Trex Decking vs. Wood: An Unbiased Comparison of Both Deck Materials in Jacksonville
As a North Florida resident, wear and tear on your deck is the least of your worries; it’s elements like the baking sun, flooding rain, and humidity that never quit. So when it’s time to build or replace your deck, the big question is: go with traditional wood, or invest in composite boards like Trex?
You’re not alone in asking. Most Jacksonville homeowners making a decision always weigh their options against cost and constant upkeep.
We’ll look at how both materials handle Florida’s climate, how much effort they really take to maintain, and what kind of long-term value they offer for your home. While Coastal Outdoor Construction is a TrexPRO builder of over 15 years in Jacksonville, this guide will lay out the facts side by side
At the end of the article, you’ll have a clear idea of which deck is the better fit for your lifestyle and Jacksonville.
Let’s get into it.
1. Best Decking Material for Florida’s Climate
Jacksonville decks don’t get a break. Between the blazing sun, sudden downpours, and long stretches of humidity, your deck is constantly under pressure. Choosing the right material starts with understanding how well it holds up when Florida weather throws everything it’s got at it.
Wood Decking Risks
Traditional pressure-treated wood can look great at first, but in Florida, it takes a beating fast. Humidity sinks into the boards over time, which leads to rot, warping, and mold. Intense UV rays break down the surface, fading the color and drying it out. You might notice nails popping up, boards cupping, or soft spots showing up where water tends to collect.
Insects are another issue. Termites and carpenter ants love wood, especially when it’s softened by moisture. Even with regular treatments and sealing, it’s tough to stay ahead of the climate.
Trex Performance
Trex composite decking is built with Jacksonville’s challenges in mind. According to Trex, the boards contain about 95% recycled plastic film and reclaimed wood materials, which can’t absorb moisture, so there’s far less chance of rot or warping. Mold and mildew don’t stand a chance on the capped surface either. And while no decking is completely immune to heat, Trex boards reflect sunlight better than wood and don’t dry out or splinter over time.
Unlike early versions of Trex and composite decking materials, color fade is another feature where composite shines. High-quality Trex boards come with fade and stain warranties, so your deck stays functional even after years in the sun.
And since insects can’t feed on composite materials, like Trex boards, you won’t have to worry about hidden infestations undermining your investment. Talk to a Trex builder in Jacksonville if you need an estimate or design for your deck.
Local Conditions
In Jacksonville, your deck isn’t just facing a few months of rough weather — it’s year-round exposure. Afternoon storms in summer, salt air near the coast, occasional hurricanes, and plenty of sun mean the deck you build has to be tough. However, composite decks are a smarter, lower-hassle choice if you’re not up for sealing wood annually or replacing boards every few seasons due to rot.
2. Comparing Maintenance Intensity
Your deck shouldn’t feel like a second job. But with wood, it often does.
Wood Demands Regular Attention
If you choose pressure-treated wood, be ready to commit. In Florida’s humid climate, a wood deck needs to be cleaned, sealed, and inspected yearly. Skip that routine, and you’ll start seeing the consequences fast — boards split, surfaces fade, mildew creeps in, and the whole thing starts to feel rough underfoot.
Staining or painting doesn’t solve the problem long-term. It can actually trap moisture and cause more issues if not done perfectly. And if your deck is in full sun, expect the color to fade within a season or two. It’s a cycle: clean, seal, repair — repeat.
Trex Makes Life Easier
Trex decking changes the game. There’s no sealing, no staining, and no sanding. Just a quick hose-off or some soap and water if you’ve had a messy BBQ or a stretch of pollen season. It’s not zero-maintenance, but it’s pretty close.
Because Trex doesn’t absorb water or splinter, you don’t have to worry about mold, warping, or rough spots. And forget about replacing a handful of boards every other year — that’s mostly a wood-deck problem. Jacksonville homeowners who’ve switched to Trex often say the best part is the freedom to just enjoy the space instead of constantly working on it.
What Local Homeowners Say
We’ve repeatedly heard from homeowners who installed wood decks that they deal with rot, popped nails, and loose railings 10–15 years later. Some even regret not going with composite sooner, especially after calculating how much time and money they’ve spent maintaining wood. Trex might cost more upfront, but it saves you years of work and repair down the road.
3. Trex Costs More Upfront
There’s no sugarcoating it: Trex and other composite decking materials will cost more than pressure-treated wood. In Jacksonville, that difference can range from 30% to 70% more, depending on the size of your deck and the specific Trex product you choose. For some homeowners, that price tag is a dealbreaker, especially if the deck is large or part of a bigger renovation.
But that higher cost comes with a longer lifespan and far less maintenance. Trex boards won’t need to be replaced every few years, and you won’t have to factor in the ongoing cost of sealers, stains, brushes, or annual repairs.
Wood Is Cheaper, At First
Pressure-treated wood remains the most budget-friendly option upfront. It’s widely available, looks good when installed, and works well for short-term needs, especially if you’re planning to sell the house in a few years.
Without consistent upkeep, wood ages quickly in Florida’s heat and humidity. And every maintenance session adds cost: a good sealer, labor (if you’re not doing it yourself), and the occasional replacement of cracked or warped boards.
What many Jacksonville homeowners overlook is the long-term math. Replacing damaged boards, restaining, and sealing every year adds up — and by year 7 or 8, you may have spent enough to match or exceed what Trex would’ve cost from the beginning. If wood is your preference, we recommend pairing it with pressure-treated wood deck railings for a protected and stylish solution in Jacksonville
Thinking Long-Term? Trex Often Wins
Trex is a more economical solution for your forever home or even a 10+ year plan. You pay more once, but you’ll avoid years of costly upkeep and also enjoy a well-serviced warranty coverage of up to 50 years.
If you’re flipping the house or planning to sell in 3 to 5 years, the equation changes. In those cases, wood might be the smart short-term investment – just keep in mind that the condition of the deck at sale time could affect your home’s appeal and inspection report.
4. Resale Value and Curb Appeal
Considering resale value, your deck can be a selling point only if it’s in outstanding condition during showings.
Wood Has That Natural Charm
There’s something undeniably appealing about real wood. For buyers who love the classic look, freshly stained boards and a solid wood frame can make a great first impression. But that charm can wear thin if the wood is faded, cracked, or uneven. In Jacksonville’s climate, it only takes a few seasons of sun and rain for untreated or aging decks to look tired.
If you plan to sell soon, a well-maintained wood deck might give your backyard a cozy, inviting vibe. But if it needs refinishing right before listing, that becomes one more expense — or worse, one more item on the buyer’s negotiation list.
Trex Stays Looking Sharp
Trex doesn’t age the same way. It resists fading, staining, and warping, and holds its “new” look for much longer, even in Florida’s humidity and sun. That’s a big bonus for curb appeal, especially if your deck is visible from the yard, screened porch, or pool area.
While a composite deck might not let you raise your asking price significantly, it can help your home stand out. Buyers often see it as a low-maintenance bonus — one less thing to worry about, especially in a high-maintenance climate like Jacksonville’s.
Long-Term Value Is in the Details
The benefits are clearer if you stay longer in the home as you’ll experience fewer repairs, maintenance, and the same look for decades. If you plan to sell within a few years, a wood deck is a more budget-friendly installation.
Choose the Deck That Works for You
Both Trex and wood can work in Jacksonville, but it comes down to your priorities. If you’re looking for long-term ease and a clean, low-maintenance finish, composite decking is hard to beat, especially if it’s within your budget.
If the budget is tight or you love the look of natural wood and don’t mind the upkeep, wood still has its place in Jacksonville.
At Coastal Outdoor Construction, we help homeowners across Northeast Florida design decks that make sense for the climate, your budget, and your lifestyle. Whether you’re leaning toward composite or considering a custom wood build, we’ll walk you through the options without pressure.
Reach out today to start planning your ideal outdoor space.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trex vs. Wood in Florida
If cost is your biggest barrier, that’s completely understandable. Composite decking like Trex is more expensive up front — often by 30–50%. But it’s also more forgiving long-term. If this isn’t your forever home, it may not make sense to invest in premium materials right now.
Coastal Outdoor Construction offers financing options for homeowners who urgently need a Trex deck but can’t pay in full.
Like any surface, Trex can warm up in direct sunlight. Lighter-colored composite boards can stay cooler than darker ones, and adding a pergola, awning, or umbrella can help with midday heat. In addition, Trex offers Trex Transcend boards with heat-mitigating technology that keeps the boards cooler than normal.
Many homeowners in Jacksonville say the difference isn’t dramatic enough to sway their decision between Trex and wood, because they prefer the reduced maintenance.
Yes, but it takes commitment. Annual sealing, pressure washing, replacing warped boards, and monitoring for rot or insect damage are all part of owning a wood deck in this climate. Adding joist tape and using high-quality pressure-treated lumber can help. Still, even with the best care, wood has a shorter lifespan, especially in high-humidity areas like ours.
Not directly in the price tag, but definitely in appeal. Homebuyers today appreciate low-maintenance features, and a beautiful, solid composite deck can make your outdoor space feel turnkey. It might not raise your asking price, but it can help your listing stand out and move faster, especially in competitive neighborhoods.
Written By:
Beth Sarver
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