When talking aboutdeck flooring, it is a must that you put quality materials.
Traditionally, people have been using wood materials for decking and construction, in general.
However, as time passes, people have been switching to composite decking as an alternative to deck flooring.
Fiberon is way newer than trex but it has been making significant traction among builders and homeowners today.
It is also easier to fit in the tones of your homes and buildings because of this feature.
Pros and cons of Fiberon decking?
Although Fiberon is a reputable brand, it also comes with its own pros and cons.
Trex decking has been around, twice the age of Fiberon in the market.
It is considered as the original composite decking company, serving its market for more than sixty years now.
They have been made popular because they were the go-to decking option when wood materials are not considered.
Its main feature is its signature smooth tucking and shaped decking which wood cannot offer.
Trex decking is made of high-quality plastics, offering low-maintenance, water and weather resistant features.
Trex are known because they make great platforms like the patios, raised pathways, especially decks.
However, they cannot be used in making house frames and a shed.
As much as it has reputable strengths, it also has its own fair share of cons.
In fairness to these two decking brands, they also have some similarities, although not very vast.
For one, they are both weather resistant.
They also make the deck slip-free, making it functional year-round.
They also offer a wide range of colors and fastening systems, among others.
In all other aspects, they have a firm difference.
What are the differences between Fiberon and Trex decking?
When it comes to visual appeal, Fiberon and Trex truly do seem alike.
However, they have a lot of differences which you cannot see and compare at first glance.
When this feature is faced off, the aesthetic appeal would be the main difference.
For instance, Trex features three sides: the transcend, better and good.
It is also more cost-effective compared to Fiberon.
Trex also uses plastic, wood, scrap wood as materials in their composite decking.
On the other hand, Fiberon claims that 94% of its materials are also made or recyclables.
Both, nonetheless, claim that they use eco-friendly materials.
This is the reason why Trex is considered as one of the go-to choices for decking.
Fiberon on the other hand, has kept up, and is now made more available in the market.
However, the 50-year limit warranty of Fiberon is not applied to all its products.
As far as deck boards are concerned, Trex offers a 25-year warrant while Fiberon offers 20-year warranty.
Either or, choosing between these two would surely give you the highest quality and service possible.
These two brands have the same color palette featuring an array of grays and browns in different shades.
Trex for one, is filled with glass nylon fastener while Fiberon uses EPDM plastic.
Both nonetheless, are COMO partners, a deck fastening brand which is known for its performance and durability.
The next noticeable difference when it comes to installing is the face nailing.
7.Maintenance
Fortunately,both brands do not require a high level of maintenance.
For one, Fiberon only requires two times of cleaning each year.
On the other hand, Trex does not recommend or require a specific number of cleaning days annually.
Related:How to Choose the Most Affordable Composite Decking For Your Garden?
Compared to Trex, Fiberon has more limited accessory ranges.
When it comes to this aspect, Trex is given a major plus.
9.Price
This one is a primary factor to consider when it comes to decking.
However, this does not apply to all.
As for price comparisons for specific products, Fiberon is generally more expensive than Trex too.
Its many years in the market and the reputation it has established speaks for itself already.
Most importantly, its availability in the market is also a manifestation of its reputability.
Hence, here are some FAQs about Fiberon and Trex decking for you.
Does Fiberon scratch easily?
Is Fiberon decking slippery when wet?
Fiberon has high water resistance, proven under a slip test conducted by the Fiberon company itself.
It has a more stable traction when it comes to its composite surface.
Does Fiberon expand and contract?
Though they do expand and contract, it is not an immediate issue to be concerned of.
Can Fiberon decking be power washed?
Yes, but it requires extreme caution as it may damage your composite decks.
Can Trex decking be painted?
Deck staining compels homeowners the need to paint it to conceal them.
When having to stain your decks, confirm that you pick the right materials.
A paint can renew the look of a material but only when applied properly.
Why is Trex composite decking better than using hardwood decking?
Trex offers higher performance and quality materials that is why it is considered better than usinghardwood decking.
Trex has a lot of advantages such as being resistant to termites.
What kind of paint do you use on Trex decking?
To achieve a sleek and shiny finish on composite decking, use a high-quality latex paint.
Why is my Trex deck turning white?
Are Fiberon fasteners compatible with Trex decks?
No, but there is a specific Fiberon fastener for universal fastening purposes.
As for all other Fiberon fastening systems, they are designed to work with Fiberon materials only.
How much space do you need between Fiberon deck boards?
What is the recommended joint spacing for Trex decks?
While there is no fixed rule of thumb, it is recommended that there should be 16-inches on center.
Can composite decking be screwed?
While this is the go-to installation scheme for wooden decks, it is also applicable for composite decking.
How long do composite decks last?
A rough estimate would be in between 20-30 years.
Even with the minimal maintenance and upkeep, the use of hard plastics in composite decking reinforce their longevity.
Is composite decking better than wood?
Composite decking materials are generally weaker in form and structure compared to wood materials.
As such, they have to be fastened well so that they can support their own weight.
This is also the reason why composite decks would require smaller joint spacing compared to wood materials.
Is composite decking vulnerable to molds?
This is one of the drawbacks of composite materials because they are made of wood flour and plastics.
The mention of wood flour already highlights why composite decking is vulnerable to molds.
Does composite decking get hot?
This is another drawback to composite decking.
It is said that direct exposure to sunlight by composite decking would reach temperatures of up to 76F.
This is significantly greater than the temperature of the surrounding air.
Can composite decking be power washed with vinegar?
Unlike wood, composite decks are more resilient to the acidity of vinegar.
They would not fade with the solution and rest assured that the stains shall be removed at an instant.
During spring and the rainy days, composite decking might turn green due to molds.
Are composite decking prone to warping?
Sagging is generally attributed to faulty installation of the joists.
Buckling and sagging are also commonly brought on by fluctuations of temperature and thermal expansion.
Is it safe to put grills on composite decks?
This is a plus for composite decks.
Can you put rugs on composite decks?
Just as on wood decks, there are certain rug materials that would leave marks on composite decks.
When this happens, you would find uneven coloration in your deck.
How do you fix a faded composite deck?
Thus, using an oil-based solution would fix your faded composite decks.
Here is a simplevisualthat would give you some of the basic steps in fixing a faded composite deck.
What are the alternatives to Trex and Fiberon?
This is the reason why asking and researching about the best decking brands would be essential.
Between the two, Trex has been around the market on a far longer scale than Fiberon.
In all other aspects, it is also relatively on a better edge than Fiberon.
Nonetheless, Fiberon also has its upsides, including lengthier warranty coverage and more high-end features.