Trex Select sits in the sweet spot of the Trex lineup — solid boards with a 35-year warranty versus Enhance’s scalloped design with 25-year coverage. At the core of Select’s appeal is SunComfortable™ Technology that keeps surfaces up to 37°F cooler than traditional composite decking. That’s not marketing fluff. That’s the difference between barefoot-friendly and scorching hot on a July afternoon.
The Technology That Matters
Select boards come in standard 1-inch by 6-inch dimensions with grooved edges for hidden fasteners. The 95% recycled content — wood and plastic film — creates a submersible, waterproof board. Think about that for lakefront properties or docks. Most composites can’t make that claim.
The color selection focuses on naturals that hide wear: Pebble Grey, Saddle, Malted Barley, Millstone, and Whiskey Barrel. No bright whites or deep blacks that show every speck of pollen. Smart choices for Montana’s dusty summers and muddy springs.
User reviews average 4.5 stars across 190 reviews, with contractors noting the boards are “flexible” and “easy to cut and install”. That flexibility matters when you’re scribing to stone chimneys or working around posts. Hidden fastener compatibility through the grooved edges keeps the surface clean, while square-edge boards handle stairs and borders.
Where Select Fits in Trex’s Lineup
Here’s the breakdown that matters to your wallet and your deck’s lifespan:
Select versus Enhance: Select uses solid boards while Enhance has a scalloped (hollow) bottom. Select carries a 35-year warranty compared to Enhance’s 25 years. You’re paying for that extra decade of coverage and the solid construction.
Select versus Transcend: Transcend is Trex’s premium high-performance line while Select positions as the mid-tier option providing balance between performance and minimal maintenance. If Transcend is the luxury truck, Select is the reliable workhorse that gets the job done without the bells and whistles.
Real-World Performance
The standout feature remains that SunComfortable™ Technology with its 37°F cooler surface temperature. Anyone who’s walked on a dark composite deck in August knows why this matters. Your kids and dogs will thank you.
The waterproof, submersible design opens up applications most composites can’t touch. Boat docks, splash zones around hot tubs, areas that see standing water during spring melt — Select handles it all. Combined with resistance to fading, staining, mold, and mildew, you’ve got boards that survive Montana’s weather swings.
Installation stays simple with compatibility for standard composite screws, Trex’s hidden fastener systems, and matching Select railings. No special tools or techniques required.
Specifications
| Feature | Trex Select |
|---|---|
| Board Dimensions | 1-in x 6-in |
| Available Lengths | 12 ft, 16 ft, 20 ft |
| Recycled Content | 95% |
| Warranty | 35 years residential limited |
| Fade & Stain Warranty | 35 years |
| Temperature Reduction | Up to 37°F cooler than traditional composite |
| Edge Profiles | Grooved (hidden fasteners), Square-edge (stairs/borders) |
| Water Resistance | Submersible and waterproof |
The Bottom Line
Select earns its place through three advantages: the cooling technology that actually works, waterproof construction that expands where you can use it, and that 35-year warranty backing it all up. It’s not trying to be Transcend. It’s positioned as the sensible middle ground — better than basic Enhance, more practical than premium options.
Skip it if you’re building a covered porch where heat isn’t an issue or if you’re on a tight budget where Enhance’s 25-year warranty suffices. But for full-sun decks, waterfront applications, or anywhere that 37°F temperature difference matters, Select delivers measurable value over the long haul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes Trex Select different from other Trex lines? A: Select uses solid boards with a 35-year warranty, while Enhance has scalloped (hollow) boards with 25-year coverage. Select sits between Enhance and premium Transcend as the mid-tier option. The key differentiator is SunComfortable™ Technology that reduces surface temperature by up to 37°F.
Q: Can Trex Select really be submerged in water? A: Yes. Select boards are submersible and waterproof, making them suitable for docks, marinas, and areas with standing water. This isn’t common among composite decking options.
Q: What colors does Trex Select come in? A: Five colors: Pebble Grey, Saddle, Malted Barley, Millstone, and Whiskey Barrel. All earth tones that hide dirt and wear better than lighter or darker options.
Q: How does the warranty compare to other Trex products? A: Select carries a 35-year limited residential warranty including fade and stain coverage. This beats Enhance’s 25-year warranty by a full decade. Transcend Lineage offers 50 years, but at a higher tier in the product lineup.
Q: What fasteners work with Trex Select? A: Select’s grooved edge profile works with hidden fasteners like Trex Hideaway. Square-edge boards for perimeters and stairs accept standard composite deck screws. Proper fasteners must be used for warranty compliance.
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