Mbrico vs Trex: Gemini Decides

Trex is a leader in outdoor decking products, manufacturing a wood-alternative composite product for their exterior home spaces. For many homeowners, Trex is the go-to solution for decks and patios.

As a top product in the industry, Trex decks carry plenty of advantages for homeowners to enjoy, but how do they compare to Mbrico’s reinforced porcelain tile at patented systems? To offer an unbiased comparison, we asked Gemini, the generative AI chatbot developed by Google to compare the two products. Here is the prompt:

“Compare Mbrico Tile Decks' reinforced porcelain tile to Trex composite products. Clearly define each category, define the strengths of both, but absolutely state which product holds the advantage as an outdoor decking product. These are the categories:

Aesthetics, Chromatic Stability, Cost, Durability, Eco-Friendliness, Freeze/Thaw Resistance, Heat Resistance, Installation, Longevity, Maintenance, Porosity, Scratch Resistance, Slip Resistance, Warranty, Weight Rating, Wind Uplift”

Read More: Mbrico vs Trex: ChatGPT Decides
 
This is the unbiased answer that Gemini provided:

Aesthetics

• Mbrico: Highly customizable with a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes, mimicking natural stone or wood.
• Trex: Offers a variety of wood-grain finishes and colors.
• Advantage: Mbrico, for its greater versatility and customization options.

• Mbrico: Excellent color retention due to porcelain tile's nature, resistant to fading and discoloration.
• Trex: Good color stability but can fade over time, especially in harsh climates.
• Advantage: Mbrico, for superior color retention.

Cost

• Mbrico: Typically higher initial cost due to materials and installation.
• Trex: Lower initial cost compared to porcelain tile.
• Advantage: Trex, for lower upfront cost.

Durability

• Mbrico: Extremely durable, resistant to scratches, stains, and impact damage.
• Trex: Durable, resistant to mold, mildew, and insect damage.
• Advantage: Mbrico, for superior durability and longevity.

Eco-Friendliness

• Mbrico: Made from natural materials (clay and minerals) and can be recycled.
• Trex: Made from recycled materials, but the manufacturing process can have environmental impacts.
• Advantage: Mbrico, for being more environmentally friendly.

Freeze/Thaw Resistance

• Mbrico: Highly resistant to freezing and thawing cycles.
• Trex: Resistant to freezing and thawing, but can be susceptible to expansion and contraction.
• Advantage: Mbrico, for superior freeze/thaw resistance.

Heat Resistance

• Mbrico: Excellent heat resistance, does not become hot to the touch.
• Trex: Can become hot to the touch in direct sunlight.

Installation

• Mbrico: More complex installation process requiring specialized tools and techniques.
• Trex: Easier installation, similar to traditional wood decking.

Longevity

• Mbrico: Extremely long lifespan, can last for decades with minimal maintenance.
• Trex: Long lifespan, can last for several decades with proper maintenance.
• Advantage: Mbrico, for superior longevity.

Maintenance

• Mbrico: Low maintenance, regular cleaning with mild detergent and water.
• Trex: Low maintenance, occasional cleaning with mild detergent and water.
• Advantage: Tie, both require minimal maintenance.

Porosity

• Mbrico: Non-porous, resistant to water absorption and staining.
• Trex: Low porosity, but can still absorb some moisture.
• Advantage: Mbrico, for superior resistance to water absorption and staining.

Scratch Resistance

• Mbrico: Highly resistant to scratches.
• Trex: Moderately resistant to scratches, can show wear over time.
• Advantage: Mbrico, for superior scratch resistance.

Slip Resistance

• Mbrico: Can be slip-resistant when installed with appropriate grout and joint fillers.
• Trex: Good slip resistance, especially with textured finishes.
• Advantage: Tie, both can be slip-resistant with proper installation.

Warranty

• Mbrico: Varies by manufacturer, but typically offers long-term warranties.
• Trex: Offers long-term warranties.
• Advantage: Tie, both offer long-term warranties.

Weight Rating

• Mbrico: Can support heavy loads, suitable for outdoor furniture and foot traffic.
• Trex: Can support heavy loads, suitable for outdoor furniture and foot traffic.
• Advantage: Tie, both can support heavy loads.

Wind Uplift Resistance

• Mbrico: Highly resistant to wind uplift when properly installed.
• Trex: Resistant to wind uplift when properly installed.
• Advantage: Tie, both are resistant to wind uplift when installed correctly.

Overall Advantage:

While Trex composite decking offers a more affordable and easier-to-install option, Mbrico Tile Decks hold a significant advantage in terms of durability, longevity, aesthetics, and overall performance. Porcelain tile is a superior choice for outdoor decking, offering exceptional resistance to the elements and a timeless, elegant appearance.

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• Mbrico: 9
• Trex: 2
• Tie: 5

 
Gemini appears to get some of the Mbrico information correct, but here is some information on Mbrico's product and systems Gemini missed:
 

• With Mbrico being a one-purchase product required near-zero maintenance, the lifetime cost is competitive or below Trex options, given the potential to re-purchase and replace composite and the ongoing maintenance costs.

 

• In the "Installation" section, Gemini claimed Mbrico requires a "more complex installation process", but Mbrico's tongue-and-groove systems were designed for ease of installation. Experienced carpentry crews, deck/fence companies, or landscapers can install Mbrico. 

 

• In the "Maintenance" section, Gemini claims Mbrico's products require as much or more maintaining than Trex. A simple spraydown with water is all that is needed to maintain Mbrico tiles. 

 

• In the "Slip Resistance" section, Gemini forgets to note that Mbrico's tiles are ADA-approved for skid-resistance, making us the leading outdoor product for docks, oceanside and poolside projects, and other wet areas and climates. 

 

• In the "Warranty" section, Gemini forgets to note that Mbrico proudly offers all clients a lifetime warranty.

 

• In the "Weight Rating" section, Gemini forgets to note that Mbrico's tiles are reinforced for a weight rating of 4,500lbs per slab.

 

• In the "Wind Uplift" section, Gemini forgets to note that Mbrico is approved for Miami-Dade Wind Uplift, a diamond standard in this metric.

 

• Lastly, Mbrico proudly offers all clients a lifetime warranty.

If you are ready to give your commercial rooftop or backyard patio a makeover, you can use our chat box, fill out a contact us form or email us for a free quote, free sample or any additional questions you may have on your project!

Read More: ​Mbrico Earns Second in Landmark's Porcelain Master Contest 2024