Planning a large-scale outdoor project requires the right materials to achieve that high-end, seamless look you’ve always dreamed of. Investing in 20ft trex decking allows you to cover expansive spans without the clutter of mid-field joints, ensuring a professional finish that truly lasts. Honestly, once you see the difference a continuous board makes, you’ll never want to go back to standard lengths.
Introduction
When we talk about high-end outdoor living, the “seamless” look is the gold standard. Most standard composite boards come in 12ft or 16ft lengths, which often necessitates “butt joints” (where two boards meet end-to-end) in the middle of your deck. By utilizing 20ft trex decking, you can often span the entire width of a residential deck with a single, continuous piece of material.
This isn’t just about vanity; it’s about structural integrity and long-term performance. Every joint in a deck is a potential point for moisture collection or uneven thermal expansion. Reducing these joints simplifies your framing and results in a surface that feels more solid underfoot.
The Benefits and Specifications of 20ft Trex Decking
Choosing the right board starts with understanding the numbers. While we often refer to boards by their nominal size (like 1×6), the actual dimensions are what matter for your joist layout and stair heights. For the Trex Select line, the 20ft boards feature a slim, efficient profile with an actual thickness of 0.82 inches and a width of 5.5 inches. In contrast, the Enhance and Transcend lines are slightly beefier at 0.94 inches thick.
Let me explain how these Trex Decking specs look in the real world:
| Trex Line | Nominal Size | Actual Thickness | Actual Width | Available Lengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Select | 1 in. x 6 in. | 0.82 in. | 5.5 in. | 12′, 16′, 20′ |
| Enhance | 1 in. x 6 in. | 0.94 in. | 5.5 in. | 12′, 16′, 20′ |
| Transcend | 1 in. x 6 in. | 0.94 in. | 5.5 in. | 12′, 16′, 20′ |
One vital piece of advice: never mix Select boards with Transcend or Enhance boards on the same surface. Because Select is thinner (0.82″ vs 0.94″), mixing them creates a significant tripping hazard. To ensure you are protected, always View Trex Warranty Page to understand how proper installation affects your 25-year coverage.
Choosing the Right Profile for 20ft Trex Decking
When ordering your 20ft boards, you’ll need to decide between a grooved edge and a square edge.
- Grooved Edge: These boards have a channel cut into the sides to accept hidden fasteners (like the Trex Hideaway system). This is the “luxury” choice because it leaves the surface of your deck completely smooth—no visible screw heads.
- Square Edge: These are solid on the sides. We typically use these for the perimeter “picture frame” border of the deck or for stair treads. Since the edge is visible, you want a solid profile rather than a groove.
For square edge boards, you’ll use high-quality Deck Screws to face-fasten the material to the joists.
Comparing Select, Enhance, and Transcend in 20ft Trex Decking
Trex offers three primary tiers for their 20ft boards, and choosing the right one depends on your budget and how much “traffic” your deck will see.
- Trex Select Decking: This is the “better” tier. It’s affordable, features a high-performance shell that resists stains and mold, and comes in classic colors like Saddle and Pebble Grey. It has a slightly thinner profile but offers legendary luxury at a lower price point.
- Trex Enhance Decking: The “good” tier. These boards feature a scalloped underside to reduce weight and cost. It’s a great wood alternative for those who want the Trex name without the premium price tag.
- Trex Transcend Decking: The “best” tier. This is the heavy-duty option. It has the thickest shell, the best scratch resistance, and the most realistic wood grains. If you have big dogs or host huge parties, Transcend is the way to go.
Installation and Maintenance Best Practices
Here’s the thing: installing 20ft trex decking requires a bit more finesse than shorter boards. Because composite material expands and contracts with temperature changes, a 20ft board will move more than a 12ft board. You know what? Proper gapping is essential. If you pin the boards too tightly in the cold Utah winter, they might buckle when the July sun hits them.
For maintenance, honestly, it couldn’t be easier. Forget the sanding and staining of the past. A simple bucket of soapy water and a soft bristle brush are usually all you need to keep the “Pebble Grey” or “Winchester Grey” looking brand new. Check out our Essential Deck Maintenance Tips for more details.
A Note on Heat: All composite decking gets hot in direct sunlight, especially darker colors like Woodland Brown. However, Trex has introduced SunComfortable™ technology in certain lines to help boards stay cooler than traditional composites. Even so, we always recommend testing the surface with your hand on a hot day before letting kids or pets run wild. If you’re also installing a railing, follow our A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Your Trex Railing to ensure the whole system is secure.
Sustainability and Durability Standards
One of the coolest things about Trex Products is their environmental footprint. Every 20ft board is made from 95% recycled materials. We’re talking about a mix of reclaimed sawdust and recycled plastic film (like grocery bags and bubble wrap). In fact, a 500-square-foot Trex deck contains about 140,000 recycled plastic bags!
This eco-friendly mix doesn’t just save the planet; it creates a board that won’t rot, warp, or splinter. The integrated protective shell on the top and sides provides industry-leading Trex Railing Durability and board protection against the harsh UV rays we get here in the Salt Lake Valley.
Cost and Availability for Large Projects
Pricing for 20ft trex decking generally ranges from $60.99 to $101.00 per board, depending on the color and the specific line (Select vs. Transcend). While the per-board price is higher than shorter lengths, you often save money on labor and hardware because there are fewer pieces to install and fewer joints to bridge.
At Utah Deck Supply, we keep a deep inventory of these lengths in stock. You can find more info on pricing in our guide on Where to Buy Trex Decking for Cheap in Utah.
Conclusion: Planning Your Project with Utah Deck Supply
Building a deck is a big investment, and choosing the right length is a “measure twice, cut once” kind of decision. Whether you are in Ogden, Provo, or right here in West Jordan, having access to 20ft lengths can completely transform the look of your home.
At Utah Deck Supply, we aren’t just a warehouse; we are your local experts. Founded by industry veterans Justin Hellander and James Bonham, we specialize exclusively in decking and railing. We provide the span charts, code guidance, and hands-on showroom experience that big-box stores simply can’t match.
You know what? Getting your hands on the right materials shouldn’t be the hardest part of your build. If you’re ready to elevate your backyard with the best boards in the business, give us a call at 385-993-5492 or Request a Free Quote today.
