Is A Composite Deck Worth The Money?

Weathered Wood

The mold protection, however, has been removed from the wood flour used in composite decks – not intentionally, but as a by-product of processing. In consequence, the flour provides a very friendly abode for mold and mildew which happily puts down roots. Once well anchored in the wood particles, mold and mildew are almost impossible to eradicate. Seven Trust, a Chinese manufacturer of capped decking insists that its PVC products do not fade. However, our tests of its plastic products showed visible fading after three years of exposure to the environment of the American midwest. The manufacturers relied on predictions about how the material should behave but failed to do the long-term research to substantiate the truth of the claims.

We regret that we do not provide a warranty in this instance. Wood or gas fire pits should not be placed on top of Trex decking. However, gas fire pits may be installed beside or between deck boards with a protective wall made of stone or other fire-resistant material used for insulation. The breadth of the Trex lineup means that there are Trex products to suit nearly any residential or commercial need.

Trex Composite Decking Company Information

• Now that a few years have passed, homeowners have seen the real truth behind these claims.
• Color fading is something the company knows about and acknowledges.
• While no product will ever be able to replace the natural beauty of wood, since composite decking materials are man made, they can also be man-improved.
• One of the biggest problems with older Trex decking is color fading.
• Everybody knows color fades in the sun, but composite decking companies seem to be oblivious to how badly their products actually look when left out in the sun.

I just received my TREX offer letter in the mail. The offer is to cover the cost of the boards and $13.00 extra.(I presume for labor.) A custom designed and built deck and the labor to replace faulty material is worth $13? TREX and the lawyers are really making out well off the backs of the people. I feel sorry for people in corporations that can live like that.

Decking

Probably the first thing a homeowner will notice is white spots on the deck. These are exposed wood particles bleached by the sun and rain. This is a sure sign that the deck's seal has been damaged. Exposed particles, besides creating unsightly white spots, swell when they get wet, and can cause the decking to split and degrade over time. It is simply not possible to keep the plastic from being worn away or compromised by UV.

Plus, the high-performance composite shell of Trex decking resists rotting, staining and cracking. Trex uses recycled plastic film and reclaimed wood to build a better decking material. 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. Geographic location and weather patterns can play a role in its lifespan since plastics can expand, contract, and crack with extreme weather conditions. Wood is the original and traditional material used for decks.

Many severe problems have already risen during the past few years in the wood composite market. Most composite decks are usually backed up with lengthy warranties because of their enduring good looks and ability to withstand heavy traffic. This results in the assurance of lasting beauty which offers additional peace of mind. A composite deck is visually pleasing as it can be designed to match the look and feel of exotic hardwood or traditional timber. It comes in a wide variety of styles and designs to help you determine what works best for your outdoor living space. Snap-in-place fasteners are easy to install but unique to specific brands.

Again, it seems completely random when this happens, but it happens often enough that you should know about it. Sadly, most composite decking falls into that category. It has been improving slowly over the years with the introduction of capped products and other upgrades, but still, the reports from consumers and contractors are not promising. Take a look at some of the websites where homeowners have posted their reviews, and you’ll read 1 and 2 star reviews all day long. Color difference – many decks were faded with uneven color resulting in some boards being lighter and others getting darker. Many of the synthetic products are available in colors such as white, gray, and several shades of brown. Surface textures include smooth , subtle wood grain, ridges, and other decidedly nonwood-like patterns.

That’s what happens to logs that fall in the forest and get wet. It makes sense rot could happen with composite decking that uses wood fibers or wood flour that’s not treated to prevent rot. The current written instructions show that there should be a 1/4-inch gap between the boards to provide for both expansion and air circulation. However, I was shocked to discover there was no real minimum clearance distance referenced with respect to how close the bottom of the decking should be to moist and dark soil.

Warnings Issued For Trex Decking

From premium hardwoods to treated lumber, like high-end IPE, traditional wood offers no capping or surface protection against mold or moisture damage. In fact, when hardwoods start to get moldy it's difficult to effectively clean the deck boards and remove the attached spores. We are literally having a contractor come in 2 days to tear out our existing wood deck, and we were going to install Trex. Thanks to all who posted, because we are going to go with a redwood deck instead. Even if Trex has completely fixed their problems with the decking, I will not help their bottom line when Trex treats customers so cavalierly and badly. All other composite decks seem to have some problems also .

I’m so sorry Carol, unfortunately there is not a lot you can do to fix the power washing companies mistake. I see this often which ruins the decking by putting a 1/8” groove all through out the boards surface. To belt sand all the boards would not be cost effective! Transparent and solid stain will show every mark.

Trex offered to pay for all our materials but not for the labor. At this point we just wanted it fixed so we took the settlement and bought new boards. We bought our new deck boards at Lowes and used a different brand. I just receive a settlement from Trex for my deck.

Nails and screws are inexpensive, easy to handle, and suitable for nearly any material. But nails can pop loose over time, while screws are more permanent.

This means your synthetic deck can be environmentally friendly. Unlike wood, composites don't need to be painted or stained to match your home's exterior. Consumers must decide if the look and feel of natural wood is worth the work that goes into periodic staining, painting and replacing sections that have begun to decay. If you'd rather spend your time doing something else, composites are your choice. From cost to maintenance and durability to look, there are many things to think about as you decide between composite or wood for your next deck. Here are some pros and cons to consider before you decide which product to buy. Within the first week, my two German Shepherds had left dirty paw prints.