Material Composition

Trex is made from 95% recycled wood and plastic film. Fiberon uses a proprietary composite blend with higher polymer content in their premium lines. Both are significantly more durable than pressure-treated wood in Colorado’s climate. Neither will rot, splinter, or require staining or sealing.

UV Performance in Colorado

Colorado gets 300+ days of sunshine annually with intense UV at elevation. Both Trex and Fiberon fade in UV without a protective cap layer. Trex Transcend and Enhance — and Fiberon Horizon and Paramount — include a full polymer cap that resists fading. Budget lines from both brands (Trex Select, Fiberon Good Life) have partial caps that fade faster. In Colorado, always specify a fully capped product.

Surface Temperature

Composite decking gets hotter than wood in direct Colorado sunshine. Trex and Fiberon both run 20-30°F hotter than air temperature in direct sun. Both brands have worked to improve this — Fiberon claims slightly better heat performance in their premium lines. Consider pergolas, patio covers, or shade structures if afternoon sun hits your deck directly.

Cost Comparison — Installed in Colorado

Trex Select: $25–$35 per sq ft installed. Trex Enhance: $30–$40. Trex Transcend: $40–$55. Fiberon Good Life: $22–$32. Fiberon Horizon: $32–$42. Fiberon Paramount (PVC): $45–$60. A 400 sq ft deck in fully-capped composite runs $12,000–$22,000 installed. Pressure-treated wood runs $8,000–$14,000. The composite premium pays back in zero maintenance over 25+ years.

Warranty Comparison

Trex Transcend: 25-year fade and stain warranty. Fiberon Horizon: 25-year fade and stain warranty. Both warranties are industry-standard and cover significant material degradation — not normal weathering. Read the fine print: both require specific cleaning procedures to maintain warranty validity. Josh Brooks Construction installs both products correctly to preserve full warranty coverage.

Josh Brooks Construction Recommendation

Both are excellent. Trex has stronger brand recognition and wider color selection. Fiberon is slightly more competitive on price for equivalent performance. For Colorado’s UV intensity, choose fully-capped products from either brand — Trex Transcend or Fiberon Horizon. For maximum durability with no maintenance concerns, Fiberon Paramount (full PVC) is worth the premium.

Common Questions

Is Trex or Fiberon better for Colorado’s climate?

Both perform well in Colorado when you choose fully-capped composite products. Trex Transcend and Fiberon Horizon are the right choices for Colorado’s UV intensity and temperature swings. Budget lines from either brand with partial caps fade faster in Colorado’s 300+ days of sunshine. Josh Brooks Construction recommends fully-capped composite for all Colorado deck installations.

How much does Trex decking cost installed in Colorado?

Trex decking installed in Colorado runs $25–$55 per square foot depending on product line. A 400 sq ft deck costs $10,000–$22,000 installed with Trex. Fiberon runs $22–$60 per square foot installed. Both are significantly more than pressure-treated wood upfront but require zero maintenance — no staining, sealing, or board replacement over a 25+ year lifespan.

Does Josh Brooks Construction install both Trex and Fiberon?

Yes. Josh Brooks Construction installs Trex, Fiberon, Deckorators, and TimberTech composite decking throughout Longmont, Boulder County, and Northern Colorado. We help you compare products and choose the right one for your budget, sun exposure, and style. Free written estimates. Call 720-828-7997.

How long does composite decking last in Colorado?

Fully-capped composite decking from Trex or Fiberon lasts 25-30+ years in Colorado with minimal maintenance. Neither product will rot, splinter, or require staining. Annual cleaning with a composite deck cleaner is all that’s needed. Both brands warranty against significant fade and stain for 25 years. Pressure-treated wood requires restaining every 2-3 years and typically needs board replacement within 15-20 years in Colorado.