Trex Select fills a specific gap — solid construction with a 35-year warranty at a price between entry-level Enhance and premium Transcend. Select is solid and stronger with a 35-year warranty, whereas Enhance is scalloped (bottom is grooved out) and more economical with a 25-year warranty. Select is a mid-tier option providing a balance of price and minimal maintenance, while Transcend is the premium high-performance line.
The solid profile matters. Scalloped boards save material and cost but sacrifice rigidity. Select’s full-thickness construction handles Montana’s temperature swings better than hollow-core alternatives.
Cooling Technology and Physical Specifications
SunComfortable™ Technology (stays up to 37°F cooler than traditional composite) addresses the biggest complaint about composite decking — surface heat. At Montana’s elevation, that cooling benefit matters even more. Dark composites can hit 140°F+ in direct summer sun. Select’s technology keeps barefoot traffic possible when other composites would send folks running for shoes.
The boards come in standard dimensions contractors expect:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Board Dimensions | 1-in x 6-in (standard thickness and width) |
| Available Lengths | 12 ft, 16 ft, 20 ft |
| Edge Profiles | Grooved (for hidden fasteners), Square-edge (for outer boards and stairs) |
| Recycled Content | 95% |
Waterfront Applications and Installation
Submersible and waterproof opens doors that other mid-tier composites can’t touch. Applications include: Docks and marinas, Waterfront properties. Most composite manufacturers void warranties at the waterline. Trex Select doesn’t.
The installation flexibility beats most composites. Cuts and drills like wood; flexible for on-site trimming. Compatible with standard composite decking screws and hidden fasteners (due to grooved edge profile). No special blades required. Standard carbide-tipped saw blades handle it fine. Compatible with hidden deck fasteners (e.g., Trex Hideaway) for a smooth surface.
Color selection stays focused:
- Pebble Grey
- Saddle
- Malted Barley
- Millstone
- Whiskey Barrel
Designed to match with Trex Select Railing systems. Matching fascia boards available. The limited palette keeps inventory manageable while covering the browns and grays that dominate residential projects.
The Verdict
Trex Select works for contractors who need more than Enhance offers but don’t need Transcend’s premium features. The solid profile handles snow loads and temperature cycling better than scalloped alternatives. The 35-year warranty matches what premium lines offer. Stays cooler (up to 37°F) than traditional wood decking.
Skip it if waterfront applications don’t matter and the budget points toward Enhance. The scalloped profile saves money without sacrificing much for standard residential decks away from water.
The submersible rating sets Select apart in the mid-tier category. For lakefront properties or any deck that might see standing water, Select delivers capabilities usually reserved for premium lines. That’s a narrow but valuable niche in Montana’s lake country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the warranty difference between Trex Select and other Trex lines?
Trex Select carries a 35-year limited residential warranty for both the decking and fade/stain protection, matching the warranty length of premium lines. This compares to Trex Enhance’s 25-year warranty, making Select the more durable option despite being priced between Enhance and Transcend.
Q: Can Trex Select really be used underwater on docks?
Yes, Trex Select is submersible and waterproof, making it suitable for docks, marinas, and waterfront properties where boards may contact water. Most composite decking voids warranties at the waterline, but Trex Select maintains its protection even in marine applications.
Q: What makes Trex Select boards stay cooler than other composites?
Trex Select features SunComfortable™ Technology that keeps the deck surface up to 37°F cooler than traditional composite decking. This technology prevents the extreme surface temperatures that can make dark-colored composites uncomfortable for barefoot traffic in direct summer sun.
Q: How does Trex Select’s solid profile compare to Enhance’s scalloped design?
Trex Select uses a solid, full-thickness profile that provides more structural strength than Enhance’s scalloped (hollowed-out bottom) design. The solid construction better handles temperature extremes and snow loads, though it costs more due to the additional material.
Q: What fastening options work with Trex Select decking?
Trex Select boards come in both grooved-edge profiles for hidden fasteners (like Trex Hideaway) and square-edge profiles for face screwing on outer boards and stairs. The decking is compatible with standard composite deck screws and cuts like wood with regular carbide-tipped saw blades.
Q: What colors does Trex Select offer?
Trex Select comes in five colors: Pebble Grey, Saddle, Malted Barley, Millstone, and Whiskey Barrel. These browns and grays coordinate with Trex Select Railing systems and matching fascia boards for a complete deck system.
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