Trex Vs Plastic Decking Breakdown

Trex and plastic decking are two different decking materials, but what exactly sets them apart?

In a nutshell, Trex is a combination of about 95% recycled plastic and wood fibers, and plastic decking is 100% synthetic.

However, there’s more to it than just that. There are pros and cons of both, and we’ll discuss all of them in a moment.

Let’s begin!

What Is Plastic Decking

Plastic decking, also known as PVC decking is a form of decking that is made from polyvinyl chloride or PVC.

This type of decking is known for being durable and long-lasting, as well as resistant to fading, staining, and scratching. PVC deck boards are also a good option for those who are looking for low-maintenance decking material, as it does not require painting or staining as some other materials do.

PVC decking is made up of 100% plastic. It’s a more expensive option than composite decking, but it’s also more durable and weather-resistant. PVC decking is available in a variety of colors and can be textured to look like wood decking and wood fibers.

Disadvantages Of PVC Decking

One disadvantage of PVC decking is that it can be expensive compared to some other types of decking materials. It can also be difficult to find, as it is not as commonly used as some other materials.
Another downside to PVC decking is that it is not as eco-friendly as some other options, such as composite decking. PVC is made from petroleum products, which can be damaging to the environment.
PVC decking can also be susceptible to mold and mildew if it is not cleaned regularly.
Geographic location and weather patterns can play a role in its lifespan since plastics can expand, contract, and crack in extreme weather conditions.

Advantages Of PVC Decking

One major advantage of PVC decking is that it is very durable and long-lasting. It is also resistant to fading, staining, and scratching, making it a good option for those who are looking for low-maintenance decking material.
PVC decking is also a good option for those who want a deck that will last for many years without requiring painting or staining.
Another advantage of PVC decking is that it is easy to install and can be done so by anyone with basic carpentry skills.
PVC decking is also a good option for those who are looking for eco-friendly decking material, as it is made from recycled materials.
Composite decking requires minimal upkeep and can last between 25 and 30 years. On average, plastic decking has a similar lifespan to composite decking and can last nearly 30 years.

What Is Trex Decking

Trex composite decking is a blend of plastic film and wood fibers. The plastic film that goes into composite decking can include polypropylene or polyethylene, and it works well with wood fibers to create a strong material that is more reliable than plastic decking.

Trex decks cost more than treated lumber ones, however, they last much longer and require less upkeep. In the long run, having Trex decking will save money that you can invest elsewhere on your property.

Advantages Of Trex Decking

Between all the composite decking brands out there, Trex has probably the best quality-cost report.
Trex decking will last for 25 - 30 years without any major deck repair project.
Composite decking, including Trex, is famous for being a low-maintenance material that requires no ongoing maintenance like sealing and staining.
Trex is more resistant than any wood decking, making it safer and also more durable.
You'll have a lot of design, style, patterns, embossing, and colors to choose from, so you can get composite decking boards that resemble the natural look of wood.

Disadvantages Of Trex Decking

Although composite decking is beautiful and low-maintenance, it can be more difficult to find and expensive than other types of decking materials.

One of our latest bad experiences with Trex composite decking is that their ordering materials from then can turn into a nightmare. Their shipping is unpredictable and you can end up waiting for weeks for your product.

And although you can get Trex Select and Enhance from some home improvement stores, for their best product, the Trex Transcend, you’ll have to place an order on their website and hope for the best.

Here are other downsides of Trex composite decking:

Composite can't be refinished, so if you decided you want a different decking color, you'll have to replace the entire decking.
Different composite brands will have different warranties. Trex, for example, offers a 25-year structural and fading warranty, whereas TimberTech offers a lifetime warranty, a 50-year warranty, and a standard fading and staining 30-year warranty.
Composite decking can be difficult to shovel snow from. You'll have to be very careful because you can hit the composite material with the sharp edge of the shovel and damage it. You'll need to shovel in the direction of the grooves.
Composite can look unnatural. Even if there are dozens of options to choose from, most Trex decking boards fail to look like natural wood. TimberTech is said to achieve that look much better.
Trex's capped composite decking is covered with a mix of plastic and wood fibers. While this cover is still strong and acts as a good protective shell against weathering, TimberTech composite decking offers a polymer cap on all sides of their decking, making TimberTech decking boards much stronger.

What Is Trex Made Of

Trex decking is made of a composite material primarily consisting of recycled wood fibers and plastic. Here is a breakdown of its components:

Recycled Wood Fibers: Trex uses reclaimed wood, including sawdust and wood scraps from various manufacturing processes, which helps reduce the amount of wood waste.

Recycled Plastic: The plastic component is often sourced from recycled materials like plastic grocery bags, plastic films, and discarded plastic packaging. This plastic is combined with the wood fibers to create a durable, long-lasting material.

Binding Agents and Additives: Various binding agents, colorants, and additives are included to enhance the performance, appearance, and durability of the decking. These additives help protect the material from UV rays, moisture, and insects.

The combination of these materials results in a product that mimics the appearance of natural wood while offering superior durability and lower maintenance compared to traditional wood decking.

Cost Of A Trex Deck

According to HomeAdvisor, Trex decking costs $1,600 to $9,600, averaging about $4,800. That’s $5 to $12 per square foot for just decking boards and $5 to $15 per square foot for installation, for a total of $10 to $27 per square foot.

However, this is just for the installation of decking. You’ll also have to throw in the deck frame, the hardware, and stairs if it’s the case, and if it’s a larger deck, you’ll need more materials too.

If you want to get an accurate quote for your Trex decking project, fill out this form and we’ll reach back as soon as possible with an estimate for your deck in Omaha Metro Area!

You can also use the Trex decking cost calculator to figure our how much to budget for your project!

Similarities Of Trex And Plastic Decking

Clearly, there are many differences between Trex decking and PVC decking materials, but at the end of the day, Trex is made of 95% plastic, so there are some similarities.

Find out more about deck materials

Conclusion

With all that being said, choosing between the two materials should now be a little bit easier.

In a nutshell:

No matter what material you’re going for, here at Deck Bros we can tackle any project! We’re deck building experts in Omaha Metro Area, and we’re ready to offer you a long-lasting deck that’ll impress all your guests!

Call us today at (402) 369-5724 to discuss your upcoming deck addition and what decking material is best for your particular situation, or request your free quote and let’s talk!