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Trex
TM
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Composite Decking
This composite is manufactured from
reclaimed plastic and wood fiber. Trex is a relatively maintenance free
decking.
Very resistant to moisture and
boasts several colors. It's cost usually runs between that
of a pressure treated deck and a clear cedar . Last price was
around $1.72.
Trex has been used extensively over the years
in playground equipment as well as pool decks and industrial
flooring.
Available in three finishes; smooth,
wood grain or tropical hardwood
What
to expect
Splinter-free, won't split and
resists rot. Installation can be done by nailing, drill and screw
down. Can be sanded and routed if needed. This material is
like working with wood.
.For Trex 5/4x6 deck boards, the
joist spacing should be no more than 16" on center for residential
applications, which usually is the same for wood. A high
strength 2x6 product is available for 24" spans.
When installing Trex deck boards on a
45 degree diagonal to the joists, reduce the span by a minimum of 4
inches.
Once you pick and install your color
of Trex, expect a slight fade in color, such as-natural will go from tan
to light gray. Madeira will fade the least, remaining a reddish
brown.
Note: Do not burn this product
for any reason, it contains chemicals that have been applied to the
finish.
Trex decking and railing is rated as
a Class C (or Class III) building material. It burns similarly to wood.
In combustion property testing, Trex products were found to be no more
toxic than wood.
Installation
Trex may shrink and expand slightly.
So when installing read the instructions and allow for a gap between
each board. The space between each board should be a small
gap so as prevent small objects or a high heal show to get stuck between
boards. A 3/16 inch gap is desireable.
Best to drill then screw down the
boards. Why drilling first? To avoid a mushrooming effect
that screwing down the boards without drilling
first. Screws are preferred to avoid nails popping up later and
hammer marks or indentions.
Summary
Trex is a good product for those who want an alternative
to wood. Good around pools and spas. Trex does have its
problems or drawbacks: It will fade,
and can be easily stained. Catsup, barbecue sauce, and wine are some
examples of when dropped on Trex, it will cause stains. Although Trex is making some improvement in these areas
with a chemical mixed in with the manufacturer process, (increasing it's
cost) however Trex still has room for improvement.
Because Trex decking
is a "wood flour" based composite decking (99% of all
composites are wood flour based). Time will have an effect on wood flour
based composite decking materials. See the article
about the
Trex customer USA Writes:
I am writing to make sure as many people know about the problems I and
others are having with Trex. I built a Trex deck in 2003 that gets full
sun all day long. This past summer it developed mold spots all over
it. ... When I contacted Trex they said that mold was an act of god
and that they weren't responsible.
More Trex and other composite decking- below
For More on Trex Decking
products and Railing system
Decking Buy which one Pt. 4 of Decking Series continued
Use
the following chart for quick comparison of composites:
|
Summary
of what's Available Review |
|
Wood |
• Real wood- some
are very pricey, such as mahogany.
• Wood weathers and changes color-requires regular staining,
pressure washing, to maintain a color . Otherwise you will end
up with the naturally weathered color look.
• Maintenance costs time and/or money and can add to the
initial cost of the Deck
• Wood in time
needs to be replaced depending on climate and
exposure.
|
|
Composite |
• Costs usually
more than most woods except for a few.
• Generally lasts longer & lower maintenance cost and time
than in wood.
• Available in an array of decking colors have a long color
life.
• Variety of textures, such as embossed wood grain, grooved,
smooth
• Expansion: Composites will contract/expand with moisture
content of the wood component and will be affected by the
temperature of the plastic component
• Tends to grow mold and mildew in the wood component & in time
can be difficult to clean completely
• Tends to stain- such as from spilled cooking grease etc.
cleaning methods vary with the type of stain and the type of the
wood component.
• Looks- Most boards look artificial, not like wood, to
most people •Composites are
putting in preservatives to seal the surface to ensure longer life
increasing the costs of certain composites.
•Investigate what
kind of preservatives are being used.
Ask questions
such as Will the chemicals or preservatives affect my
child who plays on the deck?
Etc. |
|
Plastic |
• Cost range
recently of most composites are equal in price with plastic
decking. So carefully make your cast comparisons and the
best lines of composite decking.
• Plastics boast long service life with strong warranties.
• Minimal maintenance effort and cost
• Maintains original look and color long term
• Variety of deck colors and wood textures
• Expansion &
contraction with temperature-can vary on the ends by ¼ or 3/8.
• Looks artificial to some and real to others. After all it’s not
real wood but looks nice. |
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Metal
|
• Cost range
tends to be highest
• Minimal maintenance effort and cost
• Looks commercial but it’s original look and color are long
term
|
|
|
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Additional cost factors
Using various decking materials can affect other costs even though
the decking itself is the single biggest material cost factor. Fasteners
can make a noticeable cost difference in terms of the fasteners and the
labor cost to install them. Compared to wood, most other decking
materials will require more framing expense due to the nature of those
materials.
Decking Buy which one Pt. 4 of Decking Series continued
Plastic Decking- My Favorite
Consumer Reports 2004 "Best
Buy", EON composite decking and railing products are unique in that they
contain no wood materials at all and are therefore completely resistant
to fading. They are 100% plastics and resins, but look so incredibly
like real wood that even a nose-to-the-board inspection cannot tell the
difference. "
Beware:::::::
As Of late EON decking support and warranty support have been
reported to be poor- lack of returning consumers' phone calls, etc.
Be cautious.
Visit
http://www.eonoutdoor.com for
more eon info.
© 1996-2005 American Floor Coverings Inc.
All rights reserved.
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