Let’s start with what is a Pergola. A pergola is an open and grid design that offer in more sunlight than a gazebo. They’re great for creating a nice outdoor space and now are becoming more customizable. Generally, pergolas are made from cedar wood; opposed to Trex which makes there pergola’s out of aluminum or aluminum reinforced PVC. Using these materials makes them lighter and longer lasting. Not to mention Trex offers a variety of options to tailor the pergola to the homeowner.
With summer being around the corner, means more time spent outside enjoying the nice weather. Makes for perfect nights for a bon fire on the deck or even just sitting around a table enjoying company. Although sometimes when nightfall comes people will go inside the house where the lights are on. Adding Trex Outdoor Lighting is a great way to keep the party or the conversations on the deck going. This helps add to the value and use of the deck by creating a space in which you can take the party to or retreat too at night.
In a previous blog post titled “What is Trex RainEscape?” went over what the product is and how it works. Now the question is “Why Get Trex RainEscape?” well to put it simply it depends on what the homeowner feels is necessary. However, the benefits that come with Trex RainEscape make it a product that may change the why into when.
Trex RainEscape is a drainage system for your deck. The system sits over the joists creating a trough that sends water into the downspout, which then funnels the water into the gutters. Trex RainEscape is made with rugged plastic and ultraviolet inhibitors, providing durability to withstand any extreme weather. Not only is it durable but also easy to install, needing only scissors or utility knife, staple gun, and a caulking gun. Instillation of this drainage system takes about one or two hours for the most part.
Trex has three lines high of high quality railing that range from very customizable to simple and straight forward. Signature is their most customizable railing system and comes with a variety of colors, sizes and infill options. The Transcend rail line also comes in a variety of colors and lengths but unlike signature, the infill options are more limited. Lastly, the Select rail line is Trex’s most affordable line and comes with the most limited options in the form of white rail and charcoal black round balusters.
The biggest con facing a buyer is the high initial cost of Trex, it is a more expensive material than wood and so initial sticker shock can deter a lot of potential buyers. Another con is that not all deck builders have experience building Trex decks, they are not the same as a wood deck, so it is important to talk to a builder that has Trex experience. With these in mind, it is also important think about the future of the deck and its added value to your home. Though Trex is expensive, the long-term investment is unrivaled. Upkeep required is minimal, it is built to withstand all types of climates, and there is a large selection of colors that is sure to catch anyone’s eye.
PVC decking is another material that is a good alternative to wood decking as it also out lasts wood and is low maintenance. When compared to Trex composite boards, PVC has a few disadvantages. It is made of nearly all new plastic, which means it is not nearly as ecofriendly as a Trex board, which is made of 95% recycled plastic. Side by side Trex also has a much better natural look and feel to the board while PVC boards have a very plastic and unnatural appearance.
Trex is built from a composite material that consists of 95% recycled film plastic wrapped in a hard shell. This design allows it to hold up through long term exposure to all the elements it would in any environment it is set in. With minimal upkeep required Trex is one of the most durable composite options on the market. Trex will last between 25-50 years and it comes with a 25-50 year fade and stain warranty.
Trex has 5 different lines of deck boards that have different prices. Signature, Transcend Lineage, Transcend, Select, and Enhance. The prices for these range from around $2.50 - $15 per linear foot. Price will also always depend on where you are buying it and how much you buy.
