TrexPro Platinum Enjoyed Partnering on HGTV® Smart Home 2022 Project

May 31, 2022

HGTV® Smart Home 2022 is a luxurious coastal retreat in Wilmington, NC. Building the home’s outdoor spaces called for an equally top-notch builder. Enter native Corey Sligh.

Sligh, a TrexPro Platinum builder, branched out with his own contracting business four years ago and began building decks exclusively with Trex composite decking. His two crews build about 40 decks a year. Prior to that, he worked as a carpenter with his uncle on nearby Bald Head Island for seven years starting at the age of 17. Innovation and craftmanship are hallmarks of his business so saying yes to this showcase project right in his own backyard was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

“I wanted to be part of the project because it’s HGTV® Smart Home 2022,” Sligh said. “If anyone will represent the Trex brand in the area, it should be me.”

A boxy, cookie-cuttter deck was not in the plans for this home. The design team opted for a double picture frame to punch up the visual interest, using Transcend® Havana Gold decking. Trex decking was also used to build the pool deck and outdoor shower. Black Signature® aluminum railing with glass infill preserve the gorgeous backyard views from the second-story deck off the main bedroom.

The backyard is a cornucopia of Trex products. Sligh also installed a Trex® Pergola™ from the Shadow collection in Jet Black, a stainless steel Trex® Outdoor Kitchen™ in Shadow Grey and Key West-style doors, lattice and privacy screens. More than 70 recessed deck lights, post cap lights and stair riser lights from the Trex® Outdoor Lighting™ collection were installed, giving the space an impressive night-time glow.

“Corey was an integral part of bringing together the exterior design of the home,” said Holly Overton of the Charter Building Group which led construction. “His team was able to help us incorporate multiple Trex products to create a cohesive outdoor living room. Corey’s expertise about the product was truly an asset to the project.”

Sligh, owner of CA Residential Group, primarily built decks out of IPE tropical hardwood, one of the most durable hardwoods in the world, before building his business on Trex. He found the transition easy. Trex “is easy to work with if you know what you’re doing,” said Sligh. “It’s an extremely great finish.”

Associating with the #1 brand in outdoor decking strengthened his reputation in a highly competitive coastal market. “I’m always looking for innovative stuff to set me apart,” Sligh said. “Back in the day, I noticed Trex was an easily marketable brand. It makes you look good.”

Transcend decking in Havana Gold, Tiki Torch and Island Mist are trending with Sligh’s coastal clients who he said commonly ask for Trex by name. “Trex sells itself,” he said. Building with Trex is ”one of the easiest things I’ve ever done.”

Trex’s low-maintenance qualities appeal to homeowners in this harsh coastal climate. “They want something in the backyard that pops and are tired of maintaining wood,” Sligh said. Being able to also offer the 25-year Trex warranties on the decking material and against fading and staining, plus the 10-year labor warranty that comes with hiring a TrexPro Platinum and Sligh’s additional 10-year warranty, seals the deal. “Longevity,” Sligh added, “is a big selling point.

Sligh had to adjust his schedule to take on this year’s HGTV® Smart Home job but the decision proved wise. Pausing construction every few days to allow for filming was a unique experience. “I enjoyed representing a phenomenal brand on television,” he said.

To learn more about HGTV® Smart Home 2022, visit HGTV.com.