Trex decking is a popular choice for homeowners looking to create a beautiful and durable outdoor living space. Made from a blend of recycled wood and plastic, Trex offers the look and feel of natural wood without the maintenance hassles.
However, to keep your Trex deck looking its best, there are some simple maintenance tasks you should perform regularly. In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to know about Trex decking maintenance, ensuring your deck remains a stunning feature of your home for years.
Choosing The Right Products
You must use cleaning solutions and sealants designed specifically for composite deck materials when maintaining your Trex decking. Harsh chemicals like bleach or acidic deck washes can degrade and corrode the structure of Trex.
Using the proper products protects your investment by preventing premature aging, staining, and surface damage during maintenance. Always verify composite deck compatibility before applying any product to your beautiful Trex decking.
Sweeping Regularly
A quick daily or weekly sweep keeps your Trex deck looking its best. Use a broom with soft bristles. Sweeping removes pollen, dirt, leaves, and other debris that can stain Trex if allowed to accumulate. It only takes a few minutes. Develop a habit of giving your deck a quick sweep whenever you’re outside.
Spot Cleaning Spills
Spills and stains happen. Catch them quickly with some mild dish soap and warm water. Squirt a small amount of soap right onto the stain. Use a soft bristle brush and gently scrub the area in a circular motion.
Then, rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Repeat if needed for stubborn stains. Don’t let spills sit too long before addressing them.
Seasonal Deep Cleaning
In addition to regular sweeping, your Trex deck needs a deep clean one to two times per year—spring and fall are ideal times.
Use a composite deck cleaner and a soft bristle brush. Then, apply the solution liberally across the entire deck surface. Let it sit briefly, then scrub each board using smooth back-and-forth motions along the grain. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose. Avoid high pressure, which can damage Trex.
Removing Mold And Mildew
While Trex resists mold far better than wood, mold spores in the air can still leave unsightly spots. Use a composite deck brightener to remove them. Composite brighteners contain oxalic or glycolic acid to dissolve mold and mildew stains without bleach.
Wear gloves, spray generously across stained areas, let sit for 5-10 minutes, and rinse clean. Repeat this annually or whenever you notice dark mold spots.
Sealing Your Deck
Applying a sealant protects your Trex deck from UV damage, stains, and dirt buildup. Clean your deck thoroughly before sealing it for the first time.
Consider using a spray-on or roll-on composite deck sealer, not a penetrating oil sealer made for wood. Apply two thin, even coats, allowing proper drying time between coats. Reapply sealer every 1-2 years.
Inspecting For Damage
Inspect your Trex deck boards once or twice per year, especially if you notice soft spots or cracking underfoot. Look for loose deck screws, nail heads protruding from joists, warped or buckling boards, cracking, excessive gapping, or structural problems with joints.
Address any issues right away to prevent further deck damage. Consider asking the pros for help, especially when tackling severe damage.
Replacing Hardware
The screws, nails, and metal hardware used to build your Trex deck also require maintenance. Use a Cordless drill to remove and replace any corroded fasteners, screws with mushroom heads, or nails that pop up over time. Apply touch-up exterior paint to any railings or metal structural components that show signs of rust.
Cleaning Under The Deck
Don’t neglect the space under your Trex deck. Regularly clean the area underneath your Trex decking. Sweep away dirt and leaves, clear branches or debris, and rinse away mold or mildew buildup.
Also, trim back nearby plants to increase air circulation. This prevents moisture and rotting organic matter from being trapped against joists or support beams.
Routine under-deck cleaning protects the structural integrity of your Trex deck from below and prevents costly damage from developing out of sight.
Using Good Judgment
Not all deck product warnings make sense for Trex. Avoid applying film-forming sealants that can peel. Don’t use deck stains or wood fillers that can look unsightly on composite materials. And never sand Trex boards or use abrasive cleaners.
Trust your judgment, read all labels carefully, and remember that Trex isn’t wood when maintaining your low-maintenance deck.
Final Thoughts
With these tips, you’ll enjoy decades of pleasure from your gorgeous Trex deck with minimal upkeep required. Maintain your Trex deck properly, and it’ll retain its good looks with none of the splitting, cracking, staining, or rotting problems of wood decks exposed to harsh weather. Follow these homeowner tips for making Trex deck care as low-maintenance as possible.
