The Looman Family's Backyard Transformation: Trex Decking vs. Concrete Patio

When it came time to breathe new life into their backyard, Jenna and Tyler Loomans, a Wisconsin couple with two young boys, decided to take a chance by submitting a video entry into the Trex Moments Giveaway – and it paid off. Having endured years with a lackluster concrete patio, the family was overjoyed to learn they had won $10,000 worth of Trex materials. This meant they could finally transform their outdoor space with all the benefits of composite decking they had long dreamed of, creating a welcoming gathering spot for the whole family. Join us as we delve into their journey and discover why they couldn't wait to upgrade their outdoor space from concrete to composite. 

The Cons of Concrete

The Loomans' experience with their old concrete patio underscored some common issues with this traditional outdoor material. Their renovation wasn't just a matter of improving aesthetics. The patio's deteriorating state, with its uneven and cracked surface, presented real safety concerns, particularly for their children.

"The concrete pad was very old and cracked. It had a lot of weeds, a lot of growth coming up through it. It was kind of a tripping hazard as well," Jenna recalled.

In addition, the concrete patio’s size and layout restricted activities. With a love for hosting family get-togethers, Jenna felt its limitation with every gathering. "Even though the patio seemed like a decent size, once you get that furniture and people out there, it gets very small, very fast," she said.

The Loomans dreamed of having an outdoor area that could comfortably accommodate their large family events, knowing that the concrete patio's static nature meant that expanding or modifying it to suit their needs would be a significant challenge. 

Jenna also longed for a space suitable for more intimate family moments, where she could relax and watch her kids play in the yard or enjoy a quiet cup of coffee. The desire for a more functional and inviting outdoor area became a key motivator in their decision to explore material options, leading them to consider the benefits of composite decking.

4 Reasons for Choosing Trex Over Concrete

In their pursuit for a more accommodating and safer outdoor space, the Loomans chose Trex composite decking. This decision was driven by four critical scenarios where the Loomans felt Trex outperformed concrete.

1. Design Versatility Against Concrete’s Fixed Palette

Concrete patios, while functional, often lack flexibility in design. In contrast, Trex decking allowed the Loomans to tailor their outdoor space to their vision, incorporating more color and finishes.

Their design process took many twists and turns.

"We actually started with a whole different color scheme than we ended up with," Jenna said. "Once [a sample of the first choice] was put up next to the house, it was like, 'Yeah, that doesn't really match the house.' We had to go back and redo it, but it was easy to redo and get it to match what we already had."

In the end, the Loomans chose Trex Enhance® decking in Rocky Harbor and chose to border the griege boards with darker Enhance® Coastal Bluff which they also used on the stairs. Trex® Fascia in Universal White provided a polished finish to their space. They also opted for Trex Enhance® Railing in Classic White to create a timeless look that concrete could not match.

2. Safety and Comfort Over Hard Concrete

The decision to opt for Trex composite decking and railing significantly improved the safety and comfort of their backyard space, replacing their old, cracked concrete patio which presented so many concerns.

The Loomans were drawn to Trex’s smooth, splinter-free surface, which was far more child-friendly than the hard, uneven concrete. Using Trex Hideaway® Hidden Fastener Clips further enhanced safety and aesthetics, creating a seamless deck surface free from protruding screws or sharp edges.

3. Low Maintenance vs. Laborious Concrete Care

The Loomans were all too familiar with the laborious upkeep required for a concrete patio. Maintenance hassles were a stark contrast to Trex. One of the standout features of Trex for Jenna and Tyler is its low-maintenance nature. Trex is resistance to stains, scratches, and fading and never needs sanding or staining, which means less time worrying about upkeep and more time enjoying family activities. 

“We have a lot to maintain with the home. So the less we can have to put into keeping the deck maintained, the better," Jenna said.

4. Enhanced Outdoor Experience

Elevating the outdoor space, Jenna and Tyler Loomans' added Trex® Outdoor Lighting components to their deck. The Loomans found that the Trex lighting not only increased safety by illuminating steps and edges after dark, but also extended the use of their outdoor space well into the evening. Their old concrete patio lacked the infrastructure and adaptability to support customized lighting.

A Concrete Transformation with Trex

For the Loomans, shifting from a concrete patio to a Trex deck meant more than a simple material upgrade. Their deck has become a center for family gatherings, children's activities, and relaxation, offering benefits that their concrete patio just couldn't match.

“We are spending way more time in the backyard now," Jenna said, overjoyed. "It's really expanded our entertaining space, our living space; given us more opportunity to just be outside as a family.”

While Trex products required a slightly higher initial investment than the concrete patio, the long-term benefits in maintenance, safety, aesthetics, and overall value are unparalleled, the Loomans said. Their story is a testament to the transformative power of Trex, providing a superior alternative to traditional backyard spaces.

In the spirit of transparency, it's important to note that Jenna and Tyler Loomans were winners of Trex's #TrexMoments Giveaway. To learn more about their experience winning the Trex Moments Giveaway, read their full testimonial.