Trex, the world’s largest manufacturer of high-performance, low-maintenance wood-alternative decking and residential railing, has expanded its range with new boards crafted for local style preferences and Australian climate conditions.

Trex Select features the brand’s exclusive SunComfortable technology, an advanced heat-mitigating technology engineered into the boards to reflect solar energy and reduce heat absorption. This helps to keep boards cooler* than previous generations of decking, making Select a perfect choice for use in the places where Aussies spend their best moments outdoors – from pool edges and sun-drenched decks to weekend barbeques on breezy verandahs and elevated coastal outlooks.

The new collection is available in three colours ideally suited to Australia’s natural landscapes. Whiskey Barrel, a warm and rich brown, mirrors the depth and character of native hardwoods, bringing a grounded feel to open-air retreats. Malted Barley draws on the earthy browns and soft greys found across rural farmlands, offering an inviting warmth that suits both modern and classic home styles. Millstone, with its weathered grey and charcoal undertones, captures the rugged beauty of coastal rock shelves and sun-bleached driftwood, making it perfect for coastal outdoor spaces.

Built for longevity as much as lifestyle, Trex Select decking delivers the low-maintenance benefits homeowners expect from Trex. Its ultra-durable, integrated shell resists fading, staining, scratching and mould, and won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter like traditional timber**. Furthermore, upkeep is hassle-free: no sanding, staining or sealing is ever required, and spills wash away easily with soap and water***, allowing homeowners to spend more time enjoying their outdoor spaces and less time maintaining them.

For Australian builders and TrexPro® installers, Trex Select offers a straightforward, high-value solution that stands up to demanding conditions and client expectations. Its solid profile allows it to be curved for greater design flexibility while its reliable, consistent performance makes it ideal for projects ranging from coastal decks and suburban backyards to rural verandahs and rooftop terraces.

Enhancing its appeal and versatility, Trex Select is also fully submersible and rated for W.U.I. (Wild Urban Interface) compliance, making it suitable for marine environments and areas vulnerable to bushfires – an important consideration across many regions of Australia.

In line with Trex’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, Trex Select is comprised of 95% reclaimed wood fibres and recycled plastic film. For added peace of mind, Trex Select decking is backed by a 35-Year Limited Residential Fade & Stain Warranty and a 10-Year Limited Commercial Warranty, reinforcing its value for both homeowners and professionals.

Trex Select decking with SunComfortable technology is now available nationwide through authorised Trex dealers and distributors. To learn more, visit Trex.com or contact your local Trex supplier for product specifications, samples, and installation details.

*Trex SunComfortable decking stays cooler than original Trex boards, but like all decking, it will get hot in direct sun, especially darker colours. Care should be taken to avoid extended contact between exposed skin and the deck surface, especially with young children and those with special needs.

The post Cooler, Low-Maintenance Outdoor Living Arrives with Trex Select appeared first on Completehome.

Here’s how to make yours the ultimate destination this summer:

Design for the Aussie Way of Living

A great entertaining area is all about flow, creating a space that feels relaxed and connected. When planning your outdoor space, think about how you can use it day to night or weekday to weekend. By creating distinct zones – like dining areas for long lunches, a lounge for sunset drinks or a quiet corner for morning coffee – you keep the layout open so there’s plenty of flow between indoors, the deck and the garden.

Drawing on three decades of styling experience, Megan Morton reveals her go-to tricks for effortless, clutter-free outdoor hosting.

“I’ve learned so much in my 30 years of styling tables and interiors. I like to really squeeze the seating in, mixing in stools and chairs because we’re not at a restaurant people – we’re at love-in! Cozy, tight and connected. This means using a smaller table for your guests and then a separate table to serve all the food. I hate all of the hand wrangling over food on the table and separating it creates a much more congenial atmosphere.

I love to make my own arrangements with cake stands plates and bowls into little tiered assortments perfect for aperitivo, appetisers and desserts.

For me, there’s nothing worse than deliciously icy drinks getting hot in the sun. I like to set up a dedicated drinks table under an umbrella and put it near the person I know will be the most dutiful and motivated sommelier! When you have the food, the drinks, and the people at three separate stations it makes for such an easier cleanup – reducing spills and table clutter.”

Keep it Cool and Comfortable

The Aussie sun can be strong, but that doesn’t mean you need to retreat indoors. The key is designing with shade, airflow and comfort in mind. Add shade solutions like pergolas, umbrellas, or climbing vines to soften sunlight and create a welcoming retreat. When it comes to decking boards, lighter tones like (Trex Transend Lineage Island Mist or Carmel) are great choices that naturally stay cooler. You can also look for decking boards that include heat-mitigation technology, like Trex’s new Select boards featuring SunComfortable Technology.

Choose Colours That Feel Like Summer

This season’s look is natural and relaxed, like coastal neutrals, warm and timeless finishes that complement the landscape. Use warm hues (like Trex Transcend Spiced Rum or Tiki Torch) for that rich timber look paired with pops of colour in cushions or plants to bring life into the space. Layer textures such as rattan, linen, and woven rugs to create a relaxed yet polished feel that brings your outdoor style to life.

Make It an Entertainer’s Dream

A true Aussie deck is built for hosting, think barbecues, cold drinks, and the smell of summer in the air. Design a dedicated cooking zone with space for your barbeque and incorporate deck lighting to keep the good times going after sunset. Trex boards are stain-resistant and easy to clean, so whatever the spill your deck will handle it.

To elevate your summer table styling, Megan Morton shares why this year she’s embracing a more relaxed, beautifully practical approach to setting up outdoors.

“Who doesn’t love the outside lunch spread? In the past I’ve opted for inside because it just got too hard to keep everything really clean. But this Summer I’m super excited about laying down carpets and rugs, and setting up my table outside with a whole bunch of guest-specific umbrellas. Because my Trex deck is easy to clean, I can focus on styling instead of worrying about mess.”

No Shoes, No Worries

Step straight off the sand and onto your Trex deck – smooth and splinter free. Simply hose off the salt and sand and relax, knowing it won’t warp, crack or fade, not matter how many beach days you bring home.

With clever styling and a comfortable, low-maintenance deck as the backdrop, it’s easy to turn your outdoor area into a space that feels effortless all summer long.

*Although Trex decking products with heat-mitigating technology are designed to be cooler than most other composite decking products of a similar color, on a hot sunny day, it will get hot. On hotsuch days, care should be taken to avoid extended contact between exposed skin and the deck surface, especially with young children and those with special needs

Styling commentary supplied by Megan Morton

The post Megan Morton on Easy, Breezy Outdoor Entertaining appeared first on Completehome.