Trex vs. Wood: What’s the Best Decking Material for Your Home?
- Mark Giannone
- Apr 11
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 20
If you’re building a new deck, there’s one question nearly every homeowner asks:
Should I go with Trex composite or traditional wood?
The answer? It depends on your budget, your expectations around maintenance, and how long you want it to last. At C-JAM Construction, we install both. Here's how they compare — based on real-world performance, cost, and what we’ve seen across South Jersey.
💲 Cost: Upfront vs. Long-Term
Wood: Pressure-treated wood decking is the most budget-friendly option upfront. It’s a smart choice if you're focused on saving cash early.
Trex Composite: Costs more initially, but you won’t be restaining or repairing it every few years. Long-term? You could break even or even save.
🛠️ Maintenance: One is Work. The Other is a Hose.
Wood: Needs to be sealed or stained every 2–3 years. You’re dealing with splinters, warping, fading, and mold if not maintained well.
Trex: No staining. No splinters. Just rinse it off with a hose once in a while.→ Trex’s low-maintenance surface is one of the biggest selling points.
More info: Trex Decking Care & Maintenance Guide
🧱 Durability & Lifespan
Wood: Lasts 15–20 years with good maintenance. Without it? You're lucky to get 10.
Trex: Designed to last 25–30+ years, and most products come with a 25-year warranty against fading and staining.
🌧️ Weather Resistance in South Jersey
Wood: Absorbs moisture. Reacts to humidity, heat, and freezing. That means warping, cracking, and rot over time.
Trex: Composite is built to resist moisture, mold, UV damage, and insect attacks. It handles the hot/cold swings of NJ weather like a pro.
🎨 Appearance & Style
Wood: Classic. Natural. Can be stained or painted nearly any color. But it fades and weathers over time unless maintained.
Trex: Comes pre-colored in wood-look finishes like Toasted Sand, Spiced Rum, and Foggy Wharf.→ No fading. No painting. Always looks clean.
Browse our projects: See our Trex and wood builds
🛡️ Warranty Coverage
Wood: Most lumber only carries a limited warranty for material defects — not labor, fading, or damage.
Trex: Backed by a 25-year limited residential warranty, covering fading, staining, and structural integrity.
Details: Trex Warranty Info
⚖️ Final Thoughts: Which One’s Right for You?
If you want... | Choose... |
Lowest cost up front | Wood |
Longest lifespan with minimal upkeep | Trex |
Natural look and full customization | Wood |
Low-maintenance, uniform finish | Trex |
At C-JAM Construction, we build both. Whether you’re after the warm look of wood or the long-term savings of Trex, we’ll help you compare options, walk through pricing, and pick what fits your home — no pressure, no BS.
Need help deciding? Read our post on Why Deck Framing Matters to see what goes under your boards.
📞 Call us at (856) 329-2933
Let’s build something that lasts.
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