In the world of outdoor living spaces, decking has come a long way from traditional wood options. Composite decking, a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastics, has revolutionized the industry with its durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. While Trex has been a common known brand, newer options on the market, such as TimberTech, Deckorators, and Fiberon, are proving to outperform this industry giant in several key areas. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why these innovative alternatives are worth considering for your next decking project.
From Wood to Composite
Wooden decks have been a staple of homes for decades, offering a natural and warm aesthetic. However, the constant maintenance, susceptibility to rot, warping, and insect damage led to the development of alternative materials.
Composite decking, first introduced in the 1990s, revolutionized the industry by offering a low-maintenance alternative to wood. Made from a blend of recycled plastic and wood fibers, these early composites promised the look of wood without the upkeep. Trex, founded in 1996, quickly became a leading brand.
Trex Composite and Its Challenges
Trex’s success can be attributed to its innovative use of recycled materials and its promise of a low-maintenance deck. The company’s products offer resistance to fading, staining, and mold, making them an attractive option for homeowners tired of the constant upkeep required by wooden decks.
However, over the years, Trex has faced several challenges and criticisms:
Fading Issues: Many homeowners reported significant color fading, especially in the first few years after installation.
Mold and Mildew Problems: Despite claims of mold resistance, Trex products were prone to mold and mildew growth, particularly in humid or shaded areas.
Warping and Expansion: Thermal expansion and contraction led to warping in some cases, causing structural issues in decks.
Warranty Claim Denials: Some customers reported difficulties in getting warranty claims honored, and even lawsuits were filed.
New Composite Decking Technologies
As the composite decking market matured, brands like TimberTech, Deckorators, and Fiberon with innovative technologies and improved formulations have surpassed the composite decking market.
Comparing Performance: Other Composite Brands vs. Trex
To truly understand why other composite decking options are outperforming Trex, let’s look at some specific comparisons:
Enhanced Durability
Newer composite decking options have significantly improved durability compared to earlier versions and even Trex’s current offerings.
- Advanced Capping Technology: TimberTech’s 4-sided capping technology provides superior resistance to staining, fading, and scratching. Similarly, Fiberon’s PermaTech® capping offers exceptional protection against the elements.
- Improved Core Formulations: Deckorators’ Vault decking uses Eovations™ technology, creating a lightweight yet incredibly strong board that resists moisture absorption better than traditional composites.
- UV Resistance: Fiberon’s ChromaLock® technology and TimberTech’s ColorLock® coating provide superior fade resistance, addressing one of the main criticisms faced by Trex over the years.
Superior Aesthetics
While Trex has improved its visual appeal over the years, newer composite options are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of aesthetics:
- Realistic Wood Grain Patterns: TimberTech’s multi-color streaking and Fiberon’s multi-chromatic embossing create incredibly realistic wood grain patterns that closely mimic the look of natural hardwoods.
- Wider Color Palette: Deckorators offers a broad range of colors, from rich, dark tones to light, weathered looks, giving homeowners more design flexibility than ever before.
- Multi-Tonal Colors: TimberTech’s Legacy Collection features boards with varying tones and streaking, replicating the natural variation found in real wood.
Improved Heat Resistance
One common complaint about composite decking, Trex, was its tendency to retain heat, making it uncomfortable to walk barefoot during hot summer days. Some newer composites have addressed this issue:
- Cool-Touch Technology: TimberTech’s AZEK line features proprietary technology that reflects heat, keeping the deck surface up to 30% cooler than traditional composites.
- Lighter Color Options: Fiberon and Deckorators offer a wide range of lighter colors that naturally reflect more sunlight, reducing heat retention.
Enhanced Slip Resistance
Safety is a crucial factor in deck design, especially in areas prone to moisture like pool decks.
- Textured Surfaces: Deckorators’ Voyage decking features a subtle, non-repeating grain pattern that provides excellent traction, even when wet.
- Innovative Groove Patterns: Fiberon’s grooved boards are designed to channel water away effectively, reducing slippery conditions and addressing the mold and mildew issues that are seen in Trex products.
Fade and Stain Resistance
While Trex has improved its fade and stain resistance over the years, some newer options are showing even better performance in this area:
- Longer-Lasting Color: TimberTech’s AZEK line comes with a 50-year fade and stain warranty, compared to Trex’s 25-year fade and stain warranty.
- Superior Stain Resistance: Fiberon’s PermaTech® capping technology provides exceptional resistance to staining, addressing one of the common complaints about earlier Trex products.
Moisture Resistance
Moisture absorption has been a historical issue with Trex composite decking, leading to swelling, cracking, and mold growth. Newer brand options have made significant improvements:
- Lower Water Absorption Rates: Deckorators’ Vault decking boasts a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%, significantly lower than many traditional composites.
- Improved Mold Resistance: TimberTech’s AZEK line is highly resistant to mold and mildew growth, addressing one of the major complaints faced by Trex over the years.
Scratch Resistance
Durability against scratches and scuffs is crucial for maintaining a deck’s appearance over time:
- Harder Surface Materials: Fiberon’s Paramount PVC decking offers superior scratch resistance compared to traditional wood-plastic composites.
Expansion and Contraction
Thermal expansion and contraction can lead to gaps, warping, and loosened fasteners. Newer composites have addressed this issue:
- Lower Expansion Rates: Deckorators’ Voyage decking has little to no expansion, leading to more stable decks over time.
Warranty Considerations
One area where newer composite decking options truly shine is in their warranty offerings:
- Longer Coverage Periods: Deckorators offering a 50 year structural warranty;25 year stain and fade; where TimberTech offers a 50-year limited fade and stain warranty on their AZEK line, significantly longer than Trex’s 25-year warranty.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Deckorators warranties cover labor for 25 years, addressing concerns about warranty claim denials that some Trex customers have faced.
- Transferability: Many newer composite brands offer transferable warranties, adding value to homes when it comes time to sell.
Cost Considerations
While initial costs for newer composite decking options may be higher than Trex in some cases, it’s important to consider the long-term value:
- Longer Warranties: The extended warranties offered by brands like TimberTech and Deckorators provide better long-term protection for your investment.
- Reduced Maintenance Costs: The superior performance of newer composites can lead to lower maintenance costs over the life of the deck, potentially offsetting the higher initial investment.
- Increased Home Value: A high-quality, low-maintenance deck made from advanced composites can significantly boost your home’s resale value.
Making the Right Choice for Your Project
When considering composite decking for your project, it’s crucial to look beyond brand recognition and explore the innovative options available in today’s market. While Trex has been a choice for many years, newer composite decking alternatives offer significant advantages in terms of performance, aesthetics, and long-term value.
Factors to Consider
Climate: Consider your local climate when choosing a composite. If you live in an area with intense sun exposure, opt for a product with superior UV resistance, like TimberTech’s AZEK line. For humid or rainy climates, prioritize moisture resistance, such as Deckorators’ Voyage decking.
Usage: Think about how you’ll use your deck. If you frequently entertain or have pets, look for options with enhanced scratch and stain resistance, like Fiberon’s Paramount PVC decking.
Aesthetics: With the wide range of colors and textures available in newer composites, choose a product that complements your home’s architecture and your personal style. TimberTech and Deckorators offer particularly diverse color options.
Budget: While initial costs are important, consider the long-term value. A slightly more expensive product may offer better performance and lower maintenance costs over time.
Conclusion
The composite decking market has come a long way since Trex first introduced its products in the 1990s. While Trex remains a popular choice, newer options on the market, such as TimberTech, Deckorators, and Fiberon, are outperforming this industry stalwart in several key areas. From enhanced durability and superior aesthetics to improved heat resistance and eco-friendly advancements, these innovative alternatives are redefining what homeowners can expect from their outdoor living spaces.
These newer brands have also addressed many of the issues that Trex has faced over the years, including fading, mold and mildew growth, warping, and warranty claim concerns. By offering superior products with better performance characteristics and more comprehensive warranties, they’re providing homeowners with greater peace of mind and long-term value.
As you plan your next decking project, take the time to explore the full range of composite options available. By considering factors such as climate, usage, aesthetics, budget, and environmental impact, you can choose a product that not only outperforms traditional options but also perfectly suits your unique needs and preferences.
At Decked Out Builders, we specialize in helping homeowners navigate the decking material selection process and bring their outdoor living dreams to life.
Ready to start planning your weather-resistant deck? Contact us today for a consultation!
