Earlier this month, Trex exhibited at the International Builders Show (IBS) in Las Vegas – one of the largest residential construction shows in the world. IBS is always a jam-packed show – and this year was no exception, especially with the addition of the Kitchen & Bath Show (K/BIS) next door! More than 75,000 home builders, contractors, manufacturers and suppliers gathered this year for the opportunity to preview and discuss the latest industry trends and hot topics.

While wood-alternative decking represents just a fraction of the overall building industry present at the show, when it comes to incorporating the latest trends and technology, it’s clear that Trex is leading the pack! From the vantage of our gorgeous, “decked out” booth we spied the following trends:

• Popularity of High-Performance Composites: We heard from contractors and builders that, across the country, homeowners are increasingly choosing high-performance wood alternatives like Trex Transcend®, which resist fading, staining, scratching and mold – and won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter.

This curving Trex beauty features Transcend in Tree House and Vintage Lantern.

• Going Green: Many exhibitors were showcasing products that respond to another trend among U.S. homeowners – continued interest in eco-friendly building materials. Of course, Trex has been a leader in the sustainable building industry for decades. In fact, the entire Trex decking portfolio is manufactured from more than 95 percent recycled content, including reclaimed wood and sawdust, as well as plastic from many common household items.

• Taste of the Tropics: When it comes to decking and railing, colors that draw inspiration from the tropics are all the rage with consumers. Visitors to the Trex booth swooned over the tropical hues of the Trex Transcend decking collection, which include Spiced Rum (a warm, earthy umber), Lava Rock (a rich reddish-black) and Tiki Torch (a variegated light brown color) – all of which feature hardwood streaking that mimics the look of authentic tropical hardwoods.

Trex Transcend in Tiki Torch brings the tropics to your backyard.

In addition, IBS was a wonderful opportunity to showcase our newest products – including Trex Spiral Stairs™, Trex® Landscape Lighting™, and Trex Enhance® in Saddle. If you weren’t able to make it to IBS in person – don’t fret – you can still visit the Trex booth “virtually!” Stay tuned to our YouTube channel to get a virtual tour and hear from our product managers firsthand. In the meantime, we’re already planning for next year’s show…hope to see you then!