Trex Decks in Phoenix: Eight Questions, Honest Answers

Mostly recycled material: reclaimed wood fiber and recycled plastic film, formed into boards and wrapped in a protective outer shell. The result looks like wood and behaves more like plastic.

Any surface in direct July sun gets hot here, including concrete, pavers and composite. Lighter colors stay noticeably cooler than dark ones, and Trex's newest boards are designed to absorb less heat than its earlier generations. Shade over the seating area matters more than any board choice.

Low-maintenance is the honest description. You will never sand, stain or seal it. You will sweep it and wash it with soap and water a couple of times a year, more after dust storms.

Early composites did. Today's capped boards are made to resist fading and staining, and Trex's warranty covers both. Expect a slight settling of color in the first weeks, then very little change.

The cap resists both well, but it is not armor. Use pads under furniture legs, do not drag heavy planters, and wipe up grease from the grill rather than letting it bake in.

Trex costs more to buy and install. Wood costs more to own: stain, sealer and labor every couple of years. Over the life of the deck the gap narrows considerably, and for many people the saved weekends decide it.

Decades when installed correctly. Trex backs its boards with long limited warranties that vary by product line. The frame underneath is usually wood, so its quality sets the real lifespan of the deck.

Sometimes. The frame has to be sound, and the joists close enough together for composite. We inspect it and tell you plainly whether reusing it is sensible or a false saving.