RANCH ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Did You Know? The Trex story began with an ingenious crouton maker in Virginia.
Back in the late 1980s, the owner of a crouton factory, Roger Wittenberg, found himself drowning in plastic packaging waste. Rather than sending thousands of pounds of plastic bags to the landfill, he started asking a simple question: what if this could be used for something better? So he grabbed sawdust from a local sawmill, mixed it with the leftover plastic, and began experimenting in his ovens. That simple, resourceful idea sparked the creation of the first-ever composite decking board—and Trex was born. A highly sustainable mix of recycled plastic and hardwood sawdust. What started as a clever way to reduce waste became one of the most trusted, innovative, and sustainable building products in the world.
What Is Trex?
If you’re just getting started in the world of decks, you’ve probably heard the name Trex tossed around—maybe by a neighbor who just had one installed, or maybe by a builder who swears by it. And now you’re wondering… what exactly is it?
Trex is a composite decking material, made from a mix of recycled wood fibers and plastic film. Unlike traditional wood, Trex won’t rot, splinter, or need constant maintenance. It was created to offer the natural look of wood without the headaches that usually come with it. Over time, it’s evolved into a category of its own and is known for its durability, eco-friendly makeup, and wide range of colors and styles. Whether you want a rustic look, something clean and modern, or a tropical feel, there’s a Trex option that fits.
What Makes Trex Different? – From a Builder’s Perspective
Outlasts Traditional Wood
As builders, we see it all—and even on brand-new wood decks, the boards often cup, crack, splinter, or fade within a couple of seasons, no matter how carefully they were installed or maintained. With wood, callbacks are just part of the job. But Trex changes that. It stands up to the real-life challenges Texas decks experience daily—sun, heat, rain, foot traffic, and time.
With Trex, we’re not going back to fix warped boards or re-stain faded planks a year or two later—and honestly, we might be losing money on all the repairs we’re not doing. But the callbacks we do get? It’s usually to build another one… or because a neighbor saw it and wants one just like it. That’s the kind of repeat business we’re proud to earn.
Low Maintenance
“Low maintenance” gets thrown around a lot in this industry—but in our experience, it rarely means what people think it does. We’ve seen plenty of “maintenance-free” materials that still crack, fade, or need constant attention. Trex is different. Once it’s in, it stays looking good with nothing more than the occasional rinse. No sanding. No staining. No sealing.
And the best part? You’re not sacrificing looks to get that durability. We’ve built Trex decks that still look showroom-new years after install—no touch-ups, no fuss. It’s one of the few products we trust to make us look good long after we’ve packed up the trailer and driven off.
Cost Savings
We get it—Trex costs a bit more upfront than pressure-treated wood. That’s usually the first thing homeowners notice. But here’s what they don’t always see: a typical wood deck needs to be stained or sealed every 1–2 years. That’s $500–$1,200 per treatment if you do it yourself, not to mention the time or hassle. Add in board replacements, warped lumber, and general upkeep, and you’re easily looking at $4,000–$6,000 in maintenance costs over the first 10 years.
Trex? You rinse it with a hose. That’s it. No chemicals. No yearly to-do list. And with a 25-year fade and stain warranty (plus double labor coverage from us and Trex), it’s protected better than any wood deck ever will be. So yeah, it costs more upfront, but over time? It saves you thousands. And gives you your weekends back.
How Trex Is Made
Trex starts with recycled materials—but it’s not just a matter of melting down plastic and pressing out boards. Each piece goes through a carefully engineered process to ensure long-term performance, durability, and beauty.
Step 1
Plastic is Recycled
Trex starts with plastic film—think grocery bags, stretch wrap, pallet packaging, and other stuff that usually ends up in landfills. Instead, it’s collected, cleaned, and processed. Every year, Trex keeps hundreds of millions of pounds of plastic out of the waste stream, giving it a second life as part of something useful and long-lasting. That’s real-world recycling in action. Learn more here.
Step 2
Wood is Reclaimed
The other half of the Trex formula is reclaimed hardwood—specifically sawdust and wood shavings gathered from furniture and flooring factories. It’s clean, dry, and consistent—exactly what’s needed to bond properly with the recycled plastic. No trees are cut down to make Trex, and the use of reclaimed wood helps keep natural resources in balance.
Step 3
Materials are Blended
This is where the magic happens. The recycled plastic and hardwood fibers are combined under high heat and mixed into a dense, moldable composite. True to their roots, Trex still uses repurposed bread-making machines—refitted for industrial strength—to mix the materials with precision. The result is a consistently blended material with no soft spots, air gaps, or inconsistencies.
Step 4
Boards are Formed
Once the composite mix is ready, it’s pushed through precision molds to form decking boards with consistent dimensions and rich, wood-like grain. But the real game-changer happens next. In a proprietary, top-secret process, each board is bonded with a protective outer shell—not a coating that can flake off. This shell makes up the 5% of Trex that isn’t recycled and gives the product the extreme durability it’s known for.
Step 5
Quality is Guaranteed
Every board goes through a series of inspections before it ever leaves the factory. Trex tests for strength, color consistency, surface quality, and overall performance to make sure nothing slips through the cracks—literally. The process is dialed in to deliver reliable results, batch after batch. And when a board meets the standard, it’s backed by a 25-, 35-, or 50-year warranty, depending on the line. Learn more here.
Trex Isn’t Trying To Be Wood – And That’s The Point
Composite decking isn’t a copy of wood—it’s a smarter alternative. As builders who’ve worked with just about every type of decking out there, we like Trex because it makes sense. It’s easier to install, holds up better over time, and our clients are thrilled with the results. No splinters, no sealing, no surprises—just a clean, beautiful deck that stays that way.
We also like knowing the product we’re building with is sustainable. Trex doesn’t require cutting down forests to make something look natural. It’s made from recycled materials, backed by a great warranty, and supported by a great team of reps who actually pick up their phone. That kind of trust—between builder, client, and manufacturer—is hard to come by, and it’s why we believe Trex is the best decking choice there is.
What Are My Trex Options?
Trex isn’t one-size-fits-all. With multiple lines to choose from, there’s a style and price point for every homeowner—from budget builds to premium outdoor living spaces. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s available—and what makes each line stand out.
Trex Enhance®
Affordable, Durable, Beautiful
Perfect for homeowners who want composite performance at a price close to wood. Available in 4 natural and 3 basic color tones. Backed by a 25-year warranty.
- Colors Available: Trex Enhance® offers a selection of 7 colors, including Clam Shell, Rocky Harbor, Beach Dune, and Saddle.
- Scratch Resistance: While Enhance provides good durability for its class, it has moderate scratch resistance. It’s suitable for standard residential use but may show wear over time in high-traffic areas.
- Weight Considerations: Enhance boards are lighter than higher-end Trex lines due to the boards having a scalloped profile, making them easier to handle and install. This can be advantageous for DIY projects or when working with limited labor.
- Heat Mitigation: No heat mitigation technology. Darker colors in the Enhance line will retain more heat. For the Texas climate, opting for lighter shades like Foggy Wharf or Rocky Harbor will help keep the deck surface cooler.
Builder’s Insight: Trex Enhance® is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a balance between cost and performance. We personally love the Toasted Sand color and have installed it on many decks. It is an excellent product, and the lighter weight of this product puts less stress on the deck’s substructure. It is scratch resistant, but we advise using protective pads under heavy furniture to maintain the surface’s appearance over the years.
Trex Select®
Simple, Smart, and Solid
A step up in durability. Easier to install and a favorite for smaller decks and upgrades. Backed by a 35-year warranty.
- Colors Available: Trex Select® comes in two earth tones, Saddle and Pebble Grey.
- Scratch Resistance: Select offers higher scratch resistance, suitable for typical residential applications. While durable, using furniture pads and regular maintenance can help prolong its pristine look.
- Weight Considerations: Trex Select uses solid boards, adding to their sturdiness. They strike a good balance between durability and ease of installation.
- Heat Mitigation: No heat mitigation technology. As with other lines, darker colors will absorb more heat. Choosing lighter hues can help in maintaining a cooler deck surface in sunny conditions.
Builder’s Insight: Trex Select® is a versatile mid-tier option that offers a classic look with reliable performance. It’s a solid choice for homeowners wanting a step up from the basics without a significant jump in cost. However, we don’t generally recommend it compared to the Transcend line, which has way more attractive colors and heat mitigation technology.
Trex Transcend®
High-End Look, Extreme Performance
Thicker boards, deeper colors, and rich woodgrain textures. Ideal for premium projects and those who want a bold look with ultra-durability. Backed by a 50-year warranty.
- Colors Available: Trex Transcend® boasts a rich palette of 6 different colors, including tropical shades like Tiki Torch, Havana Gold, and Island Mist, as well as classic earth tones.
- Scratch Resistance: This line offers some of the highest scratch resistance, making it suitable for high-traffic areas and homes with pets or active outdoor lifestyles.
- Weight Considerations: Transcend boards are denser and heavier, contributing to their durability and solid feel underfoot. This requires more effort during installation but results in a robust deck structure.
- Heat Mitigation: Darker colors always become quite warm in direct sunlight. Choose light colors like Rope Swing or Havana Gold if you want cooler surfaces, and ensure the deck has adequate shading.
Builder’s Insight: For clients seeking a luxurious finish with long-term durability, Trex Transcend® is our top recommendation. Its weight and density translate to a premium feel, and the scratch resistance ensures it remains looking new for decades.
Trex Transcend Lineage®
Cooler Boards, Same Transcend Strength
Lineage stays cooler under the sun with heat-mitigating tech. Perfect for hot climates (hello, Texas!). It has a unique and gorgeous brushed wood grain texture and the same great 50-year warranty.
- Colors Available: Transcend Lineage® is available in five on-trend colors: Island Mist, Rainier, Carmel, Biscayne, and Jasper.
- Scratch Resistance: Building upon the Transcend line, Lineage offers excellent scratch resistance, suitable for bustling households and entertaining spaces.
- Weight Considerations: Similar in weight to Transcend, these boards provide a sturdy and substantial decking option.
- Heat Mitigation: Engineered with advanced heat-mitigating technology, Lineage boards are designed to stay cooler underfoot compared to other composite options, and when paired with their light-colored options like Rainier or Biscayne, it makes a real difference.
Builder’s Insight: In regions with intense sun exposure, Trex Transcend Lineage® is a game-changer. Clients appreciate the cooler surface, and as builders, we value the ease of installation and the product’s longevity. The only con is that Lineage is marginally more prone to scratching than regular Transcend due to its premium wood-grain texture, which has higher and finer ridges.
Trex Signature®
Sleek. Strong. Luxurious.
The top tier of Trex. Clean lines, a modern color palette, and unmatched fade resistance. For the homeowner who wants the best.
- Colors Available: Trex Signature® decking is offered in two sophisticated colors: Whidbey and Ocracoke. These colors are reminiscent of Ipe, an exotic hardwood that is brown when first installed and ages to a prestigious grey with time.
- Scratch Resistance: Signature is Trex’s most scratch-resistant line, ideal for commercial applications or residential spaces that demand the highest durability.
- Weight Considerations: These boards are designed for superior strength and are the heaviest offering, reflecting their robust construction and premium quality.
- Heat Mitigation: Signature does not have heat-mitigating technology, and like the other lines, selecting lighter colors helps keep the deck surface cool.
Builder’s Insight: For projects where only the best will suffice, Trex Signature® delivers unparalleled performance and aesthetics. Its superior scratch resistance and sleek design make it a favorite for high-end installations, especially as a longer-lasting and more environmentally conscious choice.
Unsure What Trex Line is Right For You?
We get it. There’s a lot to love—and choosing the right deck for you depends on your home, your goals, and your lifestyle. That’s where we come in.
At Reddy Pros, we don’t just install Trex—we understand it. Deck building is our profession, and we love helping homeowners like you design the perfect outdoor living space from the ground up. Want to know every step? We’ll walk you through it. Prefer to skip the hassle? Once we understand your vision, you can go on vacation—we’ll have your dream deck ready when you return.
We can meet you at your home whenever is convenient for you, or you can experience Trex firsthand at our showroom.
Ready to take the next step?
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