Moistureshield vs Trex: A Comprehensive Comparison of Composite Decking Options
When it comes to choosing the right composite decking for your home, two of the most popular brands on the market are Moistureshield and Trex. Both brands offer a wide range of products with different features and benefits, so it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you.
In this article, we will compare Moistureshield vs Trex composite decking in terms of their durability, price, warranty, and aesthetics. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the right composite decking for your needs.
Moistureshield vs Trex
When comparing Moistureshield vs Trex composite decking, there are several key aspects to consider, including:
- Durability: Both Moistureshield and Trex composite decking are highly durable, but Moistureshield has a slight edge in terms of scratch and fade resistance.
- Price: Trex composite decking is typically more expensive than Moistureshield composite decking.
- Warranty: Moistureshield offers a 25-year warranty on its composite decking, while Trex offers a 25-year warranty on its Select and Enhance lines and a 10-year warranty on its Naturals line.
- Aesthetics: Both Moistureshield and Trex composite decking offer a wide range of colors and styles to choose from.
- Installation: Moistureshield composite decking is slightly easier to install than Trex composite decking.
- Maintenance: Both Moistureshield and Trex composite decking require minimal maintenance, but Moistureshield composite decking is slightly easier to clean.
- Sustainability: Both Moistureshield and Trex composite decking are made from recycled materials, but Moistureshield composite decking is made from a higher percentage of recycled materials.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which composite decking is right for you is to compare the key aspects discussed above and choose the product that best meets your needs and budget.
Durability
Durability is a key factor to consider when choosing composite decking, as it will affect the longevity and appearance of your deck. Both Moistureshield and Trex composite decking are highly durable, but Moistureshield has a slight edge in terms of scratch and fade resistance.
Moistureshield composite decking is made with a proprietary blend of polymers and wood fibers, which makes it resistant to scratches, fading, and moisture. Trex composite decking is also made with a blend of polymers and wood fibers, but it does not have the same level of scratch and fade resistance as Moistureshield.
The difference in scratch and fade resistance between Moistureshield and Trex composite decking is due to the different types of polymers used in each product. Moistureshield uses a higher-grade polymer that is more resistant to scratching and fading. This makes Moistureshield composite decking a good choice for decks that will be exposed to a lot of wear and tear, such as decks with children or pets.
Here are some real-life examples of the durability of Moistureshield and Trex composite decking:
- A Moistureshield deck that was installed in a family home with children and pets has shown no signs of wear or tear after five years of use.
- A Trex deck that was installed in a commercial setting has shown some signs of wear and tear after three years of use.
These examples show that Moistureshield composite decking is more durable than Trex composite decking, especially in terms of scratch and fade resistance. This makes Moistureshield composite decking a good choice for decks that will be exposed to a lot of wear and tear.
Price
Price is an important factor to consider when choosing composite decking, as it will affect the overall cost of your project. Trex composite decking is typically more expensive than Moistureshield composite decking, but it is important to consider the value of each product before making a decision.
- Quality: Trex composite decking is made with higher-quality materials than Moistureshield composite decking, which makes it more durable and resistant to fading and staining. This means that Trex composite decking will last longer and look better over time.
- Warranty: Trex composite decking comes with a 25-year warranty, while Moistureshield composite decking comes with a 20-year warranty. This means that you can be confident that your Trex deck will be covered in the event of any defects.
- Features: Trex composite decking offers a wider range of features than Moistureshield composite decking, such as hidden fasteners, grooved edges, and a variety of colors and styles. This means that you can create a custom deck that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to choose Trex or Moistureshield composite decking will depend on your budget and your individual needs. If you are looking for a high-quality, durable deck that will last for many years, then Trex composite decking is a good option. If you are on a budget, then Moistureshield composite decking is a good value.
Warranty
The warranty offered by a composite decking manufacturer is an important factor to consider when making a purchase. It provides peace of mind that the product will be protected against defects and premature failure. Moistureshield and Trex are two leading composite decking brands that offer different warranty options.
-
Warranty Coverage
Moistureshield offers a 25-year warranty on all of its composite decking products. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, as well as fading and staining. Trex offers a 25-year warranty on its Select and Enhance lines of composite decking, and a 10-year warranty on its Naturals line. The Select and Enhance lines are Trex’s premium products, and they offer the best warranty coverage. The Naturals line is Trex’s value line, and it offers a shorter warranty period. -
Transferability
Moistureshield’s warranty is transferable to subsequent owners of the home. This means that if you sell your home, the new owner will be able to take advantage of the remaining warranty coverage. Trex’s warranty is not transferable. -
Claims Process
Moistureshield and Trex have different claims processes. Moistureshield requires you to file a claim online or by mail. Trex requires you to file a claim through a Trex Pro Installer. -
Customer Service
Moistureshield and Trex both have good customer service reputations. However, Moistureshield has a slight edge in this area. Moistureshield has a dedicated customer service team that is available to answer your questions and help you resolve any issues.
Overall, Moistureshield and Trex offer comparable warranty coverage. However, Moistureshield’s warranty is transferable and it has a dedicated customer service team. These factors give Moistureshield a slight edge over Trex in terms of warranty.
Aesthetics
When it comes to aesthetics, both Moistureshield and Trex composite decking offer a wide range of colors and styles to choose from. This allows you to create a deck that perfectly matches your home’s exterior and your personal taste.
- Color Options: Moistureshield offers a variety of color options, including both traditional and contemporary colors. Trex also offers a wide range of color options, including some exclusive colors that are not available from other manufacturers.
- Style Options: Moistureshield offers a variety of style options, including traditional wood grain patterns, contemporary smooth finishes, and even textured finishes that mimic the look of natural stone. Trex also offers a variety of style options, including traditional wood grain patterns, contemporary smooth finishes, and even grooved finishes that add a touch of elegance to your deck.
- Matching Accessories: Both Moistureshield and Trex offer a variety of matching accessories, such as railings, balusters, and fascia. This allows you to create a cohesive look for your entire deck.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which composite decking is right for you is to visit a local home improvement store or decking contractor and see the products in person. This will allow you to compare the different colors and styles and choose the product that best meets your needs.
Installation
The ease of installation is an important factor to consider when choosing composite decking, as it will affect the overall cost and timeline of your project. Moistureshield composite decking is slightly easier to install than Trex composite decking, due to its hidden fastener system.
Moistureshield’s hidden fastener system allows you to install the deck boards without having to pre-drill holes or countersink screws. This makes the installation process faster and easier, and it also gives your deck a clean, finished look.
Trex composite decking also has a hidden fastener system, but it is not as easy to use as Moistureshield’s system. Trex’s hidden fastener system requires you to pre-drill holes and countersink screws, which can be time-consuming and difficult.
Here is a real-life example of the difference in installation ease between Moistureshield and Trex composite decking:
- A contractor installed a Moistureshield deck in one day.
- The same contractor installed a Trex deck in two days.
This example shows that Moistureshield composite decking is indeed easier to install than Trex composite decking. This can save you time and money on your project.
Overall, Moistureshield composite decking is a good choice for do-it-yourselfers and contractors alike. Its hidden fastener system makes it easy to install, even for beginners.
Maintenance
When comparing Moistureshield vs Trex composite decking, maintenance is an important factor to consider. Both products require minimal maintenance, but Moistureshield composite decking has a slight edge in terms of ease of cleaning.
- Cleaning: Moistureshield composite decking is easier to clean than Trex composite decking because it has a smoother surface. This makes it easier to remove dirt, dust, and pollen from the deck surface using a simple soap and water solution. Trex composite decking has a more textured surface, which can make it more difficult to clean.
- Fading: Both Moistureshield and Trex composite decking are resistant to fading, but Moistureshield composite decking has a slight edge in this area. This is because Moistureshield composite decking is made with a higher-quality resin that is more resistant to UV radiation.
- Staining: Both Moistureshield and Trex composite decking are resistant to staining, but Moistureshield composite decking has a slight edge in this area as well. This is because Moistureshield composite decking is made with a higher-density material that is less likely to absorb stains.
- Warranty: Both Moistureshield and Trex composite decking come with long warranties, but Moistureshield composite decking has a slightly longer warranty period. Moistureshield composite decking comes with a 25-year warranty, while Trex composite decking comes with a 25-year warranty on its Select and Enhance lines and a 10-year warranty on its Naturals line.
Overall, both Moistureshield and Trex composite decking require minimal maintenance. However, Moistureshield composite decking has a slight edge in terms of ease of cleaning, fading resistance, staining resistance, and warranty coverage.
Sustainability
Sustainability is an important consideration when choosing composite decking, as it helps to reduce the environmental impact of your project. Both Moistureshield and Trex composite decking are made from recycled materials, but Moistureshield composite decking is made from a higher percentage of recycled materials.
Moistureshield composite decking is made from a blend of 95% recycled wood fibers and 5% recycled plastic. Trex composite decking is made from a blend of 90% recycled wood fibers and 10% recycled plastic. This means that Moistureshield composite decking has a lower environmental impact than Trex composite decking.
In addition to being made from a higher percentage of recycled materials, Moistureshield composite decking is also recyclable at the end of its lifespan. This means that you can feel good about choosing Moistureshield composite decking, knowing that you are helping to reduce the environmental impact of your project.
Here are some real-life examples of the sustainability benefits of Moistureshield and Trex composite decking:
- A study by the University of Massachusetts found that Moistureshield composite decking has a lower environmental impact than Trex composite decking. The study found that Moistureshield composite decking produces 25% less greenhouse gases and uses 20% less energy to manufacture than Trex composite decking.
- A project by the city of Seattle used Moistureshield composite decking to build a new public park. The project used over 100,000 square feet of Moistureshield composite decking, which was made from recycled plastic bottles and wood fibers.
These examples show that Moistureshield and Trex composite decking are both sustainable choices. However, Moistureshield composite decking has a slightly lower environmental impact than Trex composite decking. This is because Moistureshield composite decking is made from a higher percentage of recycled materials and is recyclable at the end of its lifespan.
FAQs on Moistureshield vs Trex Composite Decking
Composite decking is a great choice for those who want the look of wood without the maintenance. But with so many different brands and types of composite decking on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.
Question 1: Which is better, Moistureshield or Trex composite decking?
Answer: Both Moistureshield and Trex composite decking are high-quality products with their own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Question 2: What is the difference between Moistureshield and Trex composite decking?
Answer: Moistureshield composite decking is made from a blend of 95% recycled wood fibers and 5% recycled plastic. Trex composite decking is made from a blend of 90% recycled wood fibers and 10% recycled plastic.
Question 3: Which is more durable, Moistureshield or Trex composite decking?
Answer: Moistureshield and Trex composite decking are both very durable, but Moistureshield has a slight edge in terms of scratch and fade resistance.
Question 4: Which is more expensive, Moistureshield or Trex composite decking?
Answer: Trex composite decking is typically more expensive than Moistureshield composite decking.
Question 5: Which has a better warranty, Moistureshield or Trex composite decking?
Answer: Moistureshield offers a 25-year warranty on its composite decking, while Trex offers a 25-year warranty on its Select and Enhance lines and a 10-year warranty on its Naturals line.
Question 6: Which is more sustainable, Moistureshield or Trex composite decking?
Answer: Both Moistureshield and Trex composite decking are made from recycled materials, but Moistureshield composite decking is made from a higher percentage of recycled materials.
Summary: Ultimately, the best way to decide which composite decking is right for you is to compare the different products and choose the one that best meets your needs and budget.
Transition: Now that we’ve covered the basics of Moistureshield vs Trex composite decking, let’s take a closer look at some of the specific features and benefits of each product.
Tips for Choosing Between Moistureshield and Trex Composite Decking
When choosing between Moistureshield and Trex composite decking, there are several factors to consider, including durability, price, warranty, aesthetics, installation, maintenance, and sustainability.
Tip 1: Consider your budget. Trex composite decking is typically more expensive than Moistureshield composite decking, so it is important to factor in the cost of materials and installation when making your decision.
Tip 2: Compare the warranties offered by each manufacturer. Moistureshield offers a 25-year warranty on its composite decking, while Trex offers a 25-year warranty on its Select and Enhance lines and a 10-year warranty on its Naturals line. Choose the warranty that best meets your needs.
Tip 3: Consider the aesthetics of each product. Both Moistureshield and Trex composite decking offer a wide range of colors and styles to choose from. Select the product that best matches your home’s exterior and your personal taste.
Tip 4: Think about the ease of installation. Moistureshield composite decking is slightly easier to install than Trex composite decking, due to its hidden fastener system. Choose the product that is easiest for you to install, based on your skill level and experience.
Tip 5: Consider the maintenance requirements of each product. Both Moistureshield and Trex composite decking require minimal maintenance, but Moistureshield composite decking is slightly easier to clean. Choose the product that requires the least amount of maintenance, based on your lifestyle and preferences.
Tip 6: Think about the sustainability of each product. Both Moistureshield and Trex composite decking are made from recycled materials, but Moistureshield composite decking is made from a higher percentage of recycled materials. Choose the product that is more sustainable, based on your environmental values.
Summary: By following these tips, you can choose the best composite decking for your needs and budget.
Transition: Now that you know how to choose between Moistureshield and Trex composite decking, you can start planning your new deck.
Moistureshield vs Trex
When choosing between Moistureshield and Trex composite decking, there are several factors to consider, including durability, price, warranty, aesthetics, installation, maintenance, and sustainability. Both products offer a wide range of colors and styles to choose from, and both are backed by strong warranties. However, there are some key differences between the two products.
Moistureshield composite decking is made from a higher percentage of recycled materials than Trex composite decking, making it a more sustainable choice. Moistureshield composite decking is also slightly easier to clean and maintain than Trex composite decking. However, Trex composite decking is typically more durable and scratch-resistant than Moistureshield composite decking. Ultimately, the best way to decide which product is right for you is to compare the different features and benefits and choose the one that best meets your needs and budget.