Upgraded decking materials offer enduring quality and beauty

(BPT) - Tackling your home improvement list this summer likely includes doing some work on your outdoor spaces. If replacing or updating a deck is your focus, it's wise to look into new products that help ensure your efforts will be enjoyed for many seasons to come.

Eighty-three percent of Americans say low-maintenance qualities are important when considering outdoor home improvement projects, according to a Trex Company survey. Durable, hassle-free composite decks are more popular than ever among time-challenged homeowners because of their low-maintenance qualities. You might not know, however, that composite materials have evolved significantly since their introduction almost two decades ago.

"The newest generation of composite decking offers a superior combination of beauty and performance due to significant advances made in fade and stain resistance," says Adam Zambanini, vice president of marketing for Trex, the inventor and leading brand of the composite decking category. "Today's composites look 'like new' for much longer - making them the perfect upgrade for both wood deck owners and homeowners who love their existing composite decks."

Following are four key attributes to look for when purchasing composite decking:

* Superior durability - Spilled food, dropped grill tools and wet planter pots are no match for newer composites like the high-performance Trex Transcend collection. Transcend offers an unprecedented combination of fade, stain and mold resistance thanks to its exclusive protective shell and high-traffic formulation. Regardless of harsh weather conditions or daily wear and tear, Transcend also will not rot, warp or scratch.

* Realistic colors and textures - With high-definition wood grain patterns and rich, saturated colors inspired by the outdoors, today's composites look more natural than ever before and boast a vibrancy that remains unchanged for years. Color options range from deep earth tones to warm umbers, spicy reds and pristine greys - while some boards offer the distinct streaked look of tropical hardwoods and others provide an appearance with less color variation. When combined with a modular composite railing system that provides similar high performance and long-lasting beauty, composite decking offers endless mix-and-match options for incredible design flexibility to suit the style of any home.

* Ultra-low maintenance - The newest composites retain their beauty for decades with minimal upkeep, meaning you'll spend more time enjoying - rather than maintaining - your deck this summer and for years to come. In fact, you never need to worry about sanding, staining or painting - just do a simple soap and water cleaning twice a year. Since spills, splashes and other mishaps are inevitable, it's extremely important to select a composite that guarantees no-fade color - so that your decking remains looking the same for decades as it did on the day it was installed.

* Strong warranties - Lengthy warranties on next generation composites guarantee enduring good looks and offer additional peace-of-mind. In fact, Trex Transcend decking is backed by a 25-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranty, which is unprecedented in the industry and adds another layer of protection to Transcend's standard 25-year warranty - resulting in the ultimate assurance of lasting beauty.

"Today's composite decking is proof that sometimes the best can get even better," says Zambanini. "It combines unprecedented performance and aesthetics - taking the outdoor living experience to a whole new level for homeowners."

For more information about the latest innovations in outdoor living products - and for other ideas on how to spruce up your outdoor space with deck lighting, furniture, pergolas and more - visit trex.com.