Trex Deck
Trex is the ‘Kleenex’ of the composite deck industry. Having been in the industry for over twenty-five years, Trex leads the way in sales, distribution, and accessories. Trex has a line for most outdoor products, Trex spiral staircase division, Trex railing, Trex pergolas, and so much more.
Trex Enhance Toasted Sand composite decking with Trex Transcend Composite Railing
In 1988, Roger Wittenberg combined sawdust and plastic bags to create a park bench. In 1996, Mobil Chemical Co. acquired Wittenberg's technology and formed Trex, LLC. Trex is widely recognized as a pioneer in composite decking made from recyclable materials. This inventive process and product, aimed at maximizing the use of materials that would otherwise end up in landfills, is attributed to inventors Kjell-Ake Gustafsson, of Binghamton, New York; John J. Muller, of Winchester, Virginia; and Roger A. Wittenberg of Newton, Pennsylvania. The first patent for a “Method of Producing a Wood-Thermoplastic Composite Material” was filed as U.S. Patent number 5746958 in March 1995 and granted in May 1998.
Industry Recognitions
America's Best Mid-Sized Companies, 2021, Forbes.
Top Brand, 2017 & 2019 Builder Brand Use Study.
Best of Houzz Design Award, 2017, Houzz.com.
Top Brand: all four composite/PVC subcategories, 2016, Builder Brand Use Study.
Gold Award, Social Media Communications, 2016, Publicity Club of Chicago.
Best of Houzz Design Award, 2016, Houzz.com.
Platinum (x3), Gold (x3) Awards for Design Excellence, 2015, ADEX.
Best Decking (Platinum List), 2015, Ocean Home Magazine.
Eight awards, 2015, Remodeling Magazine's Brand Use Study.
As promised our review of the five Items we think are most important to you
price per linear foot
quality
expansion and heat transfer
color and grain pattern choices
warranty
All Composite Deck Brands Have Good ,Better, Best lines. These are Trex Above
Leading composite decking companies offer three product tiers - good, better, best - using the Power of 3 to convey value and quality to consumers. This strategic approach groups products into categories to show varying levels of excellence, helping customers understand the options easily and make informed decisions. The structured message signals the importance of the information, encouraging customer engagement and influencing their choices effectively.
Price per Linear Foot:
Trex Enhance-Good ($2.78)
Trex Select-Better ($4.98)
Trex Transcend Earth/Tropicals-Best ($7.37)
Trex Transcend Lineage-Premium ($7.92)
Trex Signature-Premier ($10.14)
Keep in mind that most deck builders and contractors consider deck building the best “MARGIN” for profit. They usually align the material costs with labor expenses, maintaining a 1:1 ratio. For instance, if materials amount to $10,000, the total cost of the deck would be $20,000. Deck builders and contractors typically secure materials from reliable sources, add a markup of 15-20 percent, and then equate that total with their labor charges. While this pricing strategy may appear steep, the expenses involved in insuring a crew, managing their payroll, licensing a sales agent, and ensuring a profit margin are substantial within today’s market environment.
Expansion/Contraction Heat Transfer: This category is crucial in regions prone to significant climate fluctuations. In areas where the weather is consistently mild year-round, its significance diminishes. It's imperative to acknowledge that expansion and contraction are inevitable. Composite materials are inclined to expand under heat and contract when temperatures drop. To safeguard your deck's longevity, it is crucial that your deck builder adheres to Trex's prescribed gapping instructions when executing miter cuts and creating seams. This protocol is key to preventing material damage to the frame and ensuring a uniform and aesthetically pleasing finish.
If you have young children and pets with sensitive paws, heat transfer can be a significant concern. Our research indicates that composite deck boards, especially in darker colors, absorb heat more than wood, with temperature differences as minimal as six degrees in extreme cases. Therefore, switching to a brand claiming to be the coolest may not offer substantial relief since all composites tend to get hot. To safeguard your loved ones against the heat, consider installing pergolas or using accent rugs. Despite the additional expense, the value that composite decks bring makes investing in temperature-cooling accessories worthwhile.
Trex Enhance Basics and Naturals (GOOD) $2.78 per linear foot
QUALITY; Enhance is the basic entry line composite decking from Trex. It is budget-friendly, with grooves on the underside called scalloping, to reduce cost. Although lighter, it is strong and can be installed on 16"OC framing. We recommend you ask your deck builder to frame your deck 12”OC.
COLOR and Grain Pattern (Variegation); Enhance decking boards come standard with HDPE - High Density Polyethylene, a polyethylene thermoplastic derived from petroleum. HDPE is a widely recycled material often used in the production of composite wood or plastic lumber. As a Type 2 plastic, HDPE finds its way into various containers for everyday products like milk, motor oil, shampoos, conditioners, soaps, detergents, and bleaches. These boards are capped on three sides and are available in a range of colors. The Enhance Basics line offers three colors, while Enhance Naturals expands the selection with four more vibrant options. Among the Naturals are appealing tones like Foggy Wharf, Rocky Harbor, Toasted Sand, and Costal Bluff, while the Basics line includes shades like Clam Shell, Beach Dune, and Saddle. The variegations in their grain pattern is delightfully random, allowing for easy installation without specific alignment considerations.
Warranty
25 Year Fade and stain warranty.
These warranties are prorated as well
Trex Select (Better) $4.98 per linear foot
Quality Trex Select boards offer a complete solution for structural projects, enhancing durability through a unique extrusion process that results in 95% non-biological material composition. This feature not only benefits the environment but also ensures long-lasting structures free from bacterial decay, avoiding issues like rot and mildew commonly associated with natural products.
Color and Grain Pattern (Variegation); Most boards in Trex’s line-up are monochromatic, meaning a color scheme that is comprised of variations of one color. This line is NOT.
The Select Line is a bit disappointing or Anti-Climactic if you ask us. This board is a full composite structure covered in a high quality HDPE just like their other lines including Enhance which is cheaper and has more value.
The deck board's design is neither, Monochromatic nor Variegated effectively. The variegation's directional aspect necessitates careful attention during installation to ensure a consistent pattern. Lack of focus may result in a noticeable pattern irregularity, limiting the board's versatility. However, if the colors and pattern appeal to you, this board offers the best value for its quality.
This deliberate pricing strategy aligns with the marketing principle of leveraging the Power of three. In response to market dynamics, industries may strategically adjust the pricing of their best-selling product in relation to competitors and their own product lines.
Coming in with two colors Pebble Gray, and Saddle Select, we again find a big opportunity for development with the flagship product of this industry giant..
Warranty
35 Year fade and stain warranty
Trex Transcend (Best) $7.37 per linear foot
Quality; Trex Transcend offers a wide range of color options, allowing customers to select their preferred aesthetic. The inclusion of an HDPE coating ensures its waterproof properties, ideal for outdoor use. Nonetheless, it is important to note that the material is prone to scratching, as the embossing on the surface tends to highlight any marks or damages significantly.
Color and Grain Pattern (Variegation); The Transcend line impresses with its stunning monochromatic coloring, featuring exceptional variegation that creates a realistic and intricate pattern. The deep, rich colors of this line are truly distinctive, making it stand out effortlessly.
Warranty
50 Year fade and stain warranty.
Trex Transcend Lineage
The transcend Lineage Line will be in the same category with the BEST or Trex Transcend Line
Trex Signature Composite Decking
The newest addition to the Trex decking collection, Trex Signature, showcases cutting-edge technology and masterful craftsmanship in deck construction. Combining weatherproof properties with luxurious aesthetics, the Trex Signature series introduces a sophisticated touch that redefines elegance in outdoor spaces. Trex Signature features innovative materials designed to mimic the beauty of rare hardwoods, showcasing authentic colors, intricate patterns, and exceptional durability with scratch-resistant qualities.
What Next?
If you’re in the market for a brand-new Trex Composite deck, let’s talk!
At Divergent Deck Builders, we build composite decks for clients across West Michigan. We work with each customer to design and build their dream deck while meeting all the codes and requirements. Feel free to check out some of our Most Recent Builds.
If you’re ready to get started, request a FREE DESIGN SESSION, and we’ll provide you with a custom quote based on your specific project.
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