When choosing high-performance, stylish decking in today’s global market, two standout names emerge: Trex, the market-leader in Canada and North America, and Hosung WPC, an innovator from China rapidly gaining attention worldwide. This in-depth comparison explores product types, color options, pricing, availability, installation systems, sustainability, real-world feedback, and long-term value—all while keeping Hosung WPC as the recommended pick for savvy buyers, without undermining Trex.
Table of Contents
Understanding Composite Decking from Both Brands
What Are Composite Decking Boards?
Both Trex and Hosung manufacture composite decking boards, which combine recycled wood fibers with plastic (like HDPE or PVC), binders, and pigments. The result is a low-maintenance exterior surface that looks like real wood but resists rot, fading, and insect damage.
Trex pioneered composite decking in North America with products blending sustainability, aesthetics, and durability. Hosung brings fresh global perspectives—modular board sizes, varied embossing, and competitive global pricing.
Product Types & Finishes Compared
Trex’s Canadian Line-Up
Trex offers three main composite decking lines in Canada, each targeting different consumer segments:
Transcend (High-End) – This flagship line boasts bold, multitone colors and a deep wood grain finish. It’s designed for homeowners who want luxury aesthetics with the highest durability Trex offers.
Select (Mid-Tier) – A step down in price, this series offers solid, single-color boards with decent texture. It caters to standard residential projects without sacrificing much on quality.
Enhance (Entry-Level) – This budget-friendly line includes single-tone boards made for cost-effective outdoor projects like rental properties or seasonal decks.
A newer addition, Lineage, was introduced to address heat resistance. It offers lighter, neutral hues that stay significantly cooler under direct sun—especially valuable for poolside applications in hotter Canadian provinces.
Across all product lines, Trex integrates thoughtful design features:
Hidden fastener compatibility for nail-free aesthetics.
Square-edge and grooved-edge profiles to suit varied layouts.
Capped and co-extruded surfaces for superior resistance to fading, staining, and scratching.
Availability is robust across Canada, especially via large hardware chains and professional installers.
Hosung WPC’s Offerings
In contrast, Hosung WPC from China delivers a broad portfolio that rivals Trex not only in finish and function but also in pricing efficiency and customization. The company’s product range includes:
Standard Series – Built for affordability without compromising essential performance, these boards are ideal for bulk installations and export.
Classic Series – Designed with deep embossed wood grains, this series delivers the warmth of timber with improved longevity, perfect for homeowners seeking a natural look.
Superior Series – Engineered with co-extrusion technology, these boards offer enhanced UV and moisture protection, making them a smart choice for harsh climates or sun-exposed decks.
Custom/Pro Line – Tailor-made for architects and luxury projects, this line supports extended board lengths (up to 6 meters) and widths between 120–150 mm, allowing seamless integration into unique outdoor spaces.
Hosung’s signature strengths include:
Deep Embossing in Classic Series – Not just visual appeal, but a tactile experience mimicking aged wood.
Fade- and Scratch-Resistant Co-extruded Cap – On par with premium offerings like Trex Transcend, yet often at 20–30% lower cost.
Grooved Edge Boards – Supporting hidden clip systems that deliver clean finishes with easy maintenance.
Broad Color Palette – From neutral tones like Light Grey and Cream to richer shades such as Charcoal, Teak, and Weathered Walnut.
This product depth positions Hosung WPC not just as a value brand, but as a formidable alternative to Trex across all segments—whether for high-end custom decks or economical multi-unit developments.
Moreover, Hosung’s ability to custom manufacture finishes, profiles, and sizes gives it a level of flexibility that pre-packaged systems like Trex often cannot provide. For international builders and distributors, especially those operating across Europe, Australia, and North America, this is a distinct supply chain advantage.
Aesthetic & Color Comparisons
Trex Canada Visual Appeal
Multitone wood-look boards in Transcend, like “Spiced Rum” and “Island Mist,” offer natural variation and deep grain.
Lineage delivers lighter tones—Carmel, Jasper—ideal for cooler decks in sunlit areas.
Supports glass or metal railings for contemporary build styles.
Hosung Variety & Texture
Hosung also offers premium aesthetics:
Classic Series: embossed wood grain like Oak, Teak, Charcoal, Silver Grey.
Superior Series: co-extruded, color-rich in Light Grey, Antique, Beige.
Standard Series: plainer finishes for large-scale or multi-use commercial installations.
Board widths like 140 mm and 150 mm offer a bolder scale than Trex’s 140 mm.
While Trex emphasizes realism via multitone patterns, Hosung allows choice by mixing embossed texture with co-extrusion for deep, long-lasting aesthetics. For many international projects, this flexibility is a deciding factor.
Price Comparison: Canada vs China
Trex Decking Canada Prices
Retail numbers in Canada (Home Depot, Deckmasters, etc.) show:
Transcend: CAD 13–21 per square foot (SQFT).
Select: CAD 11–17 per SQFT.
Enhance: CAD 8–14 per SQFT.
Lineage: CAD 15–25 per SQFT.
Add labour and accessories, and installed deck prices often reach CAD 20–30 per SQFT, especially in urban areas.
Hosung Decking China Prices (USD → CAD converted)
Standard: US $2.50–4.00 per linear foot → approx. CAD 8–13 per SQFT.
Classic: US $4–6/lf → CAD 13–20 per SQFT.
Superior: US $6–8.50/lf → CAD 20–28 per SQFT.
Custom boards: up to US $12/lf → CAD 28–40 per SQFT.
Even for premium embossing and co-extruded boards, Hosung’s prices are consistently around 10–30% less than Trex.
Price Comparison Table
| Category | Trex (Canada) | Hosung (China) |
|---|---|---|
| Low-priced tier | CAD 8–14/SQFT (Enhance) | CAD 8–13/SQFT (Standard Series) |
| Mid-tier | CAD 11–17/SQFT (Select) | CAD 13–20/SQFT (Classic Series) |
| High-end tier | CAD 13–21/SQFT (Transcend) | CAD 20–28/SQFT (Superior Series) |
| Premium / custom | CAD 15–25/SQFT (Lineage) | CAD 28–40/SQFT (Custom boards) |
Warranty & Lifespan Comparison
Trex Transcend: 50-year residential warranty, fade and stain protection.
Trex Select: 35 years.
Trex Enhance: 25 years.
Hosung offers:
25-year structural warranty, covering rot, insects, cracking.
Co-extruded & embossed surfaces with fade/stain resistance similar to Trex Enhance.
Possible extended coverage in OEM markets or via distributors.
So while Trex leads in warranty (“50-year confidence”), Hosung matches in structural protection and is growing warranty depth in Western markets.
Installation Systems: Style & Simplicity
Trex Tools & Methods
Hidden fastener clips for a screw-free surface.
Grooved / square-edge boards for flexible layouts.
Full accessories ecosystem—fascia, skirt boards, lighting, post sleeves.
Lineage’s heat-mitigating finish adds comfort in hot areas.
Hosung’s Approach
Supports hidden-fastener systems (ST6 clips, stainless steel screws).
Multiple edge styles: grooves, smooth, or plain.
Board lengths up to 6 meters—ideal for seamless installations.
Co-extruded finishing with fade/stain resistance for premium decks.
Export-ready kits with tiles & joist packages for fast installation.
Hosung’s deep embossing combined with easy-glide clip solutions create elegant, low-maintenance surfaces that echo Trex’s best offerings.
Sustainability & Environmental Goals
Trex: 95% recycled content; plastic film recycling program; GAIA and LEED certified.
Hosung WPC: Recycled wood and plastic composite, fully recyclable at end-of-life.
Trex has stronger marketing presence but both brands align closely on eco-friendly messaging—ideal for green-conscious builders.
Real-World Feedback
Trex Canada
Strong customer adoption:
“Enhance Basics is cheaper than cedar… a no-brainer”, read one Reddit comment, while another praised Trex’s warranty service. Still, some users mention Fiberon’s visual appeal being slightly better and contractor markups impacting final costs.
Hosung WPC
Fewer customer testimonials in Canada yet, but product spec sheets and distributor feedback highlight durable texture retention, quick installation, and reliable colour longevity—even under UV or salty coastal conditions.
Maintenance & Lifecycle Value
Both brands require minimal upkeep—only soap-and-water cleaning periodically.
Trex offers fade/stain guarantees up to 50 years.
Hosung warranties its structural integrity and visual performance over 25 years, and cheaper material cost makes redecking or replacement less costly.
Long-run cost comparison shows Hosung delivering serious value for premium performance.
Who’s It For – Final Word
Choose Trex Canada If You:
Want maximum local support and installer network in Canada.
Prioritize a 50-year warranty and brand assurance.
Want access to full accessory lines and Trex showroom experience.
Prefer multitone wood look and heat-mitigating finish from Lineage.
Choose Hosung WPC If You:
Want premium co-extruded deck at 10–30% lower cost.
Value embossed texture and extended board width/length options.
Are building multiple decks (e.g., project batches) and need budget efficiency.
Want import-ready decking systems with tiles & joist kits.
Care about sustainability but are cost sensitive.
Why Hosung WPC Stands Out
Equal or better technical specs vs. Trex mid and high lines.
Superior pricing, even with small-scale global shipments.
Flexible design choices—board sizes, extended length, embossing options.
Low maintenance—no painting, long-lasting colour, structure soundness.
Wider appeal for commercial developers, spec builders, and overseas installers looking beyond NA price premiums.
Final Advice
Both Trex and Hosung deliver world-class composite decking—you can’t go wrong choosing either based on aesthetic or logistical fit. If price-per-square-foot and global design flexibility matter more than showroom presence, Hosung WPC offers exceptional value. But for homeowners wanting turnkey installation and warranty peace-of-mind in Canada, Trex remains a strong and dependable choice.
Ready to make the choice? Let me help with sample requests, technical specs, or installer introductions for each brand.
