Make the Right Choice: Trex or PVC Decking?

The right decking material can make or break your outdoor experience. You want a deck that looks great, lasts for years, and doesn’t require constant upkeep. But with so many options on the market, choosing between Trex composite decking and PVC decking can feel overwhelming. While both promise durability and low maintenance, their differences in cost, performance, and environmental impact make it essential to weigh your options carefully.

Trex offers the warmth and natural look of wood, combined with impressive durability and sustainability. On the other hand, PVC provides waterproof performance and a virtually maintenance-free surface, but at a higher cost and with a less eco-friendly footprint. So which one is right for you?

In this guide, we break down the key differences between Trex and PVC decking to help you make an informed decision—so you can invest in a deck that enhances your home, fits your lifestyle, and stands the test of time.

1. Material Composition and Structure

Trex Composite Decking: The Best of Both Worlds

Trex composite decking is made from 95% recycled wood fibers and plastic, blending the best qualities of both materials. The wood fibers create a realistic grain texture that feels and looks like natural wood, while the plastic component reinforces durability and resistance to rot and insects. This combination makes Trex an excellent choice for homeowners who want the charm of wood without the constant upkeep.

But what about moisture resistance? Trex is capped with a durable shell that protects against fading, stains, and scratches. However, because the core still contains wood, moisture exposure on uncapped edges can lead to minor swelling over time. Proper installation and sealing the ends help prevent this.

PVC Decking: 100% Synthetic, 100% Waterproof

If you want absolute moisture resistance, PVC decking is the way to go. Made entirely from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), it contains no organic material—which means no risk of rot, mold, or insect damage. It’s completely waterproof, making it ideal for coastal areas, poolside decks, and docks.

PVC decking is also lighter than Trex, making it easier to handle during installation. However, since it lacks natural fibers, its texture can feel more synthetic—even with wood grain embossing.

2. Durability and Longevity

Trex: Built Tough, But Not Invincible

Trex composite decking is designed to resist rot, insect damage, and general wear. Its capped surface layer helps protect against scratches and stains, making it much more durable than wood. However, because it contains wood fibers, moisture exposure to uncapped edges can cause swelling over time.

Scratches? While Trex holds up well to normal foot traffic, dragging heavy furniture or sharp objects across the boards can leave marks. Unlike wood, which can be sanded down, scratches on Trex are permanent—so it’s best to use furniture pads or outdoor rugs in high-traffic areas.

PVC: Waterproof and Stain-Proof, But Can Be Brittle

PVC decking is completely waterproof, making it the best option for decks exposed to heavy rain, humidity, or pool splashes. Unlike Trex, it will never absorb water or swell, ensuring long-term durability in damp environments.

PVC also boasts superior stain resistance, which means spilled wine, grease, or sunscreen won’t leave lasting marks. However, PVC can be more brittle than Trex, making it more susceptible to cracking under extreme temperature changes or heavy impacts.

4. Appearance and Aesthetic Appeal

Trex: The Warm, Natural Look of Wood

If you want a deck that mimics the appearance of real wood, Trex is the clear winner. With multi-tonal colors, realistic grain patterns, and a matte finish, it closely resembles high-end hardwoods like mahogany and teak. Because it contains wood fibers, Trex also has a textured surface that feels more organic underfoot.

Trex offers a wide variety of shades, from rich browns and deep reds to modern grays. Its capped surface technology ensures that colors remain vibrant over time and resist fading even in direct sunlight.

PVC: Sleek, Modern, and Uniform

PVC decking has a more uniform appearance due to its fully synthetic composition. While some high-end brands add grain patterns to simulate wood, PVC often has a glossier finish that can look more artificial, especially in bright light.

However, PVC excels in modern outdoor designs. If you prefer a sleek, contemporary aesthetic with clean lines and solid colors, PVC is a great option. Plus, some premium PVC brands like TimberTech AZEK® now offer embossed, low-gloss finishes to improve their resemblance to real wood.

5. Heat Retention and Comfort

Trex: Can Get Warm, But Manageable

Trex decking, especially in darker shades, can absorb heat and become warm under direct sunlight. While it doesn’t get as hot as some natural wood options, walking barefoot on a Trex deck in peak summer can be uncomfortable. Using lighter-colored boards or adding shade structures like pergolas can help reduce heat absorption.

PVC: Stays Cooler Underfoot

PVC decking generally retains less heat than composite decking, making it the better option for hot climates. Many high-end PVC brands incorporate heat-reflective technology to minimize temperature buildup, ensuring a more comfortable walking surface.

6. Cost Considerations

Trex: Affordable and Cost-Effective Over Time

Trex composite decking33 sits in the mid-range price category, making it more affordable than PVC while still offering premium durability and aesthetics. The upfront cost of Trex is higher than wood, but it provides significant long-term savings since there’s no need for staining, sealing, or frequent repairs.

In terms of installation costs, Trex decking requires standard tools and framing, making it relatively straightforward for contractors and DIY enthusiasts alike. Because it’s heavier than PVC, labor costs may be slightly higher, but overall, it remains an economical choice for homeowners looking for a balance between quality and cost.

PVC: A Bigger Upfront Investment, But Worth It?

PVC decking is typically more expensive than Trex due to its 100% synthetic composition and high-end manufacturing process. 

However, the higher price tag reflects its waterproof nature, ultra-low maintenance, and superior stain resistance. If you’re building a deck in a high-moisture environment or want the absolute lowest upkeep, PVC might be worth the investment.

Another factor to consider is installation. PVC is lighter and easier to cut, which can lower labor costs in some cases. However, premium PVC brands may require specialized fasteners that can add to the overall expense.

6. Environmental Impact

Trex: Leading the Way in Sustainability

If eco-friendliness is a priority, Trex is hard to beat. Made from 95% recycled materials, Trex repurposes wood scraps and plastic bags to create its composite decking. In fact, Trex prevents more than 1 billion pounds of plastic and wood waste from reaching landfills each year. Choosing Trex means you’re getting a durable deck while reducing your environmental footprint.

PVC: Durable but Less Eco-Friendly

While long-lasting, PVC decking is not as environmentally friendly as Trex. Most PVC boards are made from virgin plastic, meaning they rely on new synthetic materials rather than recycled content. While some high-end PVC brands are working toward incorporating recycled plastics, PVC manufacturing is generally more resource-intensive. Additionally, disposing of PVC decking at the end of its life cycle is more challenging compared to Trex.

Final Thoughts

Your outdoor space should be a place of relaxation, not endless maintenance. While Trex offers a perfect balance of durability, aesthetics, and sustainability, PVC may seem appealing for its waterproof nature—but it falls short on eco-friendliness and long-term value.

At Warner’s Decking, we specialize exclusively in Trex decking, ensuring that your outdoor space is built with industry-leading composite materials designed for longevity and beauty. If you want a deck that looks stunning, requires minimal upkeep, and helps the environment, Trex is a clear choice—and Warner’s Decking is here to make it happen.

Contact us today to explore Trex decking options that fit your lifestyle and transform your outdoor living space!