Trex vs Wood Decking: Complete Comparison Guide

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1. Trex vs Wood Decking: Which Deck Material Wins?

Outdoor Living

Trex vs Wood Decking: Which Deck Material Wins?

Composite decking vs natural wood for California outdoor spaces

Remodel Your Vibe Design Team February 18, 20269 min read

Image: Comparison of Trex composite deck and natural wood deck in backyard

In this article

1. Cost Comparison

1. Maintenance Requirements

1. Durability & Warranty

1. Appearance & Feel

The decking material you choose affects maintenance, longevity, appearance, and cost for years to come. Here's how composite decking like Trex compares to natural wood options.

In this article

1. Cost Comparison

1. Maintenance Requirements

1. Durability & Warranty

1. Appearance & Feel

Cost Comparison

Pressure-treated pine: $15-25/sq ft installed. Redwood: $30-50/sq ft. Trex Select: $40-50/sq ft. Trex Transcend: $55-70/sq ft. TimberTech Azek: $60-80/sq ft. Composite costs 2-3x more upfront.

Maintenance Requirements

Wood decks need annual staining/sealing ($2-4/sq ft), regular cleaning, and board replacement. Composite decks need occasional cleaning only. Over 20 years, maintenance costs often exceed the composite price premium.

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Durability & Warranty

Pressure-treated wood lasts 10-15 years. Redwood lasts 15-25 years. Premium composites last 25-50 years with 25-year warranties. Composites resist rot, insects, and UV fading that affect wood.

Appearance & Feel

Wood offers natural beauty that many homeowners prefer. Modern composites closely mimic wood grain but feel different underfoot. Composites maintain color; wood develops patina or requires staining.

Final Thoughts

For California's climate, composite decking offers compelling long-term value despite higher upfront costs. If natural wood aesthetics are essential, redwood or ipe with proper maintenance are excellent choices.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does composite decking get hot?

Yes, darker composites can get uncomfortably hot. Choose lighter colors for full-sun decks or consider capped composites with cooler technology.

Can I install composite over existing wood?

Generally no. Composite requires proper joist spacing and ventilation. Most projects require removing existing decking.

Topics

• decking

• trex

• composite

• wood deck

• comparison

About the author

Remodel Your Vibe Design Team

Written by the design team at Remodel Your Vibe, a licensed ( CSLB #1119054 ), bonded and insured, veteran-owned and family-operated design-build company based in Los Angeles. Our own crews design, permit and build pools, backyards, ADUs and interiors across Greater Los Angeles and Orange County.

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• Years of experience building across Southern California

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