WearDeck Vs. Trex Decking For Better Composite Decking Material

Composite decking has become an increasingly popular alternative to natural wood decking over the past couple of decades. Composite decking is made from a mixture of plastic and wood fibers or powder. The plastic gives it added durability, while the wood provides a more natural, authentic look.

Two of the biggest brand names in composite decking are WearDeck and Trex. Both offer high-quality composite decking products used in thousands of homes and businesses across North America. But which is the better option for your deck building or refurbishing project?

In this detailed comparison guide, we’ll examine the key differences between WearDeck and Trex decking to help you determine which is the superior composite deck board brand for your needs and budget. We’ll compare the materials used, durability, appearance, texture, price, warranties, and more.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	WearDeck	Trex
Cost	Mid-price	Premium price
Colors	5 natural tones	12 exotic hues
Grain pattern	Subtle wood grain	Realistic hardwood look
Stain resistance	25 years	25 years
Fade resistance	25 years	25 years
Structural warranty	50 years	Limited lifetime
Maintenance needs	Low	Low
Customization	Basic options	Advanced options like lighting
Eco-friendly	95% recycled content	95%+ recycled content
Ease of installation	DIY-friendly	More challenging install
Texture	Slip-resistant	Softer feel underfoot

WearDeck Decking Overview

WearDeck was founded in 2007 and has quickly grown into one of the largest composite decking manufacturers in North America. They offer a wide selection of solid and hollow composite deck boards and trim pieces.

Some key features of WearDeck composite decking include:

• Made from 95% recycled wood and plastic content
• Proprietary FiberShield technology for fade, stain, scratch and mold resistance
• Slip-resistant wood grain texture
• Vibrant and natural-looking colors
• 25-year stain and fade warranty
• 50-year structural warranty

WearDeck decking is made using recycled plastic grocery bags, reclaimed wood dust, and environmental additives.

Their FiberShield technology provides enhanced protection against the elements while limiting mold and mildew growth.

They offer a diverse line of composite decking in several natural-looking color options: Chestnut, Gray Birch, Redwood, Brownstone, and Island Mist. The boards feature a subtle but slip-resistant wood grain pattern.

Trex Decking Overview

Trex got into the composite decking game in the mid-1990s. Today, Trex is the largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and railing in the world.

Here are some of the key attributes of Trex composite decking products:

• Made from 95% recycled wood and polyethylene plastic
• Proprietary Shell technology for fade, stain, mold, and scratch resistance
• Realistic wood look and grain patterns
• Stain, fade and scratch warranties up to 25 years
• Limited lifetime structural warranty

Trex uses recycled plastic grocery bags and reclaimed wood to create their signature composite decking boards. They use a protective polymer shell that shields the core from the elements and regular foot traffic.

Trex decking comes in several rich color tones: Gravel Path, Rope Swing, Spiced Rum, Lava Rock, Island Mist, Tiki Torch, and more. The sculpted grain patterns mimic the natural look of exotic hardwoods.

Key Differences Between WearDeck And Trex Decking

Comparing Durability

Durability is a major selling point for both of these composite decking brands. Let’s examine how Trex and WearDeck compare when it comes to longevity and wear:

Fade resistance

• Trex offers fade protection for up to 25 years. Their polymer shell technology protects the color pigments from UV rays.
• WearDeck provides a 25-year stain and fade warranty as well. Their products are engineered to resist fading even in strong sunlight.

Stain resistance

• Both Trex and WearDeck boast excellent stain resistance. Food, drink and other spills can be easily cleaned off their deck boards.
• Neither material will absorb stains like natural wood decking. Their composite makeup prevents moisture and stain absorption.

Mold and mildew resistance

• Trex and WearDeck both strongly resist mold, mildew and fungal growth. This prevents unsightly dark spots on your decking.
• Their construction materials and protective outer shells discourage microbial growth on the deck boards.

Scratch resistance

• Trex claims its shell technology creates a highly scratch-resistant outer layer on their decking. Light scratches won’t show on their wood grain patterns.
• WearDeck says their decking stands up extremely well to scratches from pets, lawn furniture, and other items dragged across the deck.

Structural warranty

• Trex offers a limited lifetime structural warranty on their decking products, one of the best in the industry.
• WearDeck provides a 50-year structural performance warranty, also top-tier for composite decking.

Both brands are leaders in durability and longevity. From fade and stain resistance to their outstanding warranties, you can expect decades of performance from either Trex or WearDeck composite decking.

Comparing Appearance

Aside from durability, appearance is a major factor when choosing between composite decking products. You want a beautiful, natural-looking deck that enhances your outdoor living space. Here’s how Trex and WearDeck compare aesthetically:

Color options

• Trex provides a wider range of rich, exotic-looking color options like Spiced Rum, Gravel Path and Tiki Torch. They offer 12 color choices.
• WearDeck has 5 attractive color tones like Chestnut, Island Mist and Gray Birch, but not quite the diversity of Trex.

Grain patterns

• Trex excels at recreating realistic hardwood grain textures, even embossing the patterns into their boards.
• WearDeck has a more subtle grain pattern that looks nice but doesn’t mimic natural wood as closely.

Sheen

• Trex decking has a medium gloss level that mimics the subtle sheen of tropical hardwoods.
• WearDeck boards have a flatter, matte finish that some homeowners prefer over a glossy look.

Board shape

• Trex offers both solid and hollow core boards. Their hollow boards have a more rigid, substantial shape and feel.
• WearDeck provides solid boards that are thicker-looking than many composites, as well as thinner hollow boards.

Overall, Trex takes the lead when it comes to the appearance of their composite decking. The realistic hardwood grain patterns, exotic color options, and gloss finish create a luxury aesthetic. But WearDeck still provides an attractive, natural-looking deck board.

Comparing Texture

How the decking feels underfoot is another key consideration. You want boards with texture that prevent slipping and provide comfort for bare feet. Here’s how the surface texture compares:

Slip resistance

• Trex engraves grain patterns into their decking that provide traction to avoid slipping, even when wet.
• WearDeck also utilizes grain patterns for slip resistance. Small ridges in the board provide sure footing.

Comfort underfoot

• Trex claims their shell technology creates a softer feel when walking barefoot. The grain patterns aren’t sharp or abrasive.
• WearDeck’s wood grain texture has a slightly harder feel. Their boards are comfortable for light foot traffic but not as plush as Trex.

Barefoot friendliness

• Trex decking remains cool even in hot sunny weather, making it comfortable and safe for bare feet.
• WearDeck can get moderately hot in strong sunlight. Bare feet are fine for short periods but not quite as soothing as on Trex boards.

Trex has the upper hand when it comes to the tactile texture and feel of their decking. The combination of slip resistance and softness underfoot makes Trex one of the most barefoot-friendly composite decking options.

But WearDeck still performs well in these categories.

Comparing Costs

Another major factor in choosing decking is cost and pricing. Composite decking is generally more expensive upfront than pressure-treated wood, but the increased durability and longevity make it worth the investment for many homeowners. Here’s how Trex and WearDeck pricing compare:

Upfront cost

• WearDeck is the more budget-friendly option, with solid decking boards starting around $2.10 per linear foot.
• Trex costs about 15-20% more, with prices starting at $2.30 to $2.50 per linear foot.

Value over lifetime

• Trex typically has a longer warranty period, indicating a longer useful lifespan and better value over the long run.
• With proper maintenance, WearDeck also provides decades of life but Trex edges them out slightly in overall value.

Availability of discounts

• Trex offers tiered pricing discounts for large wholesale orders to contractors and builders.
• WearDeck provides some volume discounts but Trex has greater pricing flexibility for big projects.

Cost of accessories

• Trex and WearDeck accessories like trim boards, fasteners, and metal railings have comparable pricing.
• Trex does charge more for their higher-end railing components and lighting options.

For smaller DIY projects, WearDeck provides the more budget-friendly option. But Trex decking goes on sale more often and offers steeper volume discounts that make it price-competitive for large decks. Their outstanding warranties also equate to better long-term value.

Comparing Maintenance Needs

Composite decking is touted for its low maintenance compared to natural wood. But some routine cleaning and upkeep is still required. Here are the key factors when comparing maintenance:

Day-to-day cleaning

• WearDeck and Trex both benefit from occasional sweeping or blowing off debris like leaves and pollen.
• You’ll also want to wipe up food and drink spills promptly before they have a chance to stain.

Washing

• Trex recommends washing their decking once or twice per year with soap and water. This prevents buildup of dirt, mildew and organic matter.
• WearDeck also benefits from thorough cleaning 1-2 times per year with a composite deck cleaner.

Sealing or refinishing

• The good news is that neither Trex or WearDeck require periodic sealing, painting or refinishing like natural wood decks. Their materials are engineered not to fade or degrade over time.
• At most, occasional touch-up staining may be needed to repair scratches or minor damage spots.

In terms of routine maintenance, there is no clear winner between these two brands. Basic cleaning once or twice per year and prompt spill wiping is advisable for both WearDeck and Trex decking to keep it looking pristine for decades.

Which Is Better for Customization?

Composite decking lends itself well to custom stamping, embossing, engraving, intricate cuts, lighting integration, and more. If you want to customize your deck design, here are key factors to compare:

Cutting and patterns

• Trex is easier for contractors to cut into curved shapes, custom edges, and unique patterns thanks to its more rigid structure.
• WearDeck can also be cut into custom designs but may not hold up as well to intricate cuts due to its slightly more flexible core.

Inlays and borders

• Trex offers prefabricated inlay kits in different colors to create borders, accents, and other decorative effects.
• WearDeck provides the basics needed for inlays but doesn’t have the variety of customization options that Trex does.

Engraving and embossing

• Both companies allow for additional engraved patterns or embossed boards for a truly one-of-a-kind deck.
• This type of customization costs extra but can add serious personality and flair to your outdoor space.

Lighting

• Trex has a full line of deck lighting components that integrate beautifully with their boards.
• WearDeck doesn’t provide their own lighting options. You’d need to source Universal lighting separately.

Overall, Trex is the better choice if you want to customize your deck with advanced patterns, lighting, inlays, borders, or embossing. Their variety of accessories and rigid board construction hold up better to intricate customization.

Which Is More Eco-Friendly?

One great thing about composite decking is its use of recycled content. This gives it an inherent eco-friendly advantage over natural wood. Here’s how WearDeck and Trex compare in their environmental friendliness:

Recycled materials

• Both utilize at least 95% recycled plastic and reclaimed wood waste in their decking products.
• This reused content would otherwise end up in landfills. So both help reduce waste.

Sourcing of materials

• WearDeck uses plastic grocery bags, wood scraps and dust from local sources to limit transportation emissions.
• Trex doesn’t disclose details on their sourcing but uses recycled content.

Product manufacturing

• WearDeck says their manufacturing process follows sustainability best practices to limit energy and minimize waste.
• Trex also touts sustainable manufacturing methods but provides fewer specifics.
• Both make use of recycled decking trim and offcut remnants wherever possible.

End of life

• At end of life, both Trex and WearDeck boards can be recycled into new plastic composites or construction materials.
• They don’t end up in landfills like natural wood.

In terms of eco-friendly credentials, WearDeck and Trex are comparable. Both make decking with mostly recycled materials and encourage recycling at end of life. WearDeck shares a bit more about their exact sourcing and sustainable manufacturing processes. But both are good choices for the environmentally-conscious.

Which Is Easier to Install?

Dealing with heavy decking boards and tricky installation is no fun. Easy, straightforward installation is key. Here’s how WearDeck and Trex compare for DIYers or contractors:

Weight and handling

• Trex boards are lighter, which makes them easier to lift, transport, and work with. Their hollow structure reduces weight.
• WearDeck decking is slightly heavier. But the solid boards are still reasonably manageable.

Cutting and drilling

• Trex’s rigid structure and polymer shell allow for smoother, easier cutting and clean drill holes.
• WearDeck is a little more prone to cracking, splitting, and fraying at cut edges. Careful cuts are needed.

Fastening

• Trex may require pre-drilling holes and provides proprietary hidden fasteners that produce a professional finish.
• WearDeck can be nailed or screwed close to board edges with standard fasteners. Less pre-drilling needed.

Conformity to surface

• Trex recommends installing on 26-degree joists for optimal conformity to the sub-frame. WearDeck allows for 16-inch and 24-inch joist spacing.
• WearDeck can conform well to mild surface irregularities. Trex requires a flatter sub-frame.

For most DIYers, WearDeck will likely provide the easier installation experience overall. The lighter weight and more forgiving structure of Trex does have some advantages. But WearDeck allows more joist spacing flexibility and simpler fastening with standard tools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

When it comes to composite decking, both WearDeck and Trex provide attractive, eco-friendly, durable options that will last for decades. Trex is the premium brand when you want exotic, luxury aesthetics with diverse color options and ultra-realistic wood grain patterns. They also lead the industry in customization possibilities.

But WearDeck is an excellent mid-priced choice that installs more easily with standard tools. Their products still provide the fade, stain and slip resistance of top-tier composites at a more budget-friendly price point.

Ultimately, choosing between WearDeck vs Trex comes down to your budget, priorities for aesthetics, and willingness to pay for customizable luxury features. With proper care, either brand will provide you with a beautiful outdoor living space that can be enjoyed for generations.

Talk to a deck builder to determine if the added looks and customization of Trex justify the higher costs over WearDeck for your specific project.