Your Trex Composite Decking & Railing Questions Answered

Avoid Improper Decking Gaps

According to legal action being reported by Deck Magazine, apparently the composite decking boards have “incurable dark spots”. Competitor A only offers 3-sided capped composite boards, which leave a full side of their boards exposed to the elements. They claim that it's because the boards need to breathe however, it only leaves exposed wood particles for mold to make a home. Plus, Competitor A uses wood particles in some of their caps, leaving even more organic material exposed to moisture damage — and, you guessed it, mold. It now is pink, flaking, has a black mold growing all over it and loos horrible.

Periodic cleanings with a composite deck cleaner were far easier than the dreaded sanding and staining required to maintain wood decks. As the category evolved, this early-generation composite was offered in additional colors and with grain patterns that reflected a more natural appearance. To address these issues, Trex introduced a new kind of high-performance decking in 2010. As of 2014, Trex no longer manufactures any early-generation composite decking. Everybody knows color fades in the sun, but composite decking companies seem to be oblivious to what their products are really capable of. Some composite decking has faded so quickly in just a couple of seasons that replacements boards stand out like a sore thumb.

For wood decking, the remedy for would is cleaning and re staining. Composite decking requires using special cleaning chemicals that will kill the mold and remove some of the finish. This will leave the decking more porous and susceptible to more mold growth. This can happen in many ways but the most common is just the daily use of the deck.

Trex Company, Inc

Despite composite having texture, it does little to provide solid footing around pools or swimming docks. In reality, composite decking is prone to fading, especially when it’s exposed to the elements and sun. Many composite decking materials also stain easily. Anything from the tannins of a few fallen leaves on the surface to an additionally spilled glass of wine or splotch of ketchup can leave stains.

We had come across several issues during the inspection of the deck. One issue of note was that the boards where cracking and splitting along the edges. Like most decking wood or composite there needs to be some space for expansion and contraction.

A high-quality composite deck has a greater appeal for potential buyers as it requires low maintenance. This means that it will retain more of its transferable value for a longer period compared to other deck materials. A high-quality composite deck is more expensive than the traditional pressure-treated lumber and its price ranges between $5.00 and $7.00 per 8-inch board.

Wood And Composite Decking Review: Pros And Cons

This decking bubbles up around standard bugle-head deck screws . Everything you need to finish a deck—fascia boards, railings, balusters, treads, and posts—is made in matching colors using the same composite material.

Decking & Railing Duos

Like any major home purchase, decking materials vary in looks, durability, and cost. Start your research by becoming familiar with types of authentic and synthetic decking.

I was excited about having something touted as being “maintenance free.” Over the years I have power washed it to keep the vegetation (moss? algae?) at bay. Mind you, I was never really told how to maintain it . For the most part it has held up well and we have enjoyed the deck.

5 Great Deck Materials.

Posted: Sun, 07 Jun 2020 07:00:00 GMT [source]