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The choice between Trex, a brand of composite decking, and PVC decking depends on your priorities regarding budget, appearance, and environmental impact. Both materials are durable and resistant to moisture and insects. Trex is often considered more eco-friendly because it contains recycled wood and plastic and is 25% recyclable, while PVC is fully synthetic and harder to recycle. Aesthetically, Trex is designed to look more like real wood, whereas PVC often has a glossier, more plastic-like finish. In terms of cost, Trex is typically less expensive than PVC.

Whether composite decking is better than wood depends on your priorities, especially regarding budget and maintenance. Composite decking offers superior longevity (30 to 50 years) and durability, and it is low-maintenance, requiring no sanding, staining, or sealing. In contrast, wood decks typically last 10 to 30 years and need refinishing every few years. While the upfront cost of composite is higher than wood, the reduced maintenance can lead to long-term savings. If a lower initial cost is the primary factor, wood is the more affordable choice.

Composite decking may never warp, or it may warp quickly. Several factors can influence the rate of warping, including the material's quality, installation method, and installation location. Generally speaking, high-quality materials that have been installed properly are drastically less prone to warping.

You can use a few different tactics to prevent your deck gate from sagging. Aside from using strong, rot-resistant woods, introducing a diagonal element—such as a tension rod or solid piece of wood to act as a brace—across the gate will offer better support. You can also use rigid joists to prevent the gate from sagging.