Terren McDaniels
1/29/25
Trex Enhance and Trex Select are standout options in composite decking. Both provide a durable, low-maintenance, and affordable alternative to wood. They resist rot, mold, and stains but cater to different needs.
Trex Enhance focuses on cost-effective solutions with lightweight boards that are easy to install. Trex Select offers mid-tier durability and classic aesthetics. This guide compares their price, durability, and aesthetics to help you choose the right option for your project.
What Makes Trex Composite Decking Unique?
Trex composite decking stands out due to its innovative use of recycled materials and its focus on sustainability. Unlike traditional wood decking, which requires ongoing maintenance, Trex composite boards are crafted from 95% recycled materials, including reclaimed wood and plastic film. This process keeps tons of waste out of landfills each year while delivering a durable, long-lasting product.
Key Features of Trex Decking:
Low Maintenance: Trex boards resist fading, staining, and mold. Unlike wood, they do not need sanding, sealing, or painting.
Exceptional Durability: Trex decking resists cracking, splintering, and warping. It’s designed to handle heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for families, pets, and gatherings.
Weather Resistance: Trex boards withstand extreme climates, resisting moisture, mildew, and UV rays.
Warranty: A 25-year limited warranty covers both Trex Enhance and Trex Select, ensuring long-term peace of mind.
Trex’s three main product lines, Enhance, Select, and Transcend, are designed to meet varying homeowner needs. Here’s a brief overview:
Trex Enhance: A budget-friendly option with lightweight boards for easier installation.
Trex Select: A mid-tier choice that balances durability and aesthetics.
Trex Transcend: A premium line with top-tier durability, vibrant colors, and luxury finishes.
Trex Enhance Decking: Budget-Friendly Performance
Trex Enhance is perfect for homeowners seeking a cost-effective decking option without sacrificing quality. Its affordability, lightweight design, and ease of installation make it a practical choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors.
Price
Trex Enhance is the most affordable option in the Trex lineup, with prices ranging from $5 to $7 per square foot. This makes it an excellent choice for homeowners working with tight budgets. Additionally, the lightweight design reduces labor costs by simplifying the installation process.
Design
One standout feature of Trex Enhance is its scalloped bottom, which reduces material usage without compromising structural integrity. This design makes the boards lighter and easier to handle, particularly for large-scale projects.
Trex Enhance is available in two collections:
Basics: Features solid, monochromatic colors like Beach Dune and Clam Shell for a clean, simple appearance.
Naturals: Offers multi-tonal patterns that mimic the look of real wood, such as Foggy Wharf and Toasted Sand, adding depth and texture.
Aesthetics
The Enhance line provides a variety of colors to suit different preferences. Whether you prefer light browns for a warm, natural look or gray tones for a modern aesthetic, Enhance delivers options that blend seamlessly with most outdoor spaces.
Durability
Trex Enhance boards are protected by a three-sided cap that shields against moisture, stains, and mildew. However, the thinner shell makes these boards slightly less resistant to scratches and heavy wear compared to Trex Select. Enhance is best suited for low-to-moderate traffic areas.
Best Use Case
Trex Enhance is ideal for budget-conscious homeowners prioritizing ease of installation. It’s perfect for backyard renovations, patios, or other low-traffic areas where cost savings and reliable performance are key.
Trex Select Decking: A Mid-Tier Option
Trex Select balances affordability and enhanced durability. It’s a step up from Trex Enhance in terms of aesthetics and scratch resistance, making it suitable for medium-traffic areas and families with children or pets.
Price
Trex Select is priced between $7 and $9 per square foot. While it costs more than Enhance, the added investment delivers better performance and refined aesthetics.
Design
Trex Select boards are solid (not scalloped) and have a slightly thicker profile at 7/8 of an inch, which results in a sturdier feel underfoot. The boards also feature a textured wood-grain finish that resembles natural tree rings, offering a timeless, classic appearance.
Aesthetics
Trex Select comes in five versatile color options:
Madeira: A warm red hue.
Pebble Grey: A soft, neutral gray.
Winchester Grey: A darker charcoal tone.
Woodland Brown: A rich, earthy brown.
Select Saddle: A medium brown with a sunny undertone.
These options are ideal for homeowners seeking an understated yet elegant look for their outdoor space.
Durability
Trex Select features a full protective shell that covers the top and sides of the boards. This added layer provides superior resistance to scratches, stains, and moisture. Select is well-suited for medium-traffic areas and homes with active children or pets.
Best Use Case
Trex Select is an excellent choice for homeowners who want a durable, attractive deck that can handle moderate wear and tear. It’s particularly suited for outdoor entertaining spaces, family gathering spots, or areas exposed to frequent use.
Comparing Trex Enhance vs. Trex Select
Price Comparison
Trex Enhance: $5 to $7 per square foot, the most budget-friendly option.
Trex Select: $7 to $9 per square foot, offering better durability and aesthetics for the price.
Durability Comparison
Trex Enhance: Three-sided protective cap provides reliable resistance to moisture and stains but is less scratch-resistant.
Trex Select: Full protective shell offers enhanced resistance to scratches, stains, and heavy wear, making it ideal for moderate-to-high traffic areas.
Aesthetic Comparison
Trex Enhance: Basics and Naturals collections provide either simple solid colors or wood-like finishes.
Trex Select: Textured wood-grain finish and classic color options for a timeless, refined look.
Installation Comparison
Trex Enhance: Lightweight design with scalloped bottoms makes it easier to transport and install.
Trex Select: Slightly heavier but sturdier boards provide a more solid feel underfoot.
Trex Decking Lines: Durability, Aesthetics, and Cost
Trex Enhance: Lightweight and affordable for budget-friendly projects.Trex Select: Mid-tier with better scratch resistance and classic colors.Trex Transcend: Premium durability and aesthetics for high-end projects.
Both Enhance and Select offer low maintenance and sustainability, outperforming wood.
Pros and Cons: Trex Enhance vs. Trex Select
Trex Enhance
Trex Enhance is designed for homeowners who want a reliable and attractive decking option without stretching their budget. The scalloped bottoms of Enhance boards make them lightweight, simplifying transport and installation. This feature is especially beneficial for large DIY projects or contractors working on tight schedules.
The Enhance line offers two collections: Basics and Naturals. Basics include solid colors like Beach Dune and Clam Shell, which provide a clean, minimalist look. Naturals feature wood-like patterns such as Foggy Wharf and Toasted Sand, which give the appearance of traditional wood decking. These options allow homeowners to achieve the desired aesthetic while keeping costs low.
However, Trex Enhance has limitations. Its thinner protective shell makes it more susceptible to scratches and wear, especially in high-traffic areas. While it resists moisture, stains, and mold, it may not hold up as well as Trex Select over time in demanding environments.
Trex Select
Trex Select offers a step up in both durability and aesthetics. Its full protective shell covers the top and sides, providing better resistance to scratches, water damage, and fading. This makes it a preferred choice for households with pets, children, or frequent outdoor gatherings.
In terms of design, Trex Select features a textured wood-grain finish that resembles natural wood without the hassle of upkeep. Its five color options, such as Madeira and Winchester Grey, offer a range of neutral tones that suit various outdoor styles. These colors provide a classic look that remains consistent over time.
One key advantage of Trex Select is its scratch resistance. Compared to Enhance, Select handles heavy use with ease, maintaining its appearance even in high-traffic areas. However, this added durability comes at a higher cost, making it less appealing to homeowners on a strict budget.
Choosing the Right Decking for Your Project
When deciding between Trex Enhance and Trex Select, evaluating the specific requirements of your project is essential. Consider the following factors to make an informed choice:
Budget Priorities:If you have a limited budget, Trex Enhance offers a cost-effective solution without sacrificing durability or visual appeal. Its price makes it an excellent option for homeowners who want to achieve a professional look without overspending.
Traffic Levels:Trex Select is the better choice for decks in high-traffic areas, such as outdoor entertaining spaces or family gathering spots. Its scratch resistance and thicker protective shell ensure that it can withstand frequent use while maintaining its appearance.
Aesthetic Goals:Homeowners who prefer a clean, minimalist style might lean toward the Basics collection in Trex Enhance. Those looking for a richer, more natural wood-grain finish will find Trex Select’s textured design and earthy color options more appealing.
Ease of Installation:Lightweight boards with scalloped bottoms make Trex Enhance easier to handle and install, making it ideal for DIY projects. Trex Select, while slightly heavier, is still manageable and offers added durability that professionals and contractors value.
Ultimately, the choice depends on how the decking will be used, the desired visual outcome, and the allocated budget.
Trex Warranty and Maintenance
Trex decking is designed to last, and both Enhance and Select come with a 25-year limited warranty that covers fading and staining. This long-term protection ensures peace of mind for homeowners who want a durable and reliable outdoor surface.
Maintenance for Trex boards is straightforward:
Cleaning: A simple wash with soap and water removes dirt, grime, and spills. No sanding or sealing is needed, unlike traditional wood decks.
Weather Resistance: Both Enhance and Select resist moisture, making them suitable for climates with rain, snow, or humidity.
Mold and Mildew Prevention: The composite material prevents the growth of mold and mildew, reducing the risk of decay.
For those seeking minimal upkeep, Trex Select’s full protective shell offers greater protection against stains and scratches, making it the ideal choice for low-maintenance durability.
Final Verdict: Enhance or Select?
Trex Enhance and Trex Select both deliver exceptional value, but your choice depends on your specific needs:
Trex Enhance: Best for budget-friendly projects with low-to-moderate traffic. Ideal for DIY installations and cost-conscious homeowners.
Trex Select: Offers enhanced durability and aesthetics, making it perfect for moderate-to-high traffic areas and long-term use.
Both lines share the core benefits of Trex composite decking, including sustainability, low maintenance, and long-lasting performance. Whether you prioritize cost savings or durability, Trex has a solution to match your outdoor living goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Trex Enhance and Trex Select?
Trex Enhance is a budget-friendly option featuring lightweight, scalloped boards that reduce material costs and make installation easier. It’s ideal for cost-effective, low-traffic projects. Trex Select offers thicker, solid boards with better durability, scratch resistance, and a textured wood-grain finish, making it suitable for moderate-to-high traffic areas and families with children or pets.
Which is more affordable: Trex Enhance or Trex Select?
Trex Enhance is the more affordable option, with prices ranging from $5 to $7 per square foot, making it perfect for homeowners on a tight budget. Trex Select, priced between $7 and $9 per square foot, provides added value with enhanced durability, refined aesthetics, and a classic wood-grain look. Both options deliver excellent long-term value compared to traditional wood.
Is Trex Enhance or Trex Select better for high-traffic areas?
Trex Select is better for high-traffic areas due to its full protective shell, which offers superior resistance to scratches, stains, and wear. It’s a great choice for outdoor entertaining spaces, family decks, and areas used frequently by children or pets. While Trex Enhance resists moisture and stains, its thinner shell is more suited for low-to-moderate traffic areas.
Are both Trex Enhance and Trex Select easy to install?
Yes, both are easy to install, but Trex Enhance is especially user-friendly. Its lightweight, scalloped design simplifies transportation and handling, making it an excellent choice for DIY projects or contractors working on tight timelines. Trex Select, while slightly heavier, provides a sturdier feel and is still manageable for most professional installations.
Do Trex Enhance and Trex Select come with a warranty?
Yes, both Trex Enhance and Trex Select are backed by a 25-year limited warranty covering fading and staining. This long-term protection ensures that your deck maintains its appearance and durability over time. With proper care, both options provide a worry-free outdoor solution for years to come, outperforming traditional wood decking.
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