Trex Decking Reviewed

Trex Deck

A couple of years ago we put in a deck next and wrapping several sections of our above ground pool. Below you can see the deck next to the pool. We put built in seats along much of the outer edge. Our swingset and fort is in the background, behind the seats.

For the decking, seats and spindles of the railing we used a product called Trex. Trex is a recycled plastic and wood product material.

Below you can see where we used the Trex for spindles, steps, and rail top.

The lack of splinters is perfect for a deck where the seats and floors get used!

A friend, who's never seen the deck, but heard all about it, asked me for my reaction to it so he could tell his brother who is building a deck. After I e-mailed him, I realized I could share all this with you. Hence, this article.

Advantages:

lasts and lasts, probably longer than pressure treated lumber
doesn't check or crack
everypiece is good (no knots or bowing)
no splinters for bare feet or other body parts, ever
uniform high traction surface
maintanance cost is lower (no stain is required) Caring for Trex @ Trex Website
cuts and handles like wood
deck screws self-tap beneath the surface, leaving a slight mushroom that can be tapped down with a hammer if desired
recycles a heck of alot of grocery bags

Disadvantages:

initial cost (a couple years ago it was 2.25 times treated lumber cost, but comparable to redwood and may last longer than redwood)
hot to bare feet on a hot day (this is an advantage on marginal sunny days) (we like having our Trex around the pool where we can dampen it before we walk barefoot on it)
can't be used for support, i.e. structural
its heavier than dry treated lumber for equal lengths (almost twice as heavy, but comparible to hardwood)
expands in heat and contracts with cold, so must be gapped slightly (however, wood swells and contracts with moisture and drying)

Overall:

if you can afford the initial outlay, the cost over ten years and longer is cheaper
building is very similar to treated wood, just minor adjustments are needed (learn more @ Trex website)
beauty and care is better than wood
feel to bare feet on sunniest days would seem to us to be a problem when used away from pool (we'd like to know what people think, where sun is stronger)