This document provides an overview of the latest developments in wood-alternative decking materials. It discusses the evolution from traditional wood decking to alternative materials like composite decking and PVC. The key types of alternative decking discussed are traditional composite decking, PVC decking, and high-performance composite decking. For each type, the document outlines their composition, benefits, drawbacks, and characteristics to help understand the differences between wood and alternative decking options.

1. Latest Developments In
Wood-Alternative Decking

2. Credit(s) earned on completion of this program will be
reported to AIA/CES for AIA members. Certificates of
Completion are available to print upon completion of the
program.
This program is registered with AIA/CES for continuing
professional education. As such, it does not include content
that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or
endorsement by the AIA of any materials of construction or
any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or
dealing in any material or product.
Questions related to the information within this program
should be directed to Trex Company, Inc. upon completion
of this program.
AIA Best Practices
3

3. Copyright Materials
3
This presentation is protected by U.S. and
International Copyright laws. Reproduction,
distribution, display and use of the
presentation without written permission of
Trex Company, Inc. is prohibited.
© Trex Company, Inc., 2013

4. Course Description
4
• This course provides information on the wood-
alternative decking materials presently available
including:
• An understanding of the evolution of decking
materials;
• The differences among wood and various
alternative decking materials;
• The enhanced capability for building design and
aesthetics offered by wood-alternative decking.

5. Course Objectives
5
• Review the evolution
of decking materials
• Understand
differences between
wood and
alternative decking
materials
• Acquire basic
knowledge of high-
performance
composite decking
materials

6. Decking & Railing Market (North America):
$3.6B
6
• Primary driver: Residential remodeling
activity
o 3.1 million residential decks built in
2008
o 91% are added to existing homes or
replacing older decks
• Significant replacement potential in
installed base of 40 million wood decks
• Low-cost method of optimizing existing
home
o Deck additions rank in the top five
remodeling projects for resale value
• Favorable underlying trends
o Outdoor living
o Green building
o Low maintenance

7. The Deck Category
7
• In 1950s, the first residential “decks”
begin to appear; materials almost
exclusively wood planks.
• Homeowners want to improve
use of costly home sites.
• Decks seen as excellent
transition from interior to
exterior.
• Trend toward “outdoor living”
begins as extension of
home’s living area and puts
increased emphasis on aesthetics.
• Wood decks fade, warp, rot and
splinter, requiring regular care and
maintenance – creating an
opportunity for alternatives.

8. Alternative Materials Emerge
8
• By late 1980s, wood-alternative materials
appear in commercial projects — boardwalks,
marinas, dune walkovers.
• By early 1990s, early adoption in the residential
market as consumers seek low maintenance
(composite decking does not rot, warp, or
splinter and doesn’t require staining/sealing).
• In late 1990s, alternative materials begin to
challenge wood’s dominance.
• Around 2003, PVC decking was introduced to
the market. Benefit of scratch, stain, and fade
resistance.
• Around 2008, high-performance composite
decking was introduced. This is the latest in
decking technology and offers scratch, stain,
fade, and mold resistance with a warranty to
back it up. In addition, the product is

9. Material Options for Decking
9
• Traditional Wood Decking
• Wood-Alternative Decking
o Traditional composite decking
o PVC
o High-performance composite decking

10. Traditional Wood Decking Materials
10
• Pressure-Treated
Lumber (PTL)
• Cedar
• Redwood
• Douglas Fir
• Exotic Hardwoods
(Ipe, Mahogany)

11. Arsenic-free PTLs
11
• Arsenic-free PTLs do not
require EPA warnings;
considered safe to handle
• Industry concerns include
compatibility with
conventional sealers,
decreased longevity

12. Traditional Woods: Cedar
12
• Cypress family
• Resistant to rot, lasts nine
to 30 years if properly
maintained
• Moderate impact
resistance
• Relatively low strength,
high initial beauty
• Old growth harvesting
• Restricted
• 2nd growth shows
reduced
longevity, aesthetics

13. Traditional Woods: Redwood/Cedar/Douglas Fir
13
• Availability issues
• Warping, splintering,
cupping, etc
• Challenge getting needed
size
• High maintenance
• Environmental concerns

14. Exotic Woods: Ipe, Mahogany, etc.
14
• Many species, sub-species
• Very durable, heavy, strong
• Low maintenance; won’t shrink
• Lasts up to 30 years; longer
if properly maintained
• Dense, difficult to tool – labor
costs high
• High initial cost
• Harvested from Central,
South American rainforests
• Can be sealed; difficult to paint
or varnish

15. Benefits of Wood Decks
15
• Affordable
• Widely available
• Easy to cut and saw
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Weathers naturally

16. Drawbacks of Wood Decks
16
• Require staining, painting,
sanding or sealing
• Rot, split, swell, twist, fade
• Nail pops and splinters
• Contribute to
deforestation
• Mold and mildew growth

17. Shift Toward Alternative Materials
17
• Addressing the drawbacks of wood:
o Maintenance
o Durability
o Liability

18. Residential Decking and Railing Market
18
• Residential Decking &
Railing sales $3.6B in
2012
• Composites have gained
significant market share
• Composites offer better
aesthetics, functionality
and durability than
wood
61%
5%
34%
Composite/ Cellular PVC/ Plastic
97%
3%
1999 2012
Substantial
conversion
Metal
Lumber

19. Alternative Materials
19
• Traditional Composites (uncapped)
• PVC
• High-Performance Composites (capped/shelled)

20. Traditional Composite Lumber:
Characteristics
20
• Stays pliable in low
temperatures
• Decking planks require
gapping
• Not currently suited for
column, beam, joist,
stringer, other primary
load-bearing applications
• Range of colors are
available (including dark
colors)

21. Traditional Composite Lumber: Features
21
• Long life-cycle in outdoor
use
• High impact and abrasion
resistant
• No toxic chemical content
• ADA compliant
• Won’t warp, check, crack or
splinter
• Can be cut, milled, fastened,
painted like wood –
moderate stiffness vs.
traditional woods

22. Traditional Composite Lumber: Make-Up
22
• Made from polyethylene (PE) or
polypropylene (PP) and high-quality
waste hardwood, softwoods
• Most manufacturers use significant
amount virgin PE or PP; other
manufacturers use significant
amount of reclaimed/recycled PE
• Wood comes from manufacturers
as excess scrap and is ground into
wood flour
• Post-consumer, post industrial
content from 40% to 95%
depending upon manufacturer
• Additives are used for color and UV
stabilization

23. Benefits of Traditional Composite Lumber
23
• Will not rot, warp, or splinter
• Environmentally friendly
• Lower maintenance than wood
• Less likely to crack or check
• Easy to bend and curve patterns
• Resists termites and decay
• Easy to cut, screw, and saw
• Can be built with traditional tools
• Compatible with hidden fastening
systems
• Resists chalking
• Does not need sanding, painting,
or staining

24. Traditional Composite Lumber: Issues
24
• Fade and stain
• Requires periodic
cleaning with deck
wash
• Susceptible to
scratches
• Susceptible to mold
and mildew

25. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) Lumber: Make up
25
• Known as Polyvinyl Chloride
• Made from plastic: Primarily virgin material
• Contains no organic filler
• Ethylene and chlorine are raw materials for PVC
• Crude oil is the upstream raw material

26. PVC Lumber: Features
26
• Rot-resistant, won’t split
or delaminate
• Non-toxic and resists
insect damage
• Low maintenance
• Two major forms: mono-
and co-extruded
• Typically add UV screens
to resist fading,
breakdown, discoloration

27. PVC Lumber: Characteristics
27
• Can be welded like vinyl;
cut and fastened like
wood
• Colors muted
• Cellular PVC is brittle
below 40º F
• Poor impact resistance

28. PVC Lumber Decking: Benefits
28
• Stain, scratch, and mold resistant
• Lightweight
• Cleans with soap and water
• Easy to bend and curve patterns
• Resists termites and decay
• Easy to cut, screw, and saw
• Can be built with traditional tools
• Does not need sanding, painting, or staining

29. PVC Lumber Decking: Issues
29
• No fade and stain warranty
• Susceptible to stains from
rubber mats and suntan
lotion
• Chalking
• Not environmentally friendly
• Higher cost; driven by price
of oil
• Looks like plastic

30. High-Performance Composites
30
• Materials, manufacturing
• Profiles, colors, textures
• Special attributes

31. High-Performance Composites: Make Up
31
• Made from polyethylene (PE) or
polypropylene (PP) and high-
quality waste hardwood,
softwoods
• Wood comes from manufacturers
excess scrap and ground into
wood flour
• Product is wrapped with a cap or
shell for protection from the
elements.
• Additives are used for color and
UV stabilization
• Cap/shell protective layer
provides ability to provide greater
scratch, stain, fade, and mold
resistance with a 25-year
warranty

32. High-Performance Composites: Benefits
32
• Scratch, stain, fade, and mold resistant
• Fade and stain warranties
• Deep, rich colors
• Cleaned with soap and water or
pressure washer
• Natural wood-grain finishes
• Environmentally friendly
• Will not rot, warp, or splinter
• Easy to bend and curve patterns
• Resists termites and decay
• Easy to cut, screw, and saw
• Can be built with traditional tools
• Compatible with hidden fastening
systems
• Resists chalking
• Does not need sanding, painting, or
staining

33. High-Performance Composites: Characteristics
33
• Stays pliable in low
temperatures
• Decking planks require
gapping
• Not currently suited for
column, beam, joist,
stringer, and other
primary load-bearing
applications
• Plethora of colors are
available

34. High-Performance Composites: Construction
34
• Typical formulation about
half wood flour, half
plastic
• Plastic is encapsulates
wood particles to create a
bond
• Cap/shell is co-extruded
• Continuous extrusion
process

35. Consumer Preference
35
0% 6% 11% 17% 22% 28%
Maintenance
Color Retention
Eco-friendliness
Staining
Price
Material
Aesthetics/Finish
Board Shape
Brand
% of total importance-a
a- based on spread of levels
Maintenance is the overall most important attribute; when coupled with color retention and staining, this
attribute grouping accounts for 53 percent of the overall importance
Eco-friendliness was the third-most important attribute
Price is the fifth-most important attribute overall
Homeowners > Overall Attribute Importance

36. Waste Material Sources
36
• Some manufacturers use:
o Wood from furniture or hardwood flooring industries; used wood
pallets; similar sources
o Polyethylene from used grocery, garment bags; pallet wrap; other
sources
• The leading WPC manufacturer keeps some 400,000 tons of
plastic and wood scrap out of landfills each year

37. High-Performance Composites: Installation
37
• Tools and
Handling
• Spans
• Gapping
• Care and Cleaning

38. Installation Tools
38
• High-performance
composites work as easily
as wood with saws,
routers, drills, other
traditional tools
• Some hollow or ribbed
profiles are not suited to
ripping. Check with
manufacturer for
recommendations

39. Handling (weight)
39
• High-performance
composite lumber weight
is comparable to
hardwood
• Typical weight is around
2.5 lbs. / lineal ft.

40. Joist Spans
40
• Residential and commercial
application joist spacing
generally 16” on center
• Some manufacturers offer
decking products that are
rated for a joist spacing of
24” on center
• Spans should be reduced
when decking is placed at an
angle to joist
• 100psf to 200psf uniform live
loads are typical
• Check with manufacturer for
load, deflection details of
specific profiles

41. Gapping
41
• Must gap end to end and side to
side
• Typical width-to-width gap is ¼”
in normal weather, 3/8” in cold
weather
• Many manufacturers offer
hidden fasteners that
automatically gap deck boards
width-to-width

42. Care and Cleaning
42
Dirt and Debris
The affected area should be sprayed off with a hose to remove surface debris. Use warm soapy water and a soft
bristle brush to remove dirt and debris from the embossing pattern.
Chalk Lines
High performance chalk lines may discolor the surface. Use only Irwin Strait-Line®* Dust-Off Marking Chalk (purple),
available at Irwin.com
Tannins Due to Debris
Remove all debris from the deck using a hose or broom. Once the deck surface is dry, apply a Deck Brightener** to
the deck as directed by the manufacturer. Deck Brighteners contain oxalic acid, which will also remove tannins.
Ice and Snow
A plastic shovel may be used to remove snow from the deck. Use calcium chloride or rock salt to melt the snow and
ice from the deck surface.
Oil, Grease and Food
All food spills should be removed as soon as possible. To remove, spray off with a hose and use warm, soapy water
and a soft bristle brush to remove spills from the embossing pattern.
Mold and Mildew
If debris such as pollen and dirt is allowed to remain on the deck surface, mold can feed on the biofilm. Using a hose
and warm, soapy water with a soft bristle brush is recommended to remove the food source and mold.
Using a Pressure Washer (Concrete, Stucco or Ground-in Construction Dirt)
A pressure washer with no greater than 3100 psi***** that has a fan attachment/adjustment and soap dispenser
may be used to remove dirt, concrete dust, or other types of construction dirt. Spray deck with soap, then follow with
gently scrubbing each deck board with a soft bristle brush. Spray/rinse each individual deck board using a fan tip no
closer than 8" from the decking surface. RINSE THOROUGHLY. If dirty water from cleaning is left to dry, this will cause
a film to remain on the decking surface.

43. High-Performance Composites: Other
Applications
43
• Porches to
Playgrounds
• Boardwalks
to Benches
• And the list
is growing . .
.

44. Amusement Areas, Benches, Boardwalks
44

45. Footbridges, Piers, Marinas
45

46. Planter Boxes, Playgrounds, Signage
46

47. Specifying High-Performance Composites
47
Specifying wood-polymer material is
straightforward. As with virtually any building
product, the designer needs to check codes,
availability and specifications.
• Codes
• Availability
• Specifications

48. Discussion Time
48
Any Questions?

49. Latest Developments in Wood-Alternative Decking
An AIA Continuing Education Program
Credit for this course is 1 AIA/CES Learning Unit
This concludes the continuing education course.
Thank you for your time!
Course Sponsor:
TREX Corporation
Course Number:
Course Title:
Latest Developments
in Wood-Alternative
Decking
160 Exeter Drive
Winchester, VA 22603
Phone: 540-542-6300
Fax: 410-732-8625
E-mail:
Architect@trex.com
Web:
www.trex.com

50. 51
Why ?
• World’s leading brand of wood-alternative decking
• Proven performance backed by a strong warranty
• Network of company-employed sales reps throughout the country
• Widely distributed and available (more than 6,000 retail locations)

51. 52
More Than Just Decking
Complete outdoor system:
– Steel deck framing
– Decking
– Railing
– Porch
– Outdoor Lighting
– Trim
And even extras like:
– Deck drainage systems
– Outdoor furniture
– Pergolas
– Saw Blades
– Spiral Stairs

52. Environmentally Friendly
Trex uses recycled plastic and reclaimed wood to create
environmentally friendly products
• Keeping more than 400 million pounds of plastic and wood
scrap out of landfills annually
• Trex recycles all forms of polyethylene - including packaging,
shrink wrap, and shopping bags.

53. Not Just Green. Certifiably Green.
• Decking is certified to
contain 95% recycled
material from the ICC-ES
SAVE Verification
• Trex products contribute to
a project’s LEED points (per
the US Green Building
Council)

54. 55
Decking and Railing

55. Market Overview
• Marketplace:
– Gap between wood and traditional composites is closing due to price on wood increasing
– Composite decking expected to grow low- to mid-single digits in 2014
– New construction is starting to rebound
• Marketplace Trends:
– High-performance decking exceeded 50% share in 2013
– PVC has become a niche product line
• Market Outlook:
– High-performance decking will have 90% share in 2015
– Uncapped composites will be limited to opening price point
• Trex Outlook:
– Commercialize current product portfolio for 2014
– Reposition product lineup

56. 57
What’s Impacting the Market?
• Better Aesthetics
– More natural look and feel
– Streaked finishes
– Hidden fastener, seamless surface finish
– Deck Lighting
• Better Performance
– Stain, Fade, & Scratch resistant
• Green
– More emphasis with product specifiers
• Design Flexibility
– Less products, more options
• Improved Value Proposition
– High-performance products are delivering on the low maintenance plus high-
aesthetic promise to capture a broader range of consumers.

57. 58
Decking

58. 59
Good, Better, Best Decking Lineup
Positioning
Better Looks
Natural, Earth-Tone Colors
Better Performance
No matching railing
Big Box focused
25 Year Fade & Stain
Warranty
Positioning
Best Looks
Rich, Earth Tone Colors
Best Performance
Premium Product
Class B Fire Rating
25 Year Fade & Stain
Warranty
Positioning
Good Looks
Natural Wood Grain
Good Performance
Opening Price Point
Railing in white only
25-Year Fade & Stain Warranty
BestGood Better

59. Unparalleled Beauty
High-definition wood grain in
seven rich colors to mix, match
and mingle
Hassle-Free
Easy soap & water cleanup
Fade, Stain, Scratch & Mold
Resistant
Maintains beauty and color
through changing seasons,
messy barbecues, and active
lifestyles
Earth-Friendly
Made from 95% recycled
materials
25-year Limited Fade & Stain
Warranty
A guarantee unheard of for any
other kind of decking

60. 61
Transcend Decking Colors

61. • Scratch, stain, fade and mold resistant
• 25-year fade and stain warranty
• ICC Save Listed – contains 95.4% recycled
content
• Groove and square edge
• 3 colors available
• 5.5 inch standard width
• 3-sided shell protection
• 48 pc bundle unit
Compatible with Trex
Universal Hidden
Fastener

62. 63
• Scratch, stain, fade and mold resistant
• ICC Save Listed – contains 95.4% recycled content
• Groove and square edge
• 5 colors available
• Trex Select railing in white only
• 3-sided shell protection
• 5.5 inch standard width
• 25-year fade and stain warranty
• 64 pc bundle unit
Pebble Grey

63. Like What You’re (Not) Seeing?

64. 65
Fascia

65. 66
First to market white-capped WPC fascia
• Universal White capped composite fascia board
• Complements any Trex® decking product
• More durable than cellular PVC
– Much more impact resistant
• 25-year fade and stain warranty
• Trex Fascia options (every decking color):
– Good – TrexTrim™
– Better – Trex Universal Fascia (White Only)
– Best – Trex Transcend® Fascia

66. 67
Railing

67. 68
Positioning
Vinyl Rail Replacement
Good Looks
Good Performance
Lowest Price Point
Positioning
Superior Looks
Superior High-performance
New Beveled Rail Design
Multiple Rail Configurations
Positioning
Excellent for Commercial & Multi-
story Applications
Matte, Powder-coated Finish
Enhanced Performance
Great for Hardscape Applications
Good, Better, Best Railing Platform
Good BestBetter

68. 6969
Trex Composite Advantage
Trex Composite Technology
• Superior strength and workability
• Twice the stiffness of vinyl
• Reduced thermal expansion versus vinyl
• High moisture resistance vs. wood
• High heat resistance – resists distortion in sun
• Renewable, reclaimable & responsible
• Made From 43% Reclaimed Wood Fibers

69. 7070
Trex Composite Advantage
Trex Railing Resists Twice As Much Force As Vinyl Without Deflection or Deformation

70. 7171
Trex Composite Advantage
Trex Railing has less than 50% of the Thermal Expansion
Qualities Compared To PVC Resulting In a Longer Product
Life With No Rattling

71. 7272
Trex Composite Advantage
Trex Railing Offers The Strength Of Wood Without The
Risk Of Moisture Damage

72. 7373
Trex Composite Advantage
Trex Railing Will Remain Rigid & Stable In The Most
Demanding High Heat Environments

73. 74
Colors

74. 75
Design Options
Square AL Tubular Colonial Glass Panel
Baluster Options
Color OptionsKit Options
-6ft & 8ft
- Stair and Horizontal
Railing
Options
Beveled
Top/Bottom Rail Universal
Top/Bottom Rail
Crown Top Rail

75. 76

76. Key Features and Benefits
• Superior strength-to-weight versus alternatives
• “Minimalistic” geometry allows for designs with
improved visibility
• Easy installation
• Green: 50% Recycle Content
• Made in USA
• Industry-leading warranty
• Unmatched aesthetics
• 25-year Residential & Commercial Warranty (including
Coast)
77
Scale: 6’ & 8’ 36” & 42” Height
Orientation: Horizontal & Stair
Configuration: Post to Post & Crossover
Balusters: ¾” Round & ¾” Square

77. 78
Design Considerations
78
Critical Design Considerations
• Ease of assembly
• No exposed (all hidden) fasteners
• Code compliance to 8’ x 42”
• Option to eliminate need for secondary (ADA) handrail
• Type 1 graspable
• Continuous “cross over” configuration
• AMMA- 2604 “Certified” Powder Coating
• Adaptable to aluminum posts or composite 4x4 post sleeve
• “Complete” kit format
• Ease of purchase
• Minimal SKUs
• Retail-friendly packaging

78. 79
Railing

79. 80
Penetrate PVC “Hollow Vinyl” railing market with a capped ALL composite offering
• Residential PVC “Hollow Vinyl” rail market is $189MM, incremental to composites.
• Re-positioning Trex railing line up to capture distinct user segments in an ALL COMPOSITE system
• Designed for the DIY homeowner and production builder
Key Features and Benefits
• Unique external bracket system
• 6’ & 8’ level and stair
• Pre-routed rail profiles

80. 81

81. 82
• Durable low-voltage, LED
lighting
• Operates up to 40,000
hours
• Uses 75% less energy
than incandescent

82. 83
Post Cap Light
Deck Rail Light
Riser Light
Recessed Deck Light

83. 84

84. • Stronger
– Fewer posts/more flexible designs
• Straighter
– Consistent dimensions
– Dimensionally Stable
– Flat, finished surface
• Safer
– Non-combustible
– Class 1A Fire Rating
– Termite Resistant
• Smarter
– Long-lasting
– 25-year warranty
– Lighter than wood/less physically
taxing

85. • Uses a system of beams, joists and tracks to build easily and
evenly
• Outstanding performance
• Beauty from every angle

86. Code Acceptance

87. Commercial Acceptance

88. Elevations Project – Single Family

89. Latest Developments in Wood-Alternative Decking
Western Building Center
westernbuildingcenter.com

90. 91
Thank you!