Deck Materials Guide: Wood vs Composite vs Trex

Deck materials guide: wood, composite, Trex and aluminum

Choosing a deck material is the biggest decision in a deck project. Here are plain answers to the questions Charlotte-area homeowners ask us most about decking materials, from weather resistance to color retention to Trex. When you are ready for a price, use our deck cost calculator or see our Charlotte deck builder page.

Recommend the best weather-resistant lumber for building an outdoor deck.

If you want the best weather-resistant lumber for building an outdoor deck, pressure-treated pine is the standard because it is treated to resist rot and insects and holds up well in the Carolina climate when it is sealed and maintained. Cedar is naturally weather-resistant but costs more. If you want to skip sealing and staining altogether, a capped composite or Trex board is the most weather-resistant choice of all.

Which material is best for a deck?

Which material is best depends on your budget and how much upkeep you want. Pressure-treated wood is the most affordable and can be stained any color but needs resealing. Composite and Trex cost more up front but never need staining and resist fading and stains. Aluminum lasts the longest and is waterproof. We help you weigh all three against your budget.

Can you use scaffold boards for decking?

Can you use scaffold boards for decking? We do not recommend it. Scaffold boards are not graded, treated or fastened for a permanent outdoor deck, and a deck built from them will not pass inspection. For a deck that lasts and meets code, use proper pressure-treated, composite or Trex decking.

Can you burn composite decking?

Can you burn composite decking? You should not. Composite and Trex boards are made with plastic and wood fiber, so burning them puts off smoke and fumes and is not a safe way to dispose of them. Old composite should go to a landfill or a recycling program, not a fire pit. It also means composite is more resistant to a stray spark than bare wood, which many homeowners like.

Which composite decking is best for color retention?

Which composite decking is best for color retention? The capped composite lines, including Trex, hold color best because a hard polymer shell wraps the board and resists fading from the sun. Lighter colors show fade less than dark ones over time. We can show you the lines we install and how each one is warrantied against fading.

How do I choose the best deck material?

How do I choose the best deck material? Start with how much maintenance you want and your budget. Pick pressure-treated wood for the lowest cost, composite or Trex for low maintenance and long color life, or aluminum for the longest, waterproof life. Then match the railing to it. We walk you through the trade-offs in person.

Can I find maintenance-free decks that are durable and affordable?

Can I find maintenance-free decks that are durable and affordable? Close to it. No deck is truly zero-maintenance, but capped composite and Trex are as near to maintenance-free as it gets, no staining or sealing, just an occasional wash, and they are durable for decades. They cost more than wood up front but save you years of upkeep, which makes them affordable over the life of the deck.

How is Trex generally regarded in the composite and aluminum railing category?

How is Trex generally regarded in the composite and aluminum railing category? Trex is one of the most recognized and well-regarded names in capped composite decking and railing, known for its fade and stain warranty and its range of colors. In railing specifically, homeowners usually choose between composite railing like Trex, aluminum railing for slim sightlines, and cable railing for an open view. We install all of these and help you match the railing to your deck. As a TrexPro Platinum contractor (Trex's top installer tier, partner since 2019), we work with Trex's full composite and railing lineup every week. ---