Trex vs. Wood Decking: Which is Right For Your Louisville Home?
Pressure-treated wood has been the standard deck material for decades, but more Louisville homeowners are choosing Trex composite decking instead. The right choice depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay in the home, and how much time you want to spend on maintenance.
Upfront Cost
Wood wins on upfront price. A new pressure-treated wood deck typically costs noticeably less per square foot than composite. At A&S, a Trex Enhance deck generally runs roughly 50–60% more than a comparable premium wood deck, and premium Trex lines cost more than that.
Maintenance
This is where Trex pulls ahead. A wood deck needs regular cleaning, sealing, or staining every few years to prevent graying, cracking, and rot. Boards can splinter, and fasteners can work loose as the wood moves. Trex boards have a protective shell that never needs sanding, staining, or painting. Soap, water, and a soft brush a couple of times a year is usually all it takes.
Lifespan and Warranty
A well-maintained wood deck can last many years, but Kentucky's humidity and freeze-thaw cycles are hard on wood. Trex decking is backed by limited residential warranties ranging from 25 years (Trex Enhance) to 50 years (Trex Transcend, Transcend Lineage, and Signature), covering fade and stain as well as structural integrity.
Long-Term Value
When you add up stain, sealer, repairs, and your time over 10 to 15 years, the cost gap narrows. Many homeowners find composite is the better long-term value, especially if they plan to stay in the home.
It's also what most of our customers choose. About 84% of the decks A&S Construction sold in 2026 were composite.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pressure-Treated Wood | Trex Composite | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Staining/Sealing | Every few years | Never |
| Splinters | Possible | No |
| Rot and Insects | Vulnerable over time | Resistant |
| Warranty | Limited lumber warranty | 25-50 year limited residential |
| Color Retention | Grays without stain | Fade-resistant |
The Bottom Line
Choose wood if upfront budget is the top priority and you don't mind regular upkeep. Choose Trex if you want a deck that looks good for decades with minimal work. We can price both options side by side so you can compare.
Ready to plan your Trex deck? As a TrexPro Platinum contractor, A&S Construction designs and builds composite decks throughout Louisville, Oldham, Bullitt, Shelby, and Hardin Counties, and Southern Indiana.
