Trex Decking Review and Cost 2023

Composite decking has grown increasingly popular over the past decade as homeowners turn away from wood and towards composite planks. Trex has been at the forefront of this movement as they were the first company to patent and produce this style of decking.

While Trex was the first company to produce composite decking, they are also one of the larger decking companies in the world. That means their products may be a little easier to find in your local hardware store or specialty shops. Trex decking is sold in over 40 countries globally, and they are one of the better brands from an eco-friendly standpoint.

Types of Trex Decking

One of the reasons we’re partial to Trex for new consumers is the fact they make things easy and don’t overwhelm you with options. The company’s product line is broken down into three series and a Best, Better, and Good system.

Style

Profile

Lengths

Widths

Colors

Trex Transcend

1 & 2-inch square, 1-inch grooved

12, 16, 20

5.5 inches

10

Trex Select

1 & 2-inch square, 1-inch grooved

12, 16, 20

5.5 inches

5

Trex Enhance Naturals

1-inch scalloped / grooved & square

12, 16, 20

5.5 inches

5

Trex Enhance Basics

1-inch scalloped / grooved & square

12, 16, 20

5.5 inches

3

Trex Transcend Review

Trex’s premium decking line is called Trex Transcend. It’s their “greenest” product as well considering it’s made from 95% recycled materials. It is also available in three profiles and 10 different colors, so there is truly a look and style for everyone.

Trex Transcend is backed by the company’s 25-year limited residential warranty. This covers your deck against fading and staining, and consumers agree that it holds up very well in both of those areas. You will be able to scrub these boards with a simple solution of soap and water, and you will never need to stain or sand them again.

Trex Transcend

Trex Transcend - Classic Earth Tones Decking Colors

These boards are built to keep maintenance at a minimum so mold, stains, and scratches will never be an issue. As for the colors, there are five shades to choose from if you want to keep things simple and earthy with Firepit, Gravel Patch, Rope Swing, Tree House, and Vintage Lantern. Tropical shades from the Transcend lineup include Havana Gold, Tiki Torch, Lava Rock, Island Mist, Spiced-Rum.

Trex Transcend

Trex Transcend - Premium Tropicals Decking Colors

Transcend is best suited for consumers that want a wide range of colors from an eco-friendly product. It’s a bit more expensive than the company’s other styles, but has excellent scratch resistance and is the only series with porch boards as well.

Trex Select Review

If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, the Trex Select may be the best option for your home. The company refers to this product as a “simplified” version of their flagship line, but we’re pleased to say the most important features are still intact.

One of the biggest differences between Trex Select and Transcend is the color range. While the colors are somewhat different, there are only five to choose from this time around with Madeira, Pebble Grey, Saddle, Winchester Grey and Woodland Brown. There are no porch boards, and these planks aren’t quite as scratch-resistant as the premium line.

Trex Select

Trex Select Decking Colors

The quality takes a small hit overall with Select, but cleanup is still going to be easy and that high-performance shell will your boards looking fresh for years to come. This series is available in standard sizes and lengths and Trex Select decking comes with a 25-year warranty against fading and stains as well.

Trex Enhance Review

The last product in Trex’s current crop of products is called Trex Enhance. It actually comes in two “grades” however with Better and Good. They are also scalloped compared to the other series which makes them extremely light and easy to handle. That’s a bonus if you plan to install the decking yourself and so is the overall cost.

Trex Enhance

Trex Enhance Basics Decking Colors

Trex Enhance Basics is a simple alternative if you want composite decking, but it only comes in three hues with Beach Dune, Clam Shell, and Saddle. The Enhance Naturals line gives you more flavor with Sunset Cove, Toasted Sand, Rocky Harbor, Foggy Wharf, and Coastal Bluff. The Naturals line is a bit more wood-like, but you are limited when it comes to the size of your boards.

Trex Enhance

Trex Enhance Naturals Decking Colors

Both Trex Enhance Basic and Naturals come in standard lengths and widths although 2-inch grooved boards are not an option with this particular series. The Trex Enhance Basic price is definitely in the budget-friendly range, but you will get the same 25-year warranty along with all the benefits that come with composite decking.

Where to Purchase Trex Composite Decking

When you’re dealing with things like hardwood and tile, you can generally buy online or pick up what you need locally at a big box retailer. Decking is a little different as it takes up more store space, and composite decking is still considered a specialty product by many retailers.

With Trex, you’ll need to take a look at Home Depot, Lowes or 84 Lumber if you’re interested in their decking and would like to check it in person. 84 Lumber does not have any stock online at this time, so you will want to call and inquire on its availability beforehand.

The same goes for Lowes and Home Depot although both have decking listed online. While they may not be able to ship direct in some cases, they will ship to your local store. In addition to those shops, Trex Composite Decking is available at a variety of dealers and smaller hardware across the United States.

Trex Decking Cost

Series

Thickness

12 foot

16 foot

20 foot

Trex Transcend

1 in.

$56

$75

$100

2 in.

$70

$95

$120

Trex Select

1 in.

$35

$46

$58

2 in.

$50

$68

$85

Trex Enhance Naturals

1 in.

$35

$46

$58

Trex Enhance Basics

1 in.

$22

$30

$38

Pricing on Trex Transcend starts at around $56 for a 12 foot 1 x 6-inch square edge or grooved board. A 20 foot 2 x 6-inch plank is close to double at $100 and covers 9 square feet. As you might expect, the Trex Select price is cheaper as the same size boards are roughly $10 – 15 less depending on the shop.

Whereas a 1 x 6 plank at 12 feet would set you back $56 at the premium tier, the same board in Beach Dune from the Enhance Basic line is around $22. Anything from the Trex Naturals line is about $10 more, but still considerably less than the company’s top option.

Trex Composite Decking Pros, Cons and Ratings

As mentioned, Trex led the charge in the composite decking world, and when you’re first to market, there can be some mishaps. There are a lot of negatives reviews from the company’s earlier product lines but all that changed after 2008 when Ron Kaplan was made CEO.

The company turned thing around soon after with the launch of their Transcend lineup, better overall products, and a longer warranty. They are still going strong today and are considering one of the better composite decking brands by homeowners and professionals alike.

Pros: We found that Trex’s products are a little easier to obtain and price for average consumers and those who may want to go the DIY route. We also like the shades offered by the company across their lineup and feel like the pricing is fair on their mid-range to low-end composite decking. 

Cons: Trex doesn’t have nearly as many series or products as some brands, so the selection is somewhat limited. The 25-year warranty is certainly solid, and on par with brands like Zuri, but it’s not as long as Timbertech’s guarantee or other top brands.

Ratings:

  • Range of color/style options: 3
  • Overall Quality: 3
  • Stain Resistance: 4
  • UV Resistance: 4
  • Scratch Resistance: 4
  • Green Rating: 4
  •        
    Overall Rating: 3.75 out of 5

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Comparing the 3 bids can help you get the reasonable installation cost and avoid getting ripped.

Feel free to leave a comment to share your reviews of Trex decking or Trex installer below.

FAQs

Q: When did Trex stop manufacturing their original line of decking?

A: Trex introduced their next generation of decking in 2010, which had better stain and fade resistance. Their previous product line was phased out in 2014 and is no longer in production today.

Q: What is the fire rating for Trex decking?

A: It depends on the collection. With Enhance, it has a Class C rating while Transcend and Select are listed with a Class B rating. The company’s Elevations substructure is rated at Class 1A as well.

Q: Can I curve Trex decking boards?

A: Yes, and unlike other manufacturers, you will not have to worry about voiding your warranty as long as you use the Trex CustomCurve system.

Q: Where can I obtain samples of Trex decking?

A: The fastest and cheapest way is to pick up a small, free sample through your local Trex dealer or any retailer that carries the product locally. Otherwise, you can pick up large 12” samples directly from Trex for $5 plus shipping and handling.

Q: How long will it take Trex to weather naturally once my deck has been installed?

A: With exposure to the elements, your deck should settle down and achieve its final look after 12 to 16 weeks, according to the company.

Q: Can paint or stain be used with Trex decking?

A: No, and it is not advised. The company’s boards are engineered with a protective finish, so painting your deck could potentially void your warranty.

Q: Can I use a power washer to pressure wash my Trex deck?

A: Yes, but only one collection. You use a power washing system on Trex Transcend, and the company suggests keeping the power below 1500 PSI to avoid damage. Using a pressure washer on any of their other deck lines could void your warranty.

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