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does trex decking need maintenance

by Kameron Casper MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Trex decking requires far lower maintenance than wood decking, but does require some maintenance to keep it looking good throughout the years, much like washing your car. For early generation composite decking (Trex Accents), periodic cleaning with a deck wash is required.

How to maintain Trex decking?

Tips for Composite Decking Care

  • Avoid Standing Water. Composite decking is designed to resist water and the rot associated with wood decking. ...
  • Redirect Downspouts. Don’t let rainwater runoff from your roof splash down on your composite decking. ...
  • Ventilate the Underside of your Deck. ...
  • Redirect Dryer Vents. ...
  • Minimize Mulch. ...
  • Use Woven Rugs. ...

Is Trex decking worth the price?

We say YES! Here are some of the major benefits to making the investment in Trex decking: Trex decking is eco-friendly because it is made up of 95% recycled materials. Click to see full answer. Keeping this in view, is composite decking really worth it? However, composite decking is a little more expensive than most.

How to clean Trex decking?

Trex Deck Maintenance Tips

  • Avoid using rugs with a rubber, vinyl, or latex backing, as these materials can leave a residue that can stain the decking.
  • Following any backyard dining or barbecuing, check the deck for grease and food stains and clean them up quickly. ...
  • Mind the gaps. ...
  • Clean the deck twice a year. ...

More items...

How to install Trex decking from the underside?

Part 2 of 2: Attaching the Frames

  1. Attach the framed lattice panel to the porch or deck using 3 or 4-inch strap or T-hinges. Screw the hinges to the lattice frames first.
  2. Place each panel inside the openings under the deck or porch.
  3. Use a pry bar to raise the lattice frame so it will be tight against the porch or deck. ...
  4. Open and shut the lattice frames to make sure they shut properly. ...

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How do you maintain Trex decking?

Spray deck with soap, then follow by gently scrubbing each deck board with a soft bristle brush. Spray/rinse each individual deck board using a fan tip no closer than 8-in (203 mm) from the decking surface. RINSE THOROUGHLY. If dirty water from cleaning is left to dry, a film will remain on the decking surface.

What are the disadvantages of Trex decking?

CONS OF COMPOSITE DECKINGThe cost of composite decking boards can be higher initially. ... Surface damage can be an issue in some cases. ... Composite deck surfaces can be more slippery. ... The surface of composite decking may be warmer than wood planks. ... If you prefer the look of real wood, composite isn't for you.

Does Trex decking need to be sealed?

You don't have to seal the surface once it's been cleaned, but I suggest you do. If you decide to not seal the deck, you will most likely need to clean it again every year or so. By properly sealing or staining composite decking, you could get several years of use out of it before you need to clean it again.

What is the lifespan of Trex decking?

25 to 30 yearsTrex and TimberTech Composite Decking Warranties Composite decks have a lifespan of at least 25 to 30 years — and they have warranties to match.

Is Trex worth the money?

Trex decks are worth it because you get what you pay for. They cost more than a treated lumber one, making up for your extra outlay of cash at the onset, and will last for years longer than the average treated deck, letting you more than recoup your investment. Trex decks are also low maintenance.

Does Trex scratch easily?

2 days agoUnlike painted wood decks, Trex or any composite decking won't scratch or scuff easily. It's also highly resistant to marring (the disfiguration or sheen that you sometimes see after dragging a heavy object across a wood deck). Beyond that, Trex decking is also resistant to fading, staining, mold and mildew.

Why is my Trex deck fading?

Chlorine bleach, wire brushes and too much pressure washing are surefire ways to fade composite decking. Poor maintenance: Improper maintenance is a major cause of faded decking. Trex is low-maintenance, not maintenance-free — so you'll need to keep it clean and tidy, just like any other part of your home.

What maintenance is required for composite decking?

Remove dirt and salt. Rock salt, which is used to melt ice and snow, may also be left over from the previous winter. To get rid of these types of debris, you should begin by sweeping. If sweeping doesn't remove all the debris, then get mild soap, water and a gentle scrub brush that has no metal.

Can Trex decking be refinished?

Yes. Trex decking can be painted or even stained with proper surface preparation. First, you need to clean the deck, scuff it, and prime it to accept paint. Ensure you use an acrylic latex exterior primer and a latex paint with a semi-gloss or satin finish for this purpose.

Can I put Grill on Trex deck?

Yes, Gas grills are safe to use on a composite deck. Composite decking is designed to a minimum of Class C fire rating similar to wood decking. Gas grills can be safely used on both composite and wood decking being raised high enough to provide enough clearance as not to damage either composite or wood decking.

Is Trex decking slippery when wet?

Trex decking is a low-maintenance decking solution that requires a fraction of the work of wood decks and is less likely to get slippery when wet. It still requires occasional attention to keep it looking its best, but you'll be delighted with the finished results.

Does a Trex deck add value to a home?

Although trex decks are costly to build than composite decks, it can still raise the value of your home. A trex deck is not only eco-friendly, but also maintenance-free, and easy to install. For that reason, the return of investment of a trex deck is much higher than any other composite deck.

How to Clean Dirt & Debris

Your deck is bound to get a little dirty from everyday substances like dirt and debris; that’s the nature of being outside. But in most cases, you can clean your deck in two simple steps:

Spills, Stains, and Mold

Trex is stain and mold-resistant, so even the best of us can slack on cleaning our decks sometimes. But waiting too long can lead to staining and mold growth from leftover food, drinks, dirt, pollen, etc.

Snow & Ice

If you’re blessed (or cursed) to live somewhere that experiences cold winters, you’ll have to deal with ice and snow. You likely plan on using your deck in the winter, or at the very least, you’ll want to create a path to your backyard or grill.

Additional Questions About Trex Care

Keeping your deck clean from dirt and grime buildup is the best way to keep it looking new. And it’s also the solution when it’s starting to look worn.

Caring for PT Wood Framing

For pressure-treated (PT) wood framing, there’s nothing more you need to do! PT lumber is already resistant to mold, rot, and pests.

Conclusion

Thanks to its durability and low maintenance, cleaning and caring for your Trex deck is an incredibly simple process. In most cases, a hose, warm soapy water, and a scrub brush are all you need!

How much does a Trex deck cost?

The cost of a Trex deck typically runs from $9 to $16 per square foot. As with many things in life, you get what you pay for. Initially, Trex decking and railing does cost more, board for board, than wood decking and railing.

What is the best Trex decking?

[BEST] Trex Transcend® decking offers the broadest range of decking colors and finishes ( including five Earth Tones and five Tropicals). Engineered with a proprietary shell technology that protects against fading, staining, scratching, mold and mildew, Transcend decking offers elevated aesthetics paired with the highest level of performance. Plus, Transcend deck boards offer the beauty of exotic wood—without the environmental strain of harvesting endangered forests.

What is Trex spiral staircase?

Trex Spiral Stairs offer all the space-saving advantages of traditional spiral staircases in two material choices and come with custom, high-performance composite treads made from Trex decking. Trex Spiral Stairs were developed by the leading spiral stair manufacturer in the country, The Iron Shop, under a trademark license agreement with Trex Company, Inc

Why is Trex decking hot?

Like many other outdoor surfaces, such as concrete, asphalt, beach sand, wood decking, other brands of composite decking, etc., Trex decking can get hot due to weather and sun exposure. On such days, care needs to be taken to make sure skin does not have extended contact with the surface of the deck, especially with young children and those with special needs. Please note also that the darker the color, the hotter the deck will feel. For hotter climates, consumers should consider choosing a lighter color.

How long are Trex spiral stairs guaranteed?

If you run into a problem, call Trex Spiral Stairs at 877-488-1906. Our kits are guaranteed for 25 years from date of purchase.

How long does it take for a Trex deck to fade?

As such, these traditional composites will fade naturally over time, achieving their weathered color after 12-16 weeks. For Natural Weathering Information, click here. Newer generation high-performance composites - Trex Transcend®, Trex Enhance® and Trex Select® - have the protective shell technology that provides superior fade and stain resistance.

How much plastic is recycled in Trex?

That makes Trex one of the largest plastic film recyclers in the U.S. In fact, the average 500-square-foot composite Trex deck contains 140,000 recycled plastic bags.

What Is Trex Decking?

The core product for Trex Company is a wood fiber–polymer composite material which it forms into nonstructural (surface) components for construction of decks. Trex started as decking, but now manufactures a complete system for deck construction and incorporates its low-maintenance composite into a wide variety of products that complement and extend the versatility of outdoor living spaces.

Where Can You Buy Trex Decking?

Find a limited selection of Trex decking off-the-shelf at The Home Depot and Lowe’s. Special ordering offers a wider selection. To access the full Trex product line, contact a local lumber yard (the Trex site has a dealer locator ).

How much weight can a Trex deck hold?

Just keep in mind that its design carries a body-weight load across the span of 12 to 16 inches, and a typical deck is designed to support 40 pounds per square foot.

What was Trex made of?

Solving the challenge of that waste stream eventually led to Trex. By1988, Wittenberg had found a way to bind a composite made from two waste products: plastic film (largely grocery bags collected for recycling) and wood scrap, such as sawdust and tailings from furniture manufacturing.

How much recycled material is Trex?

Best of all, the manufacturing process of the Trex composite consumes 95-percent recycled materials. At one point, the company claimed that it was consuming as much as half of all available recycled plastic film in the United States.

When did Wittenberg buy Trex?

In1996, Wittenberg and a team of investors acquired Trex and the current company was born.

Is Trex a publicly traded company?

Now publicly traded ( NYSE: TREX ), the company leads North America in market share, reporting annual sales of $560 million and distribution to 40 countries. In addition to creating new uses for its composite material, Trex has acquired manufacturing and technology (2011) to complete a low-maintenance deck-building system ...

How long does Trex decking last?

With Trex Decking there are a few do’s that you want to follow to make sure installation goes well and that the product lasts for years. Of course, just like everything, there are the don’ts that you want to avoid so your Trex Decking stays looking superior. Renovating your home is always a good idea.

What is Trex decking made of?

What Trex decking is, though, is a composite material that is made from recycled materials such as wood fibers, plastic, and a bonding agent designed to hold it all together. What you are left with is something that looks a whole lot like wood, but which is a good deal stronger and sturdier.

What does Trex look like?

Trex Decking Looks Like Plastic. Today this is a myth, but was not back in the day. When Trex decking first made its appearance, it did not resemble real wood and did have a plastic look. After decades, production has been fine-tuned and Trex decking now looks like real wood.

What is Trex lattice?

The Trex decking lattice is made from the same material as the decking so it has the same characteristics give it lifelong longevity.

Can you sand a Trex deck?

There are many companies that offer products that can be effectively used on your Trex deck in order to get rid of termites and other insects. Don't Perform Sanding. Sanding is considered important or even necessary for traditional wood decks, however extensive sanding of composite decking should always be avoided.

Is Trex termite free?

Things NOT to Do With Trex. Don't Use Dangerous Insecticides. Even though Trex is relatively termite free as compared to wood decks, there are always chances for it to be infected by insects. Look for small holes on the surface and if you find a few, then it’s time to call a professional to get rid of the insects.

Is Trex a good material for a deck?

Choose Good Quality Material. When it comes to investing in building a composite deck at your house, it is always better to build a deck with Trex, as Trex is one of the most durable and efficient composites for decking.

Why do we need to maintain decks?

Decks need regular maintenance to retain their appearance and structural integrity. When done properly and routinely, deck maintenance can increase your deck’s lifespan and reduce the likelihood of future repairs or replacements. In brief, deck maintenance protects your outdoor living space investment.

What is the purpose of deck inspection?

Performing an annual deck inspection of the surface and substructure helps you catch problems — such as loose or rusted fasteners, moisture damage at ground contact, or joist issues — before they develop into larger (and more costly) problems like full deck replacement.

Can you clean a composite deck in direct sunlight?

Don’t clean the deck in direct sunlight, as it could cause the cleaner to dry too quickly. This will cause a white residue which will need to be washed again. Don’t use other brands of composite deck cleaner. Many of these cleaners are designed for traditional uncapped composite deck boards.

Can you use bleach to clean a deck?

Don’t use chlorine bleach to clean your deck. Chlorine is a harsh chemical that will strip your wood deck of its natural color and may even damage the structural integrity of the boards. Don’t use paint as a sealant.

Is TimberTech decking weather resistant?

TimberTech capped polymer and capped composite decking is moisture- and weather-resistant, so your deck surface is unlikely to develop the problems associated with a traditional wood deck.

How much airflow under composite decking?

When air circulates under your composite decking, the material will dry faster. For this reason, make sure your deck has at least 6 inches of unobstructed airflow beneath it. Redirect Dryer Vents. Dryers have to ventilate the heat coming off them to the outside of your house.

What is the SKU for a composite deck?

SKU: 10100546. Regular Maintenance. By cleaning your deck on a regular basis, you can get rid of debris that may cause organic decay or staining. While composite decking resists stains, marks can still crop up if you don’t adequately care for the material.

What is composite decking made of?

Most often made from a mixture of recycled wood fibers and plastic, composite decking is a very popular wood alternativematerial for building a deck. It’s long-lasting, won’t splinter, and requires minimal care and maintenance, which is good for homeowners who don’t want to spend a lot of time on upkeep. What’s more, composite decking comes in ...

How to fix cracks in a drywall wall?

Place masking tape on both sides of the crack and plug it with a filler such as RESTORE™ Crack Filler, using a putty knife to press it in. Allow the filler to dry overnight. Once dry, remove the tape and sand the area using a hand-block with 100-grit sandpaper. Apply matching stain to the sanded area. Leave a Reply.

Is composite decking invincible?

It’s true that composite decking can be very resilient if you care for it properly. This doesn’t mean it’s invincible, however. The list of things to help impede the growth of mold is great advice. Standing water should be cleared as soon as possible after rain.

Does composite decking need maintenance?

While composite decking does not need much work in the way of maintenance, here are some tips for composite decking care to keep its like-new look longer. While composite decking does not need much work in the way of maintenance, here are some tips for composite decking care to keep its like-new look longer. Learning Center.

Can composite decking be used in snow?

Thanks for your question! Composite decking’s combination of wood and plastic fiber allows for a strong material that is impervious to snow and won’t see its color fade or wear down after constant frigid temperatures. Ten inches of snow over six months will be fine.

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