My Trex Stories

Devin and Breanna O'Dell's Trex Rooftop Bus Deck Journey

Discover how skoolie’s Devin and Breanna O’Dell from @BasicallyNomads created the ultimate rooftop bus deck to complete their school bus turned mobile home DIY project.

August 17, 2023
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Devin and Breanna O'Dell turned their dreams into reality by converting a school bus into a mobile home. As avid travelers, they sought a living space that would withstand the test of time and provide the comfort and durability needed for their nomadic lifestyle. 

Along their journey, they discovered Trex, a decking solution that offered them the perfect combination of ease of installation, stunning aesthetics, and unmatched durability. Join us as we dive into their inspiring story and experience with Trex decking.

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The Quest for a Sustainable and Functional Home 

Devin and Breanna's decision to embrace a tiny home lifestyle was driven by their desire to break free from the shackles of societal norms. Rejecting the notion of pursuing the traditional "American dream," they sought a home that would be a sanctuary of simplicity and intentionality. 

Choosing a school bus conversion as their first step, they began their pursuit of a sustainable and functional dwelling. Their journey eventually led them to Trex, but not as customers yet. 

Looking for flexible ways to fund his and Breanna’s nomadic lifestyle, Devin answered a call for an acting job. He was soon cast in the Trex Academy series, receiving hands-on installation training and a crash course on all things Trex.

Devin says, “Because of that…we moved to Georgia and eventually made our way up to Virginia where we spent the rest of our summer working as an actor…being part of a creative process.”

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Beyond Wood: The Superiority of Trex Decking 

Devin and Breanna already had a wooden deck, but it was falling apart. At only three years old, the deck was peeling, warping, and even coming loose from the metal joists.

The biggest reason for going Trex is the low maintenance and high quality. When you decide to live tiny, you don't have room for much. So whatever we do decide to bring into our home (or build on top of it) needs to be quality. We learned that lesson the hard way by trying to buy treated lumber that kept shedding the sealer time and time again.”

Devin O’Dell

Falling back on his experience with Trex as an actor, Devin knew that Trex offered unparalleled advantages. Unlike wood, Trex decking requires minimal maintenance, sparing them the annual refinishing rituals they had experienced with their traditional wooden deck. 

Drawing on the knowledge gained from his involvement in Trex Academy, Devin embraced the opportunity to put theory into practice by replacing their old wooden rooftop deck with a brand new Trex deck. 

The process was fairly straightforward. After removing the old deck, Devin added a few more metal joists to reinforce the frame. Then it was just a matter of connecting the Trex boards, evening out the edges, and framing them with square boards for a polished look. 

“Overall, the deck install was pretty easy…Trex is (an) easy, easy choice,” says Devin.

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Trex Transcend Lineage: The Ideal Rooftop Decking Solution 

When it came to revamping their bus's rooftop deck, Devin and Breanna were particularly drawn to the Rainier decking from the Trex Transcend® Lineage line, which boasts innovative heat-mitigating technology.* 

With the scorching sun as their constant companion, Devin and Breanna were thrilled to discover that Trex Transcend Lineage decking offers a cooler experience underfoot. While other composite decking products may heat up significantly, Trex Transcend Lineage stays cool in even the hottest environments.

Durability was also of utmost importance to Devin and Breanna.

As we're driving around the US and Mexico, our deck is subject to insane winds and weather day in and day out. So having the best isn't just a matter of being picky, but a necessity to ensure our deck (will) last as long as our bus will.”

Devin O’Dell

Thanks to its unyielding shell protection, Trex Transcend Lineage is equipped to handle freezing temperatures, treacherous thunderstorms, and ferocious winds on the road.

Added shell protection also ensures that the decking maintains its vibrant color and luxurious finish no matter what Mother Nature throws at it. Maintenance is simple, too. With a quick soap-and-water cleanup, their Trex deck remains pristine, ready to withstand the rigors of their nomadic lifestyle.

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Start Your Decking Adventure Today with Trex Transcend Lineage

Devin and Breanna's testimonial showcases the transformative power of Trex Transcend Lineage decking, a perfect fit for their nomadic lifestyle. 

The simple installation process, enhanced sun resistance, and unmatched durability of Trex Transcend Lineage proved to be the ideal choice for their outdoor sanctuary. As they travel the globe, their Trex deck will continue to withstand the trials of their adventures and serve as a comfortable retreat.

Let Trex be your trusted companion on your path to outdoor bliss, even if it’s only in your own backyard.

*Although Trex Transcend Lineage is designed to be cooler than most other composite decking products of a similar color, on a hot sunny day, it will get hot. On hot days, care should be taken to avoid extended contact between exposed skin and the deck surface, especially with young children and those with special needs.

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