Trex decking is a great choice for your outdoor living space. It’s easy to clean, and it lasts for years with minimal care. But what happens when you want to use your deck in winter? The problem with Trex decking is that it can become slick when wet or covered in snow.
Is WPC composite decking slippery when wet?
We always advise to allow water to run off and away from any building. All Wpc decking can be slippery when it is covered with ice, water or the common algae. Wpc decking is much more non-slip than traditional timber decking as it is designed to minimize the growth of mould and green algae.
Is Azek better than Trex?
While both manufacturers guarantee that their deck boards are safe and slip resistant, Trex’s wood grain surface works better than Azek. Azek is indeed made of pure PVC which does leave the board slip prone.
Do Trex decks stain or mildew?
The short answer: yes. While composite decks like Trex aren’t designed or required to be paintable or stainable, like their natural wood counterparts, first generation composite decking can and will accept paint under certain circumstances – if properly cleaned, prepped and primed.
Does composite deck get slippery when wet?
Composite decking will be more slippery when wet than when dry, but whether this is a cause for concern depends on the particular product line. While most composite falls below the slip resistance benchmark for safety (and can even be outright dangerous), some composites exceed these requirements.
Is Trex slippery in winter?
Winter Season can cause your decks to be slippery, no matter what the materials used to make them. Composite decks are not slippery even when there is water on the surface. The problem, however, is when there is an accumulation of both ice and water on your composite decking.
What are the disadvantages of Trex decking?
CONS OF COMPOSITE DECKINGThe cost of composite decking boards can be higher initially. ... Surface damage can be an issue in some cases. ... Composite deck surfaces can be more slippery. ... The surface of composite decking may be warmer than wood planks. ... If you prefer the look of real wood, composite isn't for you.
Is Trex decking good in snow?
While Trex decks certainly are beautiful covered in snow, it's easy to keep them clear of the white stuff. Composite decking is more resilient to harsh winter weather and can withstand ice and snow without rotting or warping, making it the best deck material for snow.
What decking is not slippery?
Non-Slip Decking Innovations For instance, plastic and composite decking are naturally smooth. That's why manufacturers invented ribbed or grooved decking, which is useful even for wood decking materials. Wood decks, stains and coatings that prevent slipping are also available in the market.
How do I make my composite deck less slippery?
How to Make Composite Decking Less SlipperyNonslip Paint or Anti-Slip Coating. ... Slip-Resistant Mats. ... Anti-Slip Tape. ... Install Shingles on Danger Zones. ... Deep Clean the Composite Deck Surface Twice a Year. ... Ensure There's Space Between Your Deck Boards. ... Pay Attention to Weather Conditions.More items...•
How long does a Trex deck last?
25 to 30 yearsTrex and TimberTech Composite Decking Warranties Composite decks have a lifespan of at least 25 to 30 years — and they have warranties to match. At Keystone Custom Decks, we primarily build using Trex and TimberTech composite decking products.
Can you put salt on composite decking?
The best options for removing snow and ice on composite decking is a calcium chloride-based “ice melt” or rock salt.
Does Trex decking melt?
Most notably is the whether the fire will be gas or wood burning. Trex decking will soften as low as 176 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do you get snow off composite decking?
When deciding the best means for making your deck less slippery, choose calcium chloride-based "ice melt" or rock salt to remove snow and ice from your composite decking. Ice melt is the ideal choice, since sand is naturally abrasive and could easily damage the surface of the deck boards.
Is Trex slip resistant?
Aluminum non-slip treads make Trex and other composite wood steps safe from slips.
Which composite decking is most slip resistant?
(18) Composite & PVC Decking Traction RatingsSlip Resistance (Dry)Slip Resistance (Wet)Zuri (PVC)0.82- 0.860.89 – 0.97DuxxBak (Rice Hull)0.51 / 0.550.9Club house PVC0.970.86MoistureShield Vantage™ (Uncapped)0.790.8114 more rows
How do you keep decking from being slippery in the winter?
So, let's get started:Brush Away Fungus and Leaves. ... Use Rubber Mats. ... Use Safe Ice-removal Methods. ... Apply Non-Slip Decking Strips or Tape. ... Apply Non-slip Decking Oil. ... Install a Non-slip Deck.
What is Trex decking?
In the segment of wood-alternative decking material, Trex is the largest single manufacturer with over $680 million in 2018 revenue. Trex holds the original patent for producing a “Wood-Thermoplastic Composite Material” that requires less maintenance and often lasts longer than natural wood. The first generation Trex boards ...
What kind of treads are used on Trex decks?
If the slick areas of your Trex deck are limited to the steps, then our Handi-Treads aluminum non-slip treads are the perfect solution. Not only do they offer greatly improved traction in all weather conditions, but they also come in several finishes that will look great on virtually any Trex color deck. Just as important, attaching our aluminum treads to Trex boards with the appropriate stainless steel screws will not void your warranty. (Because warranties change, it’s important that you read your Trex warranty carefully before purchasing and installing any non-slip tread on Trex stairs.)
What was the first Trex board made of?
The first generation Trex boards of the late 1990s began life as recycled plastic, wood dust, and wood chips. These ingredients were then heated and formed into board-type shapes using a heat extrusion process. (Think Playdoh being pushed through a form to create a log of clay.)
Is Trex decking shelled?
Over the years Trex has acquired tens of thousands of satisfied customers, but they also have faced a class action lawsuit which claimed that the non-shelled, wood-plastic composite decking was, according to the lawsuit:
Is Trex decking splinter free?
These products can have the same workability as wood and are splinter-free.”. Indeed, Trex marketed the original composite decking, which was several times more expensive than treated lumber, based on the longevity of the product and low maintenance required.
Is a composite deck slippery?
It’s fairly common for us to hear from customers that only part of their composite or natural wood deck is slippery. For example, virtually every deck could benefit from extra traction right outside of the sliding glass door. Because there’s almost certainly a drop of a few inches from the inside of the home to the deck, this is a natural slip, trip and fall hazard.
Can you use grit tape on Trex decking?
The reason adhesive grit tapes fail on Trex steps is the same reason that paint won’t stick to Trex decking – it’s the plastic skin with a faux wood texture. In outdoor applications there is zero chance that grit tape will last on composite wood, like Trex, ...
What Composite Decking Has the Best Grip?
Before buying composite decking, always run your hand over the sample and pick a product that has a rough texture. The wood-like texture gives the material its grip.
How Do I Make Composite Decking Less Slippery?
It’s easy to say that you need to try samples ahead of time, but what if you’ve already discovered just how slippery your brand new deck can be? Before scrapping your new (expensive) deck, try these fixes first.
Composite Decking FAQs
Many people report that Trex composite decking can be extremely slippery, even when clean and dry, while a few others report never having problems. If you go with Trex, go with their premium Transcend line, which scores just below the benchmark for slip resistance (but scores higher than many other composite product lines).
