Lumber and Trex Market Update: 1/29/2022
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How Long Do Composite Decks Last? Here’s What to Expect

Trex Deck in Backyard, Canton, MI

Clients often ask us if their composite deck will look the same from day 1 to year 10. Fortunately, a properly built composite deck will age nicely and still look great in its 10th year and on.

But how long do composite decks last before they need replacing?

I have good news; it’s probably longer than you think.

Composite Decking Lifespan 

In our experience building with Trex, a well-constructed composite deck should last you 20 to 40 years or potentially even longer.  

I know that can be hard to believe but consider this.

Trex has been around as an alternative to wood decking since the 1990s. It has a proven track record and proceeds to grow in popularity. The continuous improvements Trex makes to its products have led us to the quality of decking we have today, which is reflected by its warranties.

Composite Warranties

Trex and most other manufacturers of capped composite decking have a 25-year warranty on almost all of their products. Trex also offers an additional 25-year stain and fade warranty on their high-performance decking.  

These companies can offer such an extended warranty thanks to the materials and processes used to engineer their decking.

What Is Composite Decking Made Of? 

Trex decking, among others, is specially formulated with a blend of recycled wood and plastic, which is then capped with an extra-strong plastic shield. This process gives composite decking its superior strength and longevity. 

Composite Decking Durability

Trex holds up exceedingly well over years of exposure to the elements compared to other decking materials. It’s tough enough to handle extreme hot and cold temperatures (including brutal snowstorms and torrential downpours) and long days of sun and UV rays.

It has the advantage of not splintering, warping, cracking, or rotting after a freeze and thaw cycle. Also, you won’t have to worry about it fading in the sun after a long hot summer or easily scratching from daily use.

Composite Decking Maintenance 

Thanks to the durability of Trex, it’s also incredibly easy to maintain. A little goes a long way, and some soap and water or a gentle pressure washing twice a year will do the trick. 

PRO TIP: What do we use to clean a deck after we just finished building it? Trex’s recommendation: mild dish soap

Eco-Friendly

It’s important to note that Trex is also eco-friendly. They make their decking out of 95% recycled materials, use earth-friendly manufacturing processes, and benefit the environment by reclaiming factory waste and dropping the use of chemicals.

How Does Wood Decking Compare?

When building a deck entirely out of wood, pressure-treated (PT) lumber is the standard. Other types of wood vary but commonly include:

  • Douglas Fir
  • Red Cedar
  • Mahogany
  • Redwood
  • IPE (pronounced “e-pay”, extremely dense hardwood from Brazil)

While we can’t deny the beauty of wooden decks, it also comes with its own hassles you won’t encounter using composite.

Chemicals & The Environment

The chemicals applied to PT decking are toxic and can contaminate other surfaces. Consider this if you have dogs or children, as it can easily rub onto their paws or feet.

Maintainance

All types of wood decking will fade over time if not stained or painted every couple of years or so. The frequency it needs to happen depends on exposure to the weather and sun and how often it gets used. Regardless, it’s a time-consuming process, and an essential one.

Without maintenance, you’ll eventually have to deal with rotting wood that’ll split and splinter. Insects can also “move-in” and cause extensive damage to your deck and its structure. All of which can quickly become a safety hazard.

How Long Does Pressure Treated Decking Last?

The potential lifespan of PT decking varies, and it mostly comes down to how well it’s maintained. 

You can expect PT decking that’s been taken care of and adequately treated every year or two to last 15-20 years. But if you don’t keep it maintained, the boards will need replacing after about 5-10 years. 

All things considered, when it comes to long-lasting deck material, composite decking will almost always outlast its wood counterparts. But there are a couple more factors that will affect its lifespan.

Strong Foundations & Experienced Builders

Even though composite decking can last decades, it won’t matter if the foundation and framing aren’t solid. You’ll end up having to replace them sooner than you hoped.

Experienced deck builders know the ins and outs of the trade, and they’ll construct your deck to give it the strength to last for decades. They do this by correctly installing proper concrete footings, using the correct exterior-grade fasteners, choosing the best framing materials, following industry best practices for installation methods, etc.

And that is where wood comes back into play. 

PT lumber is excellent to use for the framing underneath the decking because it’s resistant to rot and termites. Unlike PT decking boards, lumber for framing is larger and heavy-duty. They can last up to 30 or 40 years with proper maintenance. The framing components of a deck’s structure are also not installed horizontally/flat, so water doesn’t sit for extended periods of time unlike flat decking boards installed on the horizontal plane.

The Botton Line

Trex or other composite decks can last for 20-40+ years when they’re built on solid foundations, framed with the right size and type of lumber, and constructed by expert builders with years of experience.

And because maintaining a composite deck is quick and easy, that means you can spend more time enjoying it with friends and family, and less time (or money) sanding, staining, painting, fixing nail pops, replacing warped boards, pulling splinters out of your feet, etc.

Custom Deck Creations have built more than 200,000 feet of composite decking in Southeast Michigan. If you live in the area and want to add a deck to your home, feel free to give us a call.

For more information on composite decks, you can visit our blog or check out our gallery to see our recent projects.

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About Custom Deck Creations

From design to installation, Custom Deck Creations combines beautiful decks with fair pricing and unparalleled customer service. Our designs stand out, while our install processes exceeds expectations. We are a certified TrexPro Platinum builder. Custom Deck Creations is located in and serves Southeast Michigan. 

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Lumber and Trex Market Costs Update

Last Updated: 1/29/2022
Custom Deck Creations

A brief look into the current and expected inflation

Quick Summary

Lumber rose +28% locally from November 2021 to January 2022, and is expected for another significant double-digit increase impacting us in June 2022. We’re also anticipating a cost increase  from Trex around that  same time frame. Depending on size and material selection, decks are anticipated to increase in cost an average of $2,000 to $4,000 come June 2022. Custom Deck Creations is currently scheduling projects for April/May, before we feel these cost increases. Schedule a quote with us today to lock in today’s costs.

For a more detailed look into the market, please continue reading:

Lumber

The lumber market continues to see pressure on the supply side. Canadian truck drivers are protesting COVID vaccine mandates, threatening to disrupt deliveries in Canada and possibly into the US. Fuel prices are also increasing. Overall demand for Southern Yellow Pine (pressure treated lumber used here in MI) remains steady. Mills are not sitting on a lot of inventory. Lead times from mills to dealers are getting extended.

Pressure treated lumber costs increased locally +28% from November 2021 to January 2022.

Lumber is expected to increase another ~+40% in June 2022. 

Custom Deck Creations is currently scheduling projects for April & May 2022, before we’re impacted by these increased costs.

Trex

Data from Trex distributors nationwide are seeing a steady growth in purchases even through winter.

Trex continues to see huge demand increases nationwide. 

Our Interpretation

Lumber will continue to rise in price throughout 2022. We don’t believe we’ll see pre-2022 lumber pricing any time soon.

In 2021 Trex put out 4 separate approximately +10% price increases. We believe more are to be expected in 2022. We do not expect Trex to ever lower their pricing.

No Inflationary Clause

Custom Deck Creations does not have an inflationary clause. Lock in today’s lumber and Trex costs with a signed agreement which puts you on our schedule. We will not charge you more even if our costs go up.

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