Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Manchester, KY

No, termites do not eat Trex or any other composite decking brand. Termites eat cellulose, of which composite decking like Trex contains very little compared to natural wood. This feature can help justify the higher Trex decking costs if you live in an area with abundant termites.

To maximize the utility of space under a deck, it’s important to keep this area dry and clean. One way to prevent the area from becoming too wet is to install an under-deck draining system. This affordable home upgrade channels water away from the deck and provides usable space for storage or a functional area below a second-story deck. Not only will this be a useful maintenance upgrade, it can boost your home’s property value.

Staining and sealing the underside of a deck creates a moisture barrier but traps water in the boards, quickly leading to rot. No matter how well you seal the above deck, water still gets through via nails and screw heads on the surface. Allow this water to flow naturally under the deck, where it is routed through the drainage system.

Materials for a second-story deck must be weather- and rot-resistant, though the specific choices will largely be determined by your budget and style preference. Pressure-treated wood is on the lower end of the price scale, but it can be customized and stained the way you like it. Composite, on the other hand, is pricier for installation and has fewer options for customization, but you’ll save money and time in the long run because it requires little maintenance.