Install Composite decking and trim such as Trex are an excellent alternative to wood because they require no maintenance, and they last much longer. However, composite materials are more expensive than wood so installing them usually costs more up front. But how much more? Can it be worth the money in the long run? Let’s take a look at the numbers to see if composite decking and trim are worth it or not.
Expected life span
Composite decking will not rot, warp, split, or crack. If installed properly, composite decking can last up to 50 years without any maintenance. Wood decks will require periodic sanding and staining. Trex decking has a similar lifespan as composite decks if installed correctly. The labor to replace a deck with composite is the same as the labor to replace a wood deck. One downside of komposittrall is that they are more expensive than wood. In some cases, that cost may be worth it depending on how you use your outdoor space. The real question is whether you want to invest in low-maintenance material for your outdoor space now or wait until there’s no way around needing major repairs in the future because your wood deck rotted away.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/trex-57ec3cd53df78c690f8444a3.jpg)
Cost comparison
Wood decking is cheaper but requires more maintenance. Trex decking costs more but is easier to maintain. For example, with Trex decking there are no splinters, insects or nails that can be left in your feet, there are no gaps for water to seep through and rot the boards, and there is no need for painting or sealing. Also, with Trex you have a wider selection of colors available than with wood as well as a non-slip surface that can be installed. It is worth noting that composite materials will last longer than wooden materials.
One can easily see this when comparing the cost of labor for installation. If one uses composite trim on their deck, they would also avoid having to refinish the trim every few years because it won’t peel or fade like wood does. There are many advantages and disadvantages between using wood and composite trim on decks. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference; how much time someone is willing to put into maintaining their property and how much they want to invest up front before seeing a return on their investment!
Maintenance
There is little maintenance for composite decking and trim, which means more time for you to enjoy your new outdoor space. You can also clean it with soap and water. It won’t rot or require paint. The color will stay vibrant and fresh looking year after year. It’s the most durable, environmentally friendly material out there because of how much less waste we’ll create. Yes, composite materials on decking and trim are worth the money!
Environmental impact
Composite materials are better for the environment because they don’t require a lot of maintenance. They are also less likely to use chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. Wood decking will rot, which means you’ll have a lot of work replacing boards as they break or go missing. You’ll also need to reapply sealant every six months or so. Replacing rotting wood with composite lumber is much easier, since all you need is some sandpaper and a little paint to make your new board look like new again.
The only disadvantage of composite material is the price tag: on average, installing Trex costs more than twice what wood costs, but over time it’s worth it.
Warranty information
Trex offers a lifetime warranty on their decking, railing, and trim. That means you can walk away with peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected for the lifetime of the product. I’ve even seen some manufacturers offer up to a 10 year warranty! However, many people worry about how durable composite products are in comparison to wood products or even metal. For example, if I have three choices for materials and two are more expensive than the third option which would I choose? It all depends on how much you’re willing to spend.
When I work with my clients, we first consider what they want from their project and then figure out what materials will best suit those needs- regardless of price point.
Labor costs
The labor cost of installing composite decking and trim is the same as wood, but the material is worth the extra money. The labor costs are similar because both materials require an installation time frame of about three days. However, composite materials will last a lot longer than wood, so you don’t have to worry about rotting or needing maintenance for a few years. Composite also requires less upkeep than wood by not requiring sanding or staining. If your home has an old, worn-out deck that needs to be replaced before it can be resanded and stained again, then composite may be more economical in the long run. As a bonus, komposittrall balkong does not absorb water which can lead to mold growth like wood does. It’s true that composite materials are more expensive up front, but the price difference is negligible when considering how much longer they last!
Durability
Wood will rot, warp, or become infested with mold. With composite decking and trim, you’ll never have to worry about this again. The material is made of plastic granules that can’t be penetrated by water or insects. It also does not react to the sun like wood does, so it won’t change color over time. You don’t need to seal it as often as you would if it were wood. On top of all these benefits, Trex has a 50-year warranty! If anything goes wrong with your deck during that time, they’ll replace it for free. So what are you waiting for?
Conclusion
The conclusion is that composite decking and trim, while more expensive up front, will save you money in the long run. It requires less maintenance than wood, so you won’t have to replace it as often. Plus, if you live in a place where there’s a lot of rain or snow, you’ll appreciate not having to worry about mold growing on your deck. If your budget is tight, but you want your investment in your home to last for years to come, composite materials are worth every penny.
