Q&A with “Honey Badger” Nick Cummins: A Deck Build Down Under

Australian celebrity Nick “Honey Badger” Cummins, of rugby and reality TV fame, recently completed renovations to his home on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, and wanted an outdoor living space that would help make the most of the time he spends at home hosting get-togethers with family and friends.

We caught up with Nick after the build was complete to learn more about what inspired him to choose Trex over timber both inside and out for his 1,500 square-foot deck.

Why did you choose Trex for your project?

I’m pretty busy these days, so low maintenance and durability is high on the priority list. After product research and reading testimonials, Trex was a no-brainer.

Did you have any hesitations or concerns about choosing Trex? If so, what? 

No, not once, especially after I saw the guarantee and warranties.

Did you work with a TrexPro contractor or Trex dealer? If so, how was that experience? 

Our builder of choice had never worked with Trex products before, but a Trex representative (we call him Big Rod!) answered all our questions around the installation. The project ran so smoothly that our builder is now starting to build a Trex deck of his own at his family home!

From an installation standpoint, what are some of the main advantages of working with Trex materials? 

Installation of Trex decking is quick and easy, without the prior experience necessary. Visually, the decking is smooth and neat without any visible nails or screws showing.

Which Trex products did you use and why? 

For the decking, I chose the Trex Transcend^® Tropicals collection in Tiki Torch, as it fits the colour palette of the house and the grain pattern is identical to the texture of natural timber.

I also applied Trex^® Protect^™ joist and beam tape before laying the deck boards, and I highly recommend using it if you’re renovating your deck! It is a simple and cost-effective way to ensure the longevity of your deck so that it can be enjoyed for decades to come. You apply it to your joists, rim joist and ledger board to protect them from moisture penetration and prevent them from developing wood rot and decay. And, because it’s butyl-based, it helps deck screws hold stronger and longer than acrylic or asphalt-based tapes.

What would you say are the greatest benefits of building with Trex? 

One of the biggest draws for me is that the material is made from reclaimed timber and recycled materials. And being short on time, it’s great that the only maintenance needed is a good hosing off after a party.

How does Trex composite decking compare to timber decking? 

On a hot Queensland summer day, it was the same temperature underfoot as my neighbour’s timber deck. When it comes to fade, stain, scratch, and mould resistance and time saved on sanding and staining every year, it’s Trex first, daylight second, and timber third.

 How do you use your Trex deck? 

Carefree and good vibes are how I use it! Being one of eight children and an uncle eight times over, I’m not worried about the kids dragging a chair across the deck or the food and drink they get everywhere during family gatherings.

What is your favorite aspect or feature of your Trex deck? 

The durability of Trex and the fact that the boards are made from 95% recycled materials are key. Plus, it’s tough, requires minimal upkeep, and is visually appealing.

 Any tips or advice for other homeowners that may be considering using Trex for their outdoor living spaces? 

Like most things, cheaper ends up costing you more – add the time and money spent on sanding and oiling your timber deck every six months to a year, and you’ll see the light and choose Trex instead of traditional timber decking.