Deck Railings in Lehigh Valley and The Poconos, Pennsylvania.

At Penn Decks, we are committed to offering the best products and value for our customers, ensuring high quality, durability, and long-lasting performance. After careful consideration and based on customer feedback, we have made the decision to discontinue the sales and installation of Trex Select &Transcend railing.

Why We’re Discontinuing Trex Transcend & Select Railing

While Trex railing has been a popular choice for many homeowners through marketing, we’ve encountered ongoing concerns related to product defects, including:

• Softening and Melting in the Sun: Customers have reported issues with the railing system components softening or even melting when exposed to direct sunlight, which compromises the integrity and aesthetic of the deck.
• Prone to Algae and Mold Growth: Over time, the painted surface of the railing can become prone to the growth of algae and mold, especially in damp or shaded areas, requiring frequent maintenance to keep it looking its best.
• Scratching, Fading and Staining: Many homeowners have noticed that Trex Transcend railing is more susceptible to scratching and fading than expected, even under normal wear and tear.
• Price Increases: With two price increases in 2023. two price increases in 2024, and a price increase scheduled to begin January 2025, we just don't see the value for the quality of some Trex products.

 General Note for Trex Composite Railing Code-Compliance:

If you or your contractor are installing Trex composite railings, please be aware of the following important compliance and safety guidelines:

• Code Compliance: Trex composite railings are only code-compliant for decks below 24 inches in height. If your deck is higher than 24 inches from the ground, you must adhere to additional safety requirements.
• Post Spacing: For decks that are more than 24 inches high, the maximum allowable span between posts should not exceed 5 feet. This ensures the 200lb force for stability and safety.
• Cutting of Rail Kits: The standard 6-foot and 8-foot rail kits sold by Trex need to be cut down to meet compliance requirements for decks above 24 inches. Ensure that the railings are modified properly to meet safety. There is a substantial amount of product waste on large decks. It is not recommended to install the full 6-foot and 8-foot lengths included in the kits for decks higher than 24-inches.
• DO NOT RELY ON BUILDING INSPECTORS,  Most inspectors are not aware of the manufacturers specifications for composite railing, they'll only check the height of the railing for 36-inch compliance - not the span between posts.  It's the contractor's responsibility to thoroughly understand the products they're installing and prioritize safety over using less material maximize profit. 

 For a clearer understanding of railing compliance: A 12x16 deck that’s 8 feet high may appear to only require  (7) Posts, (4) 6-foot rail sections and (2) 8-foot rail sections. However, for safety and code compliance, the deck requires (9) 6-foot rail sections to be purchased and (10) posts, with each rail kit needing to be cut down so that no section spans more than 5 feet between railing posts. Always make sure you know exactly what you're getting with your deck installer’s estimate! 

Our Commitment to Quality and Customer Satisfaction

We take product quality seriously and want our customers to be fully satisfied with their deck and railing systems long-term. While, we hope Trex is actively working to address these issues, we feel it is in the best interest of our customers to offer alternative, more reliable solutions.

What This Means for You

If you’ve already purchased or installed Trex Transcend railing through us, please rest assured that we will honor all warranty claims and provide support as needed. However, moving forward, we will no longer offer Trex Transcend railing as part of our product lineup.

Alternative Railing Options

We are pleased to offer a wide variety of other high-quality railing systems that are more durable, resistant to the elements, and require less maintenance. These include:

• Composite Railing Systems (from trusted manufacturers)
• Aluminum Railings - Recommended
• Premium Wood Railings - Recommended
• Vinyl Railings - Recommended with Built-in Aluminum Stiffener
• Cable Rail Systems - Recommended using Aluminum Posts

Our team is here to help you find the perfect railing solution to complement your deck, ensuring both durability and aesthetics.