Updated On

December 22, 2023

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    You’ve probably heard that composite decking is a great option for those who want to improve their home without sacrificing quality. If you’re thinking about replacing your old wooden deck with something long-lasting, consider a composite deck that lasts longer. Find out the difference between NewTech vs Trex so you’ll be able to enjoy more time outside before having to worry about another replacement project.

    NewTechWood and Trex are both leading composite decking brands. Both of these companies manufacture high-quality decking. They are great options that offer many of the same benefits. 

    However, a few key differences between these two companies and their products may make one better than the other for your project.

    See how they stack up against each other on cost, warranty, durability, and material. Read and have an overview of these respective composite decking and some helpful tips on choosing which is best suited to meet your needs!

    Highlights
    • The objective of NewTechWood Ultrashield was to create a beautiful, low-fading, scratch-resistant composite decking.
    • Trex was one of the earliest composite decking developers, producing their first board in 1996.
    • Trex is less expensive compared to NewTechWood.
    • Trex composite decking is difficult to install; thus, it is best to leave it to the professionals.
    • Without question, these two composite decking brands are of high quality.

    NewTechWood Overview

    NewTechWood was founded in 2004 by its parent firm, the People’s Republic of China’s Huidong Meixin Plastic Lumber Products Manufacturing Co. Ltd. NewTechWood Ultrashield Naturale composite decking is on the market the same year the company was founded. 

    In 2010, research for the development of NewTechWood UltraShield began. The objective was to create a beautiful, low-fading, scratch-resistant composite decking. They continue to focus on producing exterior items built from recycled materials.

    Trex Overview

    Trex was founded in 1996 as a buyout of a subsidiary of Mobil Corporation, and it went public in 1999. Trex’s headquarters are in Winchester, Virginia, and the company’s production plants are in Fernley, Nevada, and Winchester, Virginia. It is the world’s biggest composite decking and railing manufacturer and is accessible in over 42 countries. 

    In addition, Trex was one of the earliest composite decking developers, producing their first board in 1996. This single-color board was patented in 1998, and they have since created four lines. One of their great initial efforts was to take waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill and turn it into a composite deck. They have been a reputable brand in the recycling field up to this point.

    NewTechWood Vs. Trex: Cost Comparison

    The cost of NewTechWood composite decking planks ranges from $2.85 to $5.00. It has many additional sets, ranging from 4 to 49 boards. If you utilize the full pack, you get cheaper pricing. 

    However, purchasing NewTechWood is more limited than Trex. Trex is available from almost any decking supply store since it is the most well-known composite decking brand. Fortunately, NewTechWood is sold nationwide by Home Depot and is offered online.

    Transcend, Trex’s flagship brand, starts at less than $5.00 per linear foot and quickly lowers from there. In fact, Enhance Basics, Trex’s cheapest composite deckings, only cost $1.85.

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    Overall, Trex is less expensive compared to NewTechWood. Few excellent composites can be obtained for less than Enhance Basics, especially on the low end. It is almost as inexpensive as pressure-treated wood that requires frequent maintenance.

    NewTechWood Vs. Trex: Warranty Comparison

    Both NewTechWood and Trex warranties are quite comparable, with a 25-year prorated warranty. The 25-year warranty covers fading and stains because both companies claim that all composite decks are fade-resistant. In addition, the warranties cover replacement during the first ten years, then a 20 percent reduction every three years after that.

    On the other hand, Trex composite decks come with a labor guarantee, but NewTechWood does not. Covering labor ensures your satisfaction because the labor cost to build decking is usually more than the material cost. It guarantees that you will not be required to pay for work if the decking fails. Trex’s labor warranty depends on the contractor that does the job.

    • One-year warranty for TrexPro
    • Three-year warranty for TrexPro Gold
    • Five-year warranty for TrexPro Platinum

    Trex composite decking is difficult to install; thus, it is best to leave it to the professionals. The longer the warranty, the better the installation team, since they will have more training and experience on the task. It is logical to place your confidence in a more established business than one still in its early stages. With this, Trex provides greater security.

    NewTechWood Vs. Trex: Durability Comparison

    Trex is more reliable in terms of durability, having various third-party testing results to compare. Because they have been on the market for a longer time, they have gathered sufficient data to demonstrate the endurance of their composite deck. NewTechWood, on the other hand, assures the longevity of its product through its engineering structure.

    To further compare their durability, here are some of their differences in staining and breakability.

    • Staining: The polymer cap makes all the difference when it comes to accidental leaks, allowing you to clean up spills easily. The good news is that both brands have a polymer cap on top of their decks. Keep in mind that both warranties require spills to be cleaned up immediately to avoid discoloration.
    • Breakability: Compared to Trex, NewTechWood’s high-density polyethylene produces a more hard look, likely having less deflection. However, this is based on a simple hands-on examination of the decking.

    NewTechWood Vs. Trex: Material Comparison

    NewTechWood and Trex prioritize the use of recycled components in their composite decking. They both make their decking from 95 percent recycled materials. NewTechWood board’s core comprises 60% recycled dense wood fiber and 40% high-grade recycled polymers (HDPE).

    Meanwhile, Trex decking is made of a 50/50 combination of plastic and wood fibers extruded into decking. The vast majority of these raw materials are derived from recycled plastic grocery bags, plastic film, and waste wood fiber. Trex purchases roughly 300 million pounds of old polyethylene and an equivalent quantity of hardwood sawdust every year.

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    Trex makes it easy to identify the wood fibers from which the composite is made. Though NewTechWood has wood fibers, they are not as visible because they are finer wood dust.

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    NewTechWood Vs. Trex: Final Thoughts

    A close look at the composite decking indicates some distinction. Here are the other properties of both NewTechWood and Trex composite decking. 

    • Capping: Trex just covers the top and sides of the plank to the top. The cap extends past the decking’s bottom corners on square boards while allowing the base to breathe. NewTechWood provides a unique approach with its top, bottom, sides, and even into the groove are all capped with UltraShield. It’s all wrapped up.
    • Appearance: Trex decking has a more plastic appearance than NewTechWood. While NewTechWood is a natural-looking, beautiful timber decking because of the multi-chromatic colors that mimic real timber textures and hues.
    • Environmental Sustainability: Both brands are providing ecologically responsible alternatives to traditional outdoor timber decking. For the seventh consecutive year, Green Builder, Media’s Readers’ Choice Awards, named Trex the “Greenest Decking” brand.
    • Traction: The finer wood dust finish on NewTechWood UltraShield decking contributes to a more natural wood-looking decking but lowers traction. While Trex Transcend and Enhance all have deeper embossing than UltraShield, resulting in higher traction.

    When deciding between NewTech vs Tre composite decks, you should first determine your area and application. NewTechWood decking may be a good choice if you live in a humid climate because it does not have exposed bottoms where mold may grow. 

    Plus, its Ultrashield technology is responsible for shielding the board from moisture and UV radiation. Unlike Trex, which only the top and sides covered, leaving the remainder of the board exposed to the weather. Also, NewTechWood decking profiles are BAL29 bushfire certified and may be used for full sun decking applications.

    If you only consider the material cost, Trex clearly wins. Their composite decking, including their premium line, is less than $5 per linear foot. Their cheapest board, Enhance Basics, costs only around $1.85. It may be one of the most affordable with a 25-years warranty. 

    Without question, these two composite decking brands are of high quality. Choose from a variety of color tones to accent your house, as well as hollow or solid boards to fit your preferences.

    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Alora Bopray

    Alora Bopray

    Staff Writer

    Alora Bopray is a digital content producer for the home warranty, HVAC, and plumbing categories at Today's Homeowner. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of St. Scholastica and her master's degree from the University of Denver. Before becoming a writer for Today's Homeowner, Alora wrote as a freelance writer for dozens of home improvement clients and informed homeowners about the solar industry as a writer for EcoWatch. When she's not writing, Alora can be found planning her next DIY home improvement project or plotting her next novel.

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    photo of Roxanne Downer

    Roxanne Downer

    Editor

    Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes & Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.

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