Heat-Mitigating Decking and View-Optimizing Cable Railing Elevate Palm Springs Oasis
At Sunset Magazine’s 2025 Idea House, Trex Company [NYSE:TREX], the world’s largest manufacturer of high-performance, low-maintenance composite decking and residential railing, is setting the stage for a new era in outdoor living. As the foundation and frame for a one-of-a-kind backyard oasis, Trex® composite decking and railing work together to enhance the home’s striking architecture, marrying premium aesthetics with innovative performance technology to create a unique desert sanctuary.
Perched high above Palm Springs, Calif., in the iconic Desert Palisades community, something extraordinary is taking shape. This architecturally significant home—originally envisioned by the legendary Donald Wexler and brought to life by architect Lance O’Donnell—is entering its final phase of construction. The location, which enjoys an average of 354 days of sun per year, required very intentional material choices with a focus on durability, sustainability and comfort. Engineered to withstand even the most demanding environments, Trex composite decking and railing proved the perfect selections for the home’s year-round outdoor retreat.
“We’re honored to be part of the Sunset Idea House, where the highest standards of innovation and sustainability meet iconic design,” said Jodi Lee, senior vice president of marketing for Trex Company. “In addition to the stunning setting and spectacular home design, the extreme climate presents an ideal opportunity to showcase some of our newest product innovations and performance technologies.”
Decking Designed for Desert Living
For optimal durability and aesthetics, the Sunset Magazine design team selected Trex Transcend® Lineage® composite decking for its latest inspirational Idea House. Featuring Trex’s exclusive SunComfortable™ heat-mitigating technology, the boards are engineered to reflect the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them, keeping the surface cooler* underfoot, even during peak heat.
The light brown Biscayne shade complements the home’s bold, clean lines and timeless monochromatic palette. The tranquil color and refined wood grain pattern evoke the warmth of traditional wood, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings, while the Performance-Engineered™ composite material ensures the decking will last for decades — proving that durability and design can coexist effortlessly. Integrated recessed deck lights add ambiance and enhance wayfinding, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Like all Trex decking, Lineage boards are engineered with a proprietary, high-traffic formulation and ultra-durable integrated shell that resists stains, scratches and mold**. They won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter like wood, and upkeep is hassle-free. No sanding, staining or painting is ever needed, and spills wash off easily with just soap and water. Whether sun-soaked or cooled by desert evenings, the space will remain inviting and comfortable year-round.
Railing that Steals the Show without Hogging the Spotlight
Providing the perfect frame for the outdoor space is Trex Signature® X-Series™ Cable Rail. The sleek Charcoal Black aluminum railing and minimalist lines of the stainless steel cables complement the home’s mid-century modern aesthetic, providing safety while maintaining unobstructed views of the picturesque landscape.
Anchoring the system is the innovative X-Series™ Post. This versatile component is designed to accommodate a variety of infills and can be used as an end, line and corner post. Spring-loaded cables offer superior tension management so cables are less prone to sag over time, while push-to-connect fittings eliminate swaging and crimping. Novel ball ends allow the cables to swivel to accommodate horizontal and stair angles.
Stylish Sustainability
Trex’s commitment to sustainability aligns beautifully with the eco-conscious values of the Sunset Idea House. The company’s entire portfolio of composite decking is made from up to 95% recycled and reclaimed materials, including a mix of polyethylene plastic film and industrial wood scrap. Each year, Trex turns more than 1 billion pounds of these would-be waste materials into high-performance, eco-friendly decking. Furthermore, the aluminum railing chosen for the 2025 Idea House is made with 40% recycled material and is 100% recyclable.
Sunset describes its latest Idea House as ‘a love letter to light, landscape, and the effortless flow between indoors and out’ and Trex products play a large role in bringing that vision to life. The home is on track to be completed in June and will be featured in the magazine’s July/August issue. In the meantime, to learn more about the Trex products featured in this year’s Idea Home, visit Trex.com.
