TimberTech vs Trex Decking: Product Comparison

Backyard decks are the ultimate ‘staycation’ home improvement project. When designed and built to wrap around landscaping, highlight water features, or provide gorgeous views of surrounding landscapes, a deck becomes the center spot for at-home retreats. Composite decking such as Timbertech and Trex decking products are made to be almost maintenance-free, long-lasting, and easily modified to create more custom deck designs.

While wood enjoyed years of being the top choice for decking, it’s being replaced by newer composite and PVC materials. Wood materials need constant upkeep, and depending on the weather, may need to be entirely replaced.  When looking for an alternative to wood, Timbertech and Trex composite decking are two of the top contenders. Below, we’ll cover the pros and cons of each popular type of deck brand.

TimberTech vs Trex Durability

TimberTech joined the composite decking market in 1996 and is known for capping all four sides of its composite decking boards with a 1/16th inch, plastic-based shell. They call this method “capping” and use this veneer to prevent mold, staining, and fading from the elements.

Trex, the company most well-known as the pioneer in composite decking, leaves the bottom open and only coats the top and a portion of the sides with capping. The methodology is based on damage caused by the expansion of water that ends up under the capped surface. With an open bottom, water is released and the board dries from the airflow, preventing decay.

All capping will endure the rigors of outside weather and temperatures but may show a bit of fading limited to the first three or four months. The way composite decking is measured for fading is based on the Delta E metric system. The change in visual perception of a color is measured on a Delta E scale from 0 to 100. A change of only a few Delta E levels is typically hard to notice.

When it comes to scratch resistance, part of the consideration is what the boards are made of. Trex is a composite decking product made from recycled wood chips, pressed sawdust, and recycled plastic. TimberTech is a plastic board made from PVC and proprietary plastic. In some scratch tests, the TimberTech scratched more easily than the Trex decks, causing some deeper scratches.

For some people, scratches on wooden floors or wood decking ruin the look. While other people don’t mind, Trex is known to be more scratch-resistant than TimberTech, making this an important attribute. Scratch-resistant does not mean the decking won’t succumb to any scratches at all but will withstand minor scrapes and abrasions. See examples of modern deck designs with composite deck boards here.

TimberTech Compared to Trex Pricing

Although composite decking costs more than wood, the benefits of using composite boards for decking include saving money because of its durability and low maintenance. Trex paved the way in composite decking and remains a bit less expensive than TimberTech, but the difference is relative. Both companies offer tiered pricing levels based on the quality and colors of the decking.

Trex Deck Pricing

1. Select (budget-level) $7 to $9 per sq ft.
2. Enhance (mid-level) $5 to $7 per sq ft.
3. Transcend (high-end) $10 to $12 per sq ft.

TimberTech Deck Pricing

1. AZEK Harvest (budget-level) $9 to $12.25 per sq ft.
2. AZEK Arbor (mid-range) $11 to $13 per sq ft.
3. AZEK Vintage (high-end) $11.40 to $14 per sq ft.

When building a deck, Trex will average 10-20% less than TimberTech but may seem to actually cost 40-50% less if you don’t include the additional cost of railings and substrate. Trex materials for railings and substrate are more expensive than TimberTech. See examples of deck railing design and decorative inlays here.

A great way to save money on your deck project is to use Trex decking and build the railings and substrate from real wood. Pine works fine for railings and can be stained a color either close to the composite decking or a contrasting color as an accent. See examples of the types of decks here.

The length and width of each board are also a factor in the cost for both company’s products. Shorter, regular-width lengths of board are typically more expensive but cover more square footage than a longer-length board that’s narrower. Make use of deck calculators to find the square foot coverage for whichever decking boards you choose.

Deck Material Warranty

Years ago, composite decking companies marketed their products as maintenance-free. However, after several products from various manufacturers failed and caused expensive recalls due to boards decaying and splitting, companies strongly suggested regular maintenance. Both companies offer warranties, with Trex offering a 25-year fade and stain warranty for their composite decking and TimberTech providing a 30-year fade and stain warranty.

As stated above, the Delta E system measures the amount of change in a color. Neither company will cover fading until it reaches 5 Delta E units. Ask your salesman about the Delta E system rating and warranties when you purchase composite decking.

If mold or mildew causes staining, neither company will cover the damage. Most composite deck manufacturers strongly suggest keeping your composite deck clean and free of dirt. Sweeping and periodic mopping with plain soap and water will help prevent mold and mildew spots. Both companies provide limited warranties for rot, splintering, and material defects.

Trex Compared to TimberTech and AZEK

In 2012, TimberTech was purchased by an independent building product company called AZEK and is sold under AZEK’s outdoor living department. The brand maintains the same name and is the same decking product as before, but sold with AZEK as their parent company.

Fiberon versus Trex and TimberTech

While Trex and TimberTech have three product tiers, Fiberon offers seven tiers, with two of its products sold exclusively through Home Depot. Fiberon has products for budget-minded projects and up, including premium offerings. Its variety of products includes 3-sided and 4-sided composite boards, solid or grooved surfaces, and additional board lengths, as with its Symmetry and Horizon lines.

Fiberon manufactures both PVC plastic and composite deck boards while Trex sells only composite boards and TimberTech only PVC plastic boards. Fiberon products are made widely available being sold through home improvement stores such as Home Depot versus the other two, which are carried by specialty wood and deck companies.

Fiberon has lower prices than the others, additional pricing and quality tiers, and a wider variety of color choices. Fiberon also provides more decking options for do-it-yourselfers and professionals.

To help create your own deck design for your own home we’ve reviewed the best deck design software programs.Using one of these programs you can design and visualize how your deck will look based on the current layout of your home’s backyard.

We hope you enjoyed our comparison of Timbertech vs Trex decking. We’d love to hear your feedback about which one you recommend as well as what you like or dislike about each type.