Trex Select Composite Decking

Trex Select delivers 95% recycled content in a mid-range composite board that’s WUI-compliant for Montana’s wildfire zones. The Class B flame spread rating matters when you’re building in the wildland-urban interface — which is most of western Montana these days. At 50 years structural warranty and 35 years for fade and stain, it outlasts the mortgage.

Fire Safety and Material Composition

The WUI compliance and Class B fire rating separate Select from budget composites that can’t meet fire codes in high-risk zones. Made from 95% recycled materials — reclaimed wood, sawdust, and plastic film from shopping bags — it checks the sustainability box without compromising performance.

The board composition includes certified recycled content that performs better than you’d expect from ground-up grocery bags and sawdust. The shell technology resists the UV punishment that Montana’s elevation dishes out. Consumer Reports testing confirmed strong resistance to flexing, slipping, staining, surface damage, and weathering.

Installation and Technical Specifications

The actual thickness runs 0.82 inches (20mm) with boards weighing about 2.26 pounds per linear foot. That’s heavier than wood but lighter than PVC decking — manageable for a two-person crew.

Specification	Value
Actual Thickness	0.82 in (20 mm)
Nominal Thickness	1 in
Width	5.5 in (140 mm)
Available Lengths	12 ft, 16 ft, 20 ft
Weight per 12’ Board	~27.09 lbs
Joist Spacing	16 inches on-center
Board Gapping	1/8 to 1/4 inch

Both grooved edges (for hidden fasteners) and square edge profiles (for face screwing) come standard. The Trex Hideaway Universal Hidden Fastening System works with grooved boards, while TrapEase 3 or Cap-Tor Xd color-matched screws handle square-edge installations.

The hidden fastener system saves time once you get the hang of it. First board takes forever. By board ten, you’re moving. Standard woodworking tools plus the Trex Hideaway Installation Tool and a groove cutter router bit (if you’re grooving square-edge boards) get the job done.

Weather Performance and Warranty Coverage

The 50-year structural warranty covers material defects and structural failure from fungal decay or termites, while the 35-year fade and stain warranty protects against significant color changes. Those aren’t marketing numbers — they’re backed by actual weathering performance.

The surface includes SunComfortable Technology to reduce heat absorption, which matters on south-facing Montana decks that turn into griddles by July. The soft, splinter-free finish beats the cheese-grater texture of first-generation composites.

Select sits in the middle tier — the ‘Better’ option in Trex’s Good/Better/Best hierarchy. It’s thicker than Enhance (0.82” versus 0.75”/0.82” variations) with better scratch resistance and a longer fade/stain warranty. Compared to premium Transcend, it offers fewer color options and simpler grain patterns.

For Montana contractors, the sweet spot hits when clients want fire compliance, proven longevity, and recycled content. The 4.5+ star average rating across 200+ reviews from major retailers backs up the performance claims. Contractors praise the ease of installation, realistic wood look, low maintenance, and temperature comfort.

Select makes sense for builds where maintenance-free decades, fire compliance, and 95% recycled content certification matter. The specifications and performance data support its position as a mid-tier composite that delivers on its promises for quality-focused builds in Montana’s demanding climate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the actual thickness of Trex Select boards, and does it matter?

Trex Select boards measure 0.82 inches thick (20mm actual) compared to the 1-inch nominal thickness. This thickness provides better scratch resistance than thinner entry-level composites like some Enhance variations at 0.75 inches, while still being manageable for installation at approximately 2.26 pounds per linear foot.

Q: Can I use Trex Select in Montana’s wildfire zones?

Yes, Trex Select is WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) compliant with a Class B fire rating, making it suitable for construction in Montana’s high wildfire risk areas. The 95% recycled material composition still meets the fire safety requirements for these zones.

Q: What’s the real-world warranty coverage on Trex Select?

Trex Select carries a 50-year limited residential warranty for structural integrity covering material defects and structural failure from fungal decay or termites. The fade and stain warranty extends 35 years, protecting against significant color changes from UV exposure.

Q: Do I need special tools to install Trex Select decking?

Standard woodworking tools work for most of the installation, but you’ll need the Trex Hideaway Installation Tool for grooved boards with hidden fasteners. If converting square-edge boards to grooved, add a groove cutter router bit to your list.

Q: How does Trex Select compare to the cheaper Enhance line?

Trex Select offers a thicker board profile (0.82” vs some Enhance at 0.75”), better scratch resistance, and a longer fade/stain warranty (35 years vs shorter on Enhance). Select sits in the “Better” tier of Trex’s Good/Better/Best hierarchy, while Enhance occupies the “Good” entry-level position.

Q: What fastening options work with Trex Select boards?

Trex Select comes in both grooved edges for the Trex Hideaway Universal Hidden Fastening System and square edges for face screwing with TrapEase 3 or Cap-Tor Xd color-matched screws. Pro Plug or Cortex plug systems also work for a finished look with face-screwed installations.

Q: What joist spacing and gap requirements does Trex Select need?

Install Trex Select on 16-inch on-center joist spacing for residential applications with 1/8 to 1/4 inch gaps between boards for proper drainage and expansion. These specifications ensure the 50-year structural warranty remains valid.