When it comes to creating a stunning outdoor space, selecting the right decking material is critical. Two industry giants, Trex vs. TimberTech, have long been the top choices for homeowners, contractors, and builders. Both brands offer the best composite deck boards and composite decking materials, but how do you make the right choice between them?
So, what is Trex Protect? It’s a tape that is used for the joist, beam, and rim joist to help prevent rot and wood decay. This is important to have because the spacing in between each deck board allows water to fall through the deck. However, the wood below the decking like the joists, beams, and rim joists are left exposed to the elements. Having this tape will eliminate splitting from freezing and thawing, additionally seals deck fasteners and prevents moisture. The tape being made from butyl helps deck screws hold longer and stronger than acrylic or asphalt-based tape.
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.
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.