If this is your first introduction to the world of composite decking, it’s understandable if you are overwhelmed with the number of options before you. By now you should know that composite decking resolves many homeowners’ issues with wooden decks – from termites to demanding maintenance.
The problem now is choosing between brands. Will you go for a China-manufactured product like Pravol that looks like most composite decking but is a LOT cheaper? Or is the more expensive Trex decking worth it in the end? This comparison between these two brands should help you make an informed decision.
Pravol Overview
Pravol is manufactured in China and is sold exclusively by Vancouver, Canada-based website BuildDirect.com. You can’t buy this brand anywhere else except online, since BuildDirect.com has no physical store. Instead, the goal of BuildDirect’s online platform is to connect homeowners and home improvement professionals in North America with suppliers and sellers of quality building materials from around the world.
Pravol has two distinct composite decking products:
- Pravol Dura-Shield Ultratex Composite Decking – This is the main decking board Pravol offers and it is available in several colors in solid grooved, solid ungrooved, and hollow ungrooved styles. Designed with a multi-tonal appearance, this premium quality composite decking is offered in light gray, charcoal gray, Ipe, walnut, antique, and Teak, realistic, wood-looking colors. Each board is sold in 7/8″x5 3/8″x16′ measurements.
- Pravol JF Outdoor Composite Interlocking Deck Tiles – This 12×12 composite deck tile is designed with an interlocking click system. It looks exceptionally classy but is super easy to rearrange and re-lay (if needed). It is designed as a slip-resistant, splinter-free, and termite-resistant composite decking alternative for anyone looking for a durable and low-maintenance option.
Trex Overview
Trex is a well-known brand in the world of wood-alternative building materials. The company, which launched in 1996 and is headquartered in Winchester, Virginia, has been one of the leading composite decking brands in the world.
Trex’s popularity has a lot to do with its appearance on HGTV Dream Home and the company’s massive recycling efforts. All the composite products Trex brings to the market are made of 95% recycled materials. Every year, the company reuses over 400 million pounds of plastic, scrap wood, and other salvageable materials from landfills.
25 years after launching its first decking board, Trex now has four decking lines available in 20 colors. These include:
- Trex Transcend – Out of all Trex lines, Transcend is considered the most durable and most beautifully designed with a solid deck and wood grain pattern. It is available in 8 colors: 3 Earth-toned (Gravel Path, Rope Swing & Vintage Lantern) and 5 tropical colors (Havana Gold, Island Mist, Lava Rock, Spiced Rum & Tiki Torch).
- Trex Select – This premium mid-priced line is available in Woodland Brown, Winchester Grey, Saddle, Pebble Grey, and Madeira colors, all of which come in wood grain patterns.
- Enhance Natural – As its name suggests, this line features earthy colors like Coastal Bluff, Foggy Wharf, Rocky Harbor, Toasted Sand, and Sunset Cove.
- Enhance Basics – This line is lightweight, scalloped, and “most basic” out of all the Trex decking options and cheapest too. It is available in three colors: Beach Dune, Clam Shell, and Saddle.
Pravol vs Trex: Cost Comparison
Pravol Dura-Shield Ultratex Composite Decking costs between $2.65 per lineal foot to $4.85 per lineal foot, depending on the color and style. Its 12-inch by 12-inch Pravol JF Outdoor Composite Interlocking Deck Tiles are priced at $4.49 per square foot.
Trex composite decking options are more affordable with its two inexpensive lines priced at $1.83/lineal foot (Enhance Basics) and $2.90/lineal foot (for Enhance Natural). Mid-ranged TrexSelect costs $2.90/lineal foot.
The Trex premium decking line, its higher-end Transcend line is priced at $4.70/lineal foot. There’s a reason why many pro builders recommend Trex Transcend – you get what you pay for.
Pravol vs Trex: Warranty Comparison
BuildDirect.com offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for all of its Pravol composite decking products.
Pravol backs up its Dura-Shield Ultratex Composite Decking with a 25-year limited residential warranty, 10-year limited commercial warranty, and 2-year limited labor warranty. Meanwhile, Pravol’s JF Outdoor Composite Interlocking Deck Tiles are only backed with a 5-year limited warranty.
All Trex composite decking products come with a 25-year warranty, as well as a comprehensive labor warranty. Trex also offers a longer labor warranty if the installation was done by experienced contractors.
Pravol vs Trex: Durability comparison
Pravol’s Dura-Shield Ultratex Composite Decking was engineered with a polymer surface cap. It is built resistant to scratches, stains, fades, and decay.
Trex Transcend is designed to withstand heavy furniture, heavy foot traffic, and even occasional drops and bumps. If you’re eyeing this composite decking line, read up on Trex’s material testing results for Transcend and be blown away by how strong these boards can be.
Pravol vs Trex: Installation comparison
Pravol and Trex have the same installation procedure – the first and last board of the deck has to be nailed or screwed. Once these are done, every other board could use the hidden clip fastening system for a professional-looking installation.
Pravol’s grooved boards are easiest to install with T-clips. The hollowed boards are light and easy to work with, even if this is the first composite decking project you’ve faced.
The advantage of Trex over other brands is that the company has a lot of accessories available, from the ProPlug system to TrapEase, which are available in complementing colors and styles and make it 10x easier to install the deck boards.
Pravol vs Trex: Final Showdown
Pravol isn’t nearly as popular as Trex, but the realistic-wood appearance and price of its Dura-Shield Ultratex Composite Decking will really make you give the brand a second look.
Trex Transcend is the most popular composite decking brand in the world. It has many colors and capping options, is extraordinarily sturdy, and is made from 95% recycled materials. It’s not the cheapest line from Trex, but it is ideal for anyone whose main goal is to future-proof their decks.
