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Choosing a deck: my backyard transformation with Trex

November 21, 2018 8 Comments

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Today is the first in a series of three posts about our yet to be revealed backyard transformation, which I can’t wait to share.

A deck is every Aussie’s dream for the ultimate in indoor/outdoor living and seamless entertaining flow from your house to your al fresco, am I right?! Damian and I have always loved the idea of a deck, especially when we bought our family home 18 months ago, with a designated area for entertaining as well as a flat lawn further back for the kids (there are two since little Charlie joined us last month!) to play.

The back garden in full bloom last summer!

Maintenance though, is not our idea of fun. We have already realised that going from apartment balcony (where someone else takes care of the outdoors for you!) to front and back gardens is a big jump. Is it even the weekend if you’re not at Bunnings buying a lawnmower, hedge trimmer, lawn feed, and so the list goes on! Not to mention trying to modernise what was a very “Nanna” house inside too, lived in by the same old lady for three decades.

So, we didn’t want to have to think about sanding back, staining and treating a deck. No thanks! Plus we live in a bushfire prone area of Sydney’s upper north shore, we’re terrified of termites and we want the kids to be able to drop ice creams and have the paddling pool spill everywhere without worrying about a deck staining or rotting. And, of course, Australia gets really bloody hot for a large portion of the year, so I didn’t want something that would warp and split. Does a deck like this even exist?!

Enter: Trex Company, the worldโ€™s number one decking brand and the inventor of timber-alternative composite decking, with more than 25 years of product experience.ย When the brand approached me to work with them on creating the back deck we’d been dreaming of, I read the product information and it was like it had been designed for us! Equally, it’s eco-friendly and made of 95% recycled materials (a 4.9 metre Trex composite deck board contains approximately 2,250 recycled plastic bags), which sits well with me and my increasing consciousness of our disposable, throwaway society.

We picked Trex’s Transcend decking in their grey-toned colour option (there are 10 to choose from), Island Mist. Itย requires no sanding, staining or painting and uses special technology to ensure it willย maintain its colour and finish against all of the Aussie elements. Sound too good to be true? It’s backed by a 25-year fade and stain warranty, so I was on board (or deck!).

My choice: Trex Transcend in Island Mist

In terms of caring for it, you literally sweep it with a soft bristle brush and clean the composite deck with soap and water when required. Too easy!

While you can install Trex decking yourself, I’ve made no secret in the past of our lack of practical skills, although Damian is becoming handier by the day since we moved here! So we were lucky enough to have experienced tradespeople Urban Arch do the job for us, with distributor Master Woodturning delivering the product.

Tony Masciocchi from Urban Arch came out to our home with samples to discuss what would work well, show me colours, discuss the design and what we wanted. Tony made everything really clear and answered all my stupid questions without making me feel stupid for asking them! I felt really confident that his team knew their stuff, having seen photos of other jobs, and I had no issue leaving them to it as the job was half finished when I disappeared into hospital to give birth!

Trex Transcend in Spiced Rum, one of 10 colours

So, just how hardy and low-maintenance is it? Unlike timber, Trex composite decking is termite-proof (woohoo!) and will not rot, splinter, split, scratch or require seasonal painting, staining or sealing. And it can withstand and resist intense sun, powerful winds, animal, insects (and children, presumably!), furniture and shoe wear, and strong salty seawater.

All Trex composite decking products come with an installation guide that covers planning and preparation, installation and care, if you want to DIY rather than have someone DIFY (Do It (For) You)!

NEXT WEEK: Read and see more about the build of our deck, including before photos.

For more information about Trex, help with planning and budgeting, decking inspiration or to order free samples.

Disclaimer: My deck was supplied to me by Trex in exchange for coverage on this website, though this is an honest review of the product and service.

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The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

#slatefloor #slatefloors #80shouse #80sbeauty #camillohouse #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno #holidayhousesofinstagram #morningtonpeninsulahomes #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulasmallbusiness #blairgowrie #blairgowriebeach #airbnbstyle
Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’— Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’—
Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for thr Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for three decades going out for a child-free dinner ๐Ÿ’“๐Ÿ˜
Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damia Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damianfrancis 

This doesn't happen often these days!
Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks since leaving hospital and I'm doing much better than I expected to be at this early stage. A long recovery road ahead but making progress in how much I can move my arm and although I drag myself through some days non-stop yawning, others I can go for a little walk or out for lunch before collapsing on the couch! I can now tie my own hair back and put on a real bra which is very exciting ๐Ÿคฃ Having my bestie here to help us with the boys, drive me places and just be brilliant positive company is the best thing I could have asked for not to mention the many Dinner Ladies vouchers from friends! Thanks for all your kind messages, cards, flowers, gifts and offers of help โค๏ธ
I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping to raise some awareness off the back of my misfortune (and also very lucky escape).

@newsouthwaleshealth have just put out this warning about a rise in serious bacterial infections. iGAS (invasive group A streptococcus) is what caused my necrotising fasciitis and sepsis.

Apparently there's similar happening in VIC too.

It's extremely rare but very serious nonetheless so please have a read and be aware of symptoms. I've linked to the article from a button via my link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #jenbishop #necrotisingfasciitis #groupastrep #groupastreptococcus #sepsis
While new technologies continue to shape the inter While new technologies continue to shape the interior design scene, one that has been getting a fair bit of traction of late isย marble-look porcelain. A cheaper alternative to natural stone, the latest printed porcelain tile technology makes it difficult to distinguish from the real thing.

Founded by husband and wife duo Anton and Rita Bourtsev, Sydneyโ€™s @kaolintiles has a unique offering in this space with over 100 different marble-look tile designs in small and large formats.

More via link in bio now.

#porcelain #porcelaintile #porcelaintiles #largeformattiles #largeformattile #marblelooktiles #bathroomtrends2023 #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #realrenovations #goldsink #brasssink #jenbishop #kaolin #kaolintiles #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger
Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I'll post and I hope to be home and with my lippie back on by Monday. You know it's serious when I'm lipstick free, right?!

This was about a week ago in intensive care. And although my arm is still bloody sore I'm now on a normal ward and no longer attached to any drips, drains or a catheter. I've come a long way.

This has been the most physical and mental challenge of my life but I'm through the worst. I kept my arm. The doctors saved my life.

I cannot say it enough times. If you're worried about your health, don't hang around. Things can change so quickly. 

A huge thanks to my amazing husband @damianfrancis We've had the hardest year yet and our marriage has never been stronger, even if my rings did get cut off my finger in hospital ๐Ÿ˜œ

As great of a job as he is doing at home with the kids, I cannot wait to get home now. Countdown is on to a new year and a fresh start.

And I can't say enough just how overwhelmingly grateful I am to all the medical professionals involved in my care, from the @healthdirectaus nurse who sent me to Emergency to the exceptional surgeons, doctors, nurses and support staff.

Happy New Year, everyone. Remember you never know what's around the corner and this is not a dress rehearsal!

And huge thank you for all your kindness here. Has been amazing while stuck in bed.

Xxx

For those who missed it, I was unlucky enough to get necrotising fasciitis. You'll have to Google it.
The unluckiest girl or the luckiest? Day 6 in int The unluckiest girl or the luckiest?

Day 6 in intensive care after suddenly coming down with a very serious necrotising fasciitis in my elbow on Sunday. Four operations later (with more to come) I'm out of the woods, alive and have my arm. But I won't be going home until after Christmas. Also picked up a bonus bit of pneumonia to keep things interesting.

I won't lie. This has been super super hard but I feel extremely lucky nonetheless. Have come across some exceptional surgeons, anaesthetists, doctors and nurses who have been incredibly kind at my most vulnerable as well as great at their jobs. I'm really grateful. Huge thank you to my amazing husband who is holding down the fort with the help and cooking of our wonderful friends. And to friends who check in, send love, flowers, snacks and sushi, I will never forget it.

Of course I will be sad tomorrow but my boys can visit and we will have another Christmas next month.

I'll leave you with this. Never ever ignore those health niggles. @healthdirectaus is always a great starting point.

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and will enjoy everyone else's celebrations on here with only a hint of bitterness ๐Ÿ˜‰

PS. Does this win the most unflattering photo of me ever published? I think so! No lippy for a WEEK.
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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 8 years. She is married to Damian and mum to Sebastian and Charlie.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarFiona Copley says

    November 21, 2018 at 11:45 am

    One criticism of composite decks I’ve heard is that they get super hot under foot when it is over 30 degrees and the sun is on them. Like, you can’t walk on them hot. I’d love to know what you personally find with trex after we’ve had a few hot summer days!

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      November 26, 2018 at 10:55 pm

      Hi Fiona! Like timber and any hard surface, it does get hot in direct sun but not in a way that concerns me. Seb has been out there playing in the paddling pool barefoot and hasn’t complained of his feet being hot, for example. The colour will make a difference to how hot it gets so a light colour like ours, Island Mist, is a good bet! Hope that helps!

      Reply
  2. AvatarGina @ Style Curator says

    November 25, 2018 at 8:50 pm

    Great choice Jen, we used ‘Island Mist’ by Trex at Bonnie’s house last year and it’s one of the favourite parts of her reno – she’s actually planning to extend the deck!

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      November 26, 2018 at 10:53 pm

      I love mine too! I’m a bit allergic to red tones, so it was right up my street!

      Reply
  3. AvatarCharmaine Ballenden says

    December 5, 2018 at 9:58 am

    Hi Jen,

    I was wondering where you got those gorgeous outdoor chairs for your deck?

    Thanks in advance :o)

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      December 5, 2018 at 11:56 am

      Early Settler!

      Reply
      • AvatarCharmaine Ball says

        December 5, 2018 at 2:12 pm

        Looks like there’s none in stock, was this some time ago?

        Reply
        • AvatarJen Bishop says

          December 5, 2018 at 3:31 pm

          Last year, yes. I know they still sell some of the items I got last year though, including the dining table and chairs. Sometimes they have stock in store if not online. May be worth a phoncall to them. Good luck!

          Reply

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