There’s nothing quite like a perfectly maintained deck. That’s likely because seeing one is so rare! With their constant exposure to the elements and frequent foot traffic, decks take a hefty beating all year round. It’s no wonder traditional wood decks require so much regular maintenance; staining, painting, sealing, and frequent repairs are common.
In warmer, less extreme climates, a wood deck may last a while without needing extensive upkeep. But in New England, where we experience the extremes of all four seasons, wood decks are a significant investment in both time and money. At Capital Construction, we want to offer a material that provides true quality and value to New England homeowners and their decks. This is why we proudly choose to specialize in Trex composite decking!
Trex is the world’s top decking brand, and for good reason: they were the pioneers of composite decking. For over 30 years, Trex has been constantly outdoing themselves and the competition to provide the highest quality material to builders and contractors around the globe. This article will explore the advantages of Trex. You’ll see why New England homeowners should choose Trex composite material for their deck.
The Beauty of Wood with the Durability of Plastic
Trex invented composite decking with the goal of reducing the amount of upkeep that comes with decks built from wood and plastic. Trex composite decking is a high performance, eco-friendly, low maintenance material that is guaranteed to stand up against anything New England’s unpredictable climate can throw at it.
Composite decking is resistant to fading and stains, so you won’t have to stain, paint, or replace any of the boards due to discoloration or an accidental spill. It also stands up strong against the elements; heat, wind, snow, and rain will not damage or weaken the integrity of your deck.
Of course, anything that is constantly exposed to the elements will require cleaning. Luckily, composite decking is easy to clean! Trex recommends soap and water for small areas, and a high-power pressure washer is safe to use if you need to rinse off any buildup of grime or dirt.
When you use Trex decking, you can rest easy that your choice has made a positive impact on the environment. No plastic is produced or trees cut down to make composite decking! It is made from 95% recycled materials including reclaimed wood and plastic. It’s then sealed with a proprietary protective shell that gives it its signature look and strength. This makes it extremely resistant to mold, mildew, and pests such as carpenter ants and termites.
Downsides of Wood and PVC Decking
Trex composite decking comes in a variety of colors and is designed to emulate the look and feel of wood while removing the need for extensive maintenance. Even pressure treated wood can quickly degrade from constant exposure, as it tends to rot with moisture. It also splits, swells, and twists after extreme temperature changes.
Wood decks require seasonal maintenance that can include re-staining, re-painting, and re-sealing every year. Boards will likely need to be replaced to maintain the structural integrity.
Before the invention of composite decking, plastic vinyl decking was conceived to address some of these issues. Known as PVC decking, it’s another effective alternative to wood—but it does come with its own weaknesses.
PVC decking is still prone to expansion and contraction under temperature fluctuations and is known to become very slippery when cold or wet. It also tends to “chalk” or oxidize. This creates a thin layer of white powder that affects the color of the material.
PVC’s expected lifespan is similar to composite decking—25 to 30 years—but it is greatly affected by its exposure. On the other hand, Trex decking comes with a 25-year guarantee regardless of weather conditions.
Capital Construction are New England’s Trex Decking Experts
Considering a new deck for your home? You could benefit from using Trex materials. While the upfront cost is higher than that of a traditional wood deck, you will save money and countless hours of work down the line with how easy it is to clean and maintain.
Capital Construction is Boston’s only certified Trex Pro Platinum contractors—which is more than just a fancy label! It means we’ve been trained and licensed by Trex in full-service deck design and construction. It also guarantees that you’ll get to take advantage of Trex’s 10-year warranty in addition to Capital’s 3-year labor warranty.
With our legendary customer service and reputation for the highest quality construction in the Greater Boston area, it should be clear that Capital Construction and Trex are the top choices for New England homeowners looking for a new or replacement deck. Contact us today for a consultation—we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about Trex or any of our other top-quality products.
