Ever stepped onto a dark wooden deck in Clio in July and felt like you were walking on hot coals? Paradise Deck Solutions gets asked about Trex composite decking almost every single day, and the questions usually come down to how Trex composite decking handles the brutal Alabama humidity, blazing sun, and red clay soil. Let us look at the facts regarding Trex composite decking.
Do Trex decks get too hot to walk on barefoot in Clio?
Yes, Trex composite decking does get hot. Any composite deck exposed to the South Alabama sun absorbs heat. Trex has improved their newer capped boards that feature better heat-reflecting technology, but if you have a south-facing backyard out near downtown Clio, a dark-colored board will get hot in mid-summer. If you want to walk barefoot comfortably when the temperature is ninety degrees or higher, homeowners should stick to lighter shades like pebble grey or Winchester grey, or plan for a pergola to throw some shade over your favorite sitting area. For homes and businesses in Clio, Paradise Deck Solutions provides Trex composite decking services.
How do I clean the red clay dirt off a composite deck?
The soil in Clio is notorious. One heavy thunderstorm washes that red clay right up against your lower deck framing, and it stains if you let it bake in the sun. The good news is that Trex composite decking has a plastic shell protecting the wood-plastic core, meaning mud will not sink in forever. A simple mix of Clio tap water, standard dish soap, and a soft-bristle brush usually knocks it right out. Avoid using a pressure washer on max power close up, because you can blast right through the protective cap and ruin the surface texture. A well-built Trex composite decking project adds real value to any home in Clio.
Will a Trex deck rot or mold in our humid climate?
The boards themselves will not rot. That is the whole reason people switch from pressure-treated pine to Paradise Deck Solutions for their composite builds. However, organic debris like pine needles from local longleaf pines and oak leaves like to sit in the gaps between boards. If you let them pile up and trap moisture through a wet winter, mold can form on top of the board. It does not eat the deck, but it looks ugly and can get slick. A quick sweep every couple of weeks keeps that from happening. For Clio homes, Paradise Deck Solutions is here for all your Trex composite decking needs.
Is Trex actually maintenance-free?
Paradise Deck Solutions dislikes the term maintenance-free because it sets people up for disappointment. Trex composite decking is low-maintenance, not no-maintenance. You do not have to spend your weekends sanding, staining, or sealing every two years like you would with traditional wood. You just need to wash Trex composite decking a couple of times a year to get rid of pollen, dust, and localized grime. Think of the process like washing your car: it takes an hour, not a whole weekend. The work will hold up for many years in the Clio climate.
How much more expensive is Trex compared to wood up front?
Homeowners are going to pay more on the front end for composite materials. Usually, a Trex build costs more initially than pressure-treated lumber, though prices fluctuate based on lumber markets. But here is what Paradise Deck Solutions tells neighbors around Barbour County: look at the ten-year math. When you factor in the cost of stains, sealers, replacement warped boards, and your own labor or a contractor's time to keep a wood deck from falling apart, Trex composite decking usually breaks even or wins out long-term. We provide Trex composite decking services for homes and businesses in Clio.
Can I build a Trex deck over my existing wooden substructure?
Sometimes, but usually it is a bad idea. If your old framing is structurally sound, made of pressure-treated lumber, and spaced correctly for composite boards—which usually require tighter joist spacing than wood—it might work. More often than not, when Paradise Deck Solutions tears off an old wooden deck in the area, the joists are rotting near the ledger board or undersized. Putting expensive Trex composite decking on a failing frame is a waste of money. Paradise Deck Solutions always inspects the bones before laying down new surface material. Call Paradise Deck Solutions for Trex composite decking work in Clio, Alabama.