Trex decking is one of the most popular types of outdoor decking material, but it’s not the only option! One alternative is Wolf Decking, which offers a lower cost, great warranty, and other features that might rival Trex as the go-to decking material! Read on to learn about what makes Wolf Decking different from Trex and how you can decide which one is best for your outdoor space.
- Trex has a higher cost than Wolf decking at first glance but Trex can be seen as an investment that will last you 50+ years.
- Both Trex and Wolf decking are composite materials made from recycled materials like plastic bottles.
- Deciding whether Trex or Wolf is right for you largely depends on your budget and the amount and your style needs.
What is Wolf Decking?
Wolf decking is a composite wood product that offers the benefits of Trex decking at half the price. It’s manufactured in America where it’s produced and assembled into panels or individual planks. The materials make Wolf more economical than Trex for many projects because the manufacturing process allows for less material per square foot but with the same quality.
Wolf is often used in residential applications such as walkways or patios. While Trex may be more popular and readily available, Trex is less economical for both homeowners and builders alike.
Wolf outdoor decking comes in three lines, Wolf Serenity Decking, Wolf Perspective Decking, and Wolf Serenity Porch. Perspective is the least expensive option, and all options are moisture, mold, and mildew resistant with only the Serenity Deck and Serenity Porch lines being dual-sided boards. Wolf decking colors are limited and do not offer as much flexibility as competitors.
What is Trex Decking?
Trex Decking is the most popular composite wood product on the market. Trex is an American brand but sold in 26 countries. It is also heavily present in America, being carried by small lumbers and major home improvement stores alike.
Many homeowners are drawn to Trex because it’s aesthetically pleasing with its near natural wood grain. One downside to Trex is that it’s more expensive than Wolf decking, but Trex is still a top choice for many residential and commercial projects where aesthetics and durability matter.
Trex has four different lines with different stylistic specialties and price ranges. These include Trex Transcend, Trex Select, and Trex Enhance Natural and Enhance Basics. Transcend is the brand’s most luxurious option with the highest price tag, while Select is considered Trex’s budget option and Enhance falling in between.
Cost Comparison
Speaking of costs, it is true that Trex has a higher cost than Wolf decking at first glance – but Trex can be seen as an investment that will last you 50+ years.
The Trex decking pricing of $11.16 per square foot is based on the price for the best decking line the brand has to offer. The cost does not include installation or any upgrades to your system such as railings or stairs – but it gives you an idea of the Trex decking price range. For a 144 square foot deck, this number will be roughly $1,707, simply for materials.
The Wolf deck pricing is based on a square foot cost that ranges from $6-$11 per sq ft and installation costs and other materials are not included in these prices. The per square foot number comes out to $864 for a 144 square foot deck and goes up from there. While the top prices for Wolf and Trex are similar, the entry-level prices are vastly different with Trex’s being higher. If you’re looking for cost savings with the same quality as Trex, then Wolf offers an excellent option for a more affordable price.
It’s important to remember the price between the upfront cost and long-term investment as cheaper alternatives usually require more upkeep. So while Trex does indeed have a higher cost overall, Wolf deck has a lower upfront price point than Trex with their lifetime warranty making up some of that difference in the long run.
Durability Comparison
Both Trex and Wolf decking are composite materials made from recycled materials like plastic bottles. Yet, Trex decking has a higher durability rating. In fact, the Trex materials are praised for their long-lasting resistance to both wear and tear and repeat weather exposure.
Wolf, on the other hand, is considered only as “good.” Both options can be strengthened with additional sealants and protective layers that will need to be reapplied as time goes on, but at face value, Trex is the more durable options of the two.
Unlike their natural counterparts, both Wolf and Trex are not especially prone to scratching, stains, or dents. In fact, each is specially made to avoid these markings. Both brands come with a stain and fade warranty of 25 years, so regardless, your decking should be covered for any visible problems.
Ease of Installation
Wolf deck is easy to install and requires no power tools. Trex installation can be done without the need of power, but it does require a few more steps than Wolf decking: cutting boards into smaller pieces with saws, using glue for some joints, and painting or sealing afterward.
If you plan to hire someone to install your decking for you, also keep in mind that both Wolf and Trex have a contractor’s warranty. This means that if your decking malfunctions due to installation, and you hired a pre-approved installer to do the work, both brands will cover the cost of reinstallation or reimburse previous installation depending on the circumstances.
Lifetime Warranty
Wolf deck has an upfront cost that is less than Trex’s price tag, but how do their warranties compare? Trex offers a 50-year warranty that covers any defects – but Wolf decking offers competitive warranties with 25-50 years depending on the line purchased.
Trex’s warranty can cover any defects for the duration of the warranty. Wolf decking offers warranty of 100% up until the 10-year mark, then it drops 20% each decade thereafter.
Trex decking’s warranties are among the best in the industry, which is what makes it a fan favorite. Trex also has a longer warranty than Wolf deck, but for some, Wolf deck is more affordable up front with their lifetime warranty making it competitively priced over time.
Final Thoughts
Deciding whether Trex or Wolf is right for you largely depends on your budget and the amount and your style needs. Both are similar in many factors like durability and installation, but it also comes down to what type of look you want, whether or not color matters, and how much money you want to spend on the decking up front.
As for appearances, Trex decking has a natural look that is similar to wood with its rich color and grain variations, while Wolf deck looks a bit more plastic, or artificial. If you’re hoping for a composite wood-like appearance Trex will be the best choice, but if you do not mind a less genuine appearance, Wolf can be a great option.
Trex also comes in more color options than Wolf decking or natural wood, but Trex doesn’t always come in the colors you want or need for your project, and you’re limited to the brand’s collections at the time of purchase.
If you’re looking for something that’s aesthetically pleasing, durable, and commonly sold, Trex would be the best choice. If cost is a major consideration for your project and you don’t need to worry about aesthetics as much, then Wolf decking offers the most economical option without compromising quality. That is, if you can get your hands on it as it is much more limited in availability.
