Trex Vs Timbertech

Winner: Trex

There are pros and cons to both materials and plenty of options to choose from at the home improvement store. Whether you plan to DIY the deck yourself or hire a professional, it’s important to do your research before investing in any type of composite or wood products for your project. In this article we’ll take look at composite decking vs. wood to help you save time and money and make the best decision. In 2014, we noticed a change to the Trex decking installation instructions. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t find a paint that will adhere to the plastic-capped composite decking, but you will almost certainly void your warranty by doing so. Nonetheless, if you’re slipping on your synthetic wood deck, voiding the warranty is the least of your worries.

A dry space under the deck is a great place to continue your deck party during a rain shower, or to create some useful dry storage. The best strategy for a slip-resistant deck surface, whether made of wood or composite material, is to perform routine cleaning and maintenance. If you’ve founds some winners here then share them with us. For me, I’m not comfortable trusting the same companies who told us 20 years ago that their product was foolproof and failed that now they’ve REALLY made it foolproof.

Does Trex Or Timbertech Actually Honor Their Warranty?

We’ve seen recent Trex installation instructions that suggest applying paint to any of their composite decking will shorten or even eliminate the warranty. Composite decking made with high quality and style by our experienced .

Also check the technical specifications, specifically the slip resistance value. Most non-slip composite decking products would have been tested in the laboratory using the pendulum slip resistance test. A value of 35 or higher is good but if you can, go for those with values of 55 and higher. At these values, you’ll know that you have a good non-slip composite decking.

These are algae or fungal growth, molds, or mildew, which can make the surface slippery. Molds do not grow on composite decks, but pollen, leaves or other debris on decks can cause mold. At SlipDoctors we stock Floor Grip, the ideal anti-slip product for composite decking. This product will not change the look of your decks, is easy to apply and incredibly cost-effective.

You should also take into account composite decking brand reviews to see which brand on the market would be the best option for your home, budget and taste. If you seek the durability of composite and the affordability of wood, opt for Basics. This long-lasting decking requires little upkeep and comes in three traditional colors. Trex Enhance® Basics offer fade and stain protection, as well as enhanced mold and mildew resistance, to make maintenance simple. And because the boards are scalloped, they’re as lightweight as lumber, without the extra work. The pros and cons of composite decking show that this material is useful in a variety of different situations. You can simulate the look and feel of natural wood while preserving the environment and reducing your maintenance needs.

Avoid Deck Rot With Flashing Tape

Choose composite deckings that have grooved or rough-textured surfaces as this improves grip and is less likely to be slippery. Composite decking on the other hand has a low water absorption rate. Most of which comes with a capstock coating or capping material around the surface, made of vinyl, that repels liquid better.

• While composite decks are built to last longer than natural wood decks, their surfaces aren’t impervious to mold and moss and the slipperiness that comes with them.
• This durable and low-maintenance composite material does not crack and rot and does not need paint after long-term use.
• Whether your deck is made of natural wood or composite decking material, each can be just as slippery as the other under the conditions described above.
• With composite decking, you don’t have to worry about this problem.
• If you plan to install decks by the pool or in a humid environment such as frequent rain, you will first be concerned about the safety of decks.
• Sunlight and rain can cause wood to crack or rot, and mold growing on decks can also make decks slippery.

Start your research by becoming familiar with types of authentic and synthetic decking. NeoTimber® specialises in the highest quality composite decking for your garden, balcony and commercial applications. Simple to install, and backed by our 25-year residential warranty, we offer a superb range of products and a first-class service. The slip resistance of your deck area is determined primarily by the texture of the deck board’s finish. In providing ultimate versatility, NeoTimber composite deck boards come in two reversible finishes, allowing customers to opt for a woodgrain or grooved-channel texture. Naturally, these two differing material finishes offer slightly different resistance to slipping. Today Trex offers the industry’s widest array of high-performance composite products, available in more than 29 countries around the world.

You’ll pay a little more to use this material, but the initial expense is made up over the lifetime of the deck. Long wear, appearance and low maintenance are among the reasons that some homeowners and builders choose composite materials rather than wooden lumber for decks.

Timbertech Composite Decking Color Chart

Plus, most composite products are backed by extended warranties. If you start building a deck from composite materials, then you’ll still need to use pressure-treated wood to maximize the lifespan of the construction. Composite decking is not useful as a structural product. If you don’t use pressure-treated lumber, then the lifespan of the deck is going to be less because the wood will rot out from underneath the boards on top of it eventually. You’ll want to make sure your contractor is not cutting corners on this step by using natural wood with a water-resistant stain.