How to Choose a Deck Color with Carmen Johnston

Three Tips to Choose a Trex Deck Color

1. Use Trex’s Color Selector Tool & Order Samples

To start, Carmen recommends using Trex's Color Selector Tool and ordering samples to get a feel for the vast array of color options available. "First, go online to use the Trex Color Selector, one of their many design tools, to find the perfect color for your outdoor space, and then hop on over to their Deck Designer Tool to create your deck,” she says. “Once you've chosen your top three or four board colors, you can order 12-inch composite samples to match your home's other materials."

2. Test Your Samples 

Next, Carmen suggests testing your samples in different lighting conditions. "My biggest tip when you have the samples in hand is to treat them the way you would paint samples. Hold them up outside near your exterior materials—you want the deck color to complement your existing colors, not compete with them or stand out too much.”

Carmen advises to test the samples at different times of day to see how they look in every light. “I prefer morning, midday, and evening around sunset!,” she says.

3. Consider the Deck’s Surroundings & Environment

Lastly, Carmen recommends considering the deck's surroundings and environment when choosing a color. "Envision your vibe!,” she says. “Look at your surroundings to see what hues you can pull in from nature. Consider the environment, too! This deck is nestled in tall Georgia pines, and the warm color—Spiced Rum—pulls in the dark color of the tree trunks. The burnt umber tones feature onyx lowlights, and the shade is a handsome and seamless choice to pair with the mossy green paint color and rustic wood on the ceiling! Spiced Rum resembles tropical Ipe wood, with a similar realistic vibrancy and grain pattern that is right at home in this woodsy riverfront landscape!"