesthetic versatility, low maintenance requirements, and long-term cost-effectiveness make it an ideal material for outdoor decking and railings.

Homeowners and contractors who choose Decorators MBC can have confidence in their investment, knowing that they are selecting a product that will stand the test of time while providing unmatched beauty and functionality. As the demand for high-quality, sustainable building materials continues to grow, Decorators MBC is well-positioned to remain a leader in the decking industry.

Trust the Experts in Composite Deck Installation

Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or are ready to start building, Decked Out Builders is here to be your trusted deck-building partner. Our team of skilled professionals has decades of experience as premier composite deck builders in Illinois and Wisconsin. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about composite decking materials and can help you schedule a design consultation when you’re ready to move forward.

In addition to custom composite decks, we offer a range of other outdoor living services, including porches, patios, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and more. Browse our portfolio of showpiece custom decks and request your free quote today to start turning your outdoor living dreams into reality.