When it comes to composite decking, Trex vs TimberTech stand as two of the most recognized and trusted names in the industry. Both brands have built reputations for innovation, durability, and sustainability, but they cater to slightly different needs, aesthetics, and budgets. This comprehensive comparison explores every facet of Trex and TimberTech, empowering homeowners, contractors, and architects to make informed decisions for their outdoor living spaces.
Product Lines and Offerings
Trex structures its decking into three main collections:
- Trex Enhance (Entry-Level): Designed for affordability and easy installation, Enhance boards offer basic color choices and a scalloped profile to reduce weight and cost. This line is ideal for budget-conscious projects or smaller decks1.
- Trex Select (Mid-Range): Select balances price and performance, providing a step up in color options and durability while remaining accessible for most homeowners1.
- Trex Transcend (Premium): The flagship line, Transcend, features the broadest palette of colors, the most realistic wood-grain patterns, and the highest resistance to fading, staining, and scratching. It’s engineered for luxury decks and high-traffic areas1.
TimberTech divides its offerings into three distinct lines, each targeting specific needs:
- TimberTech Edge (Entry-Level): Edge is a capped composite board with a scalloped bottom and three-sided cap. It’s the most budget-friendly TimberTech option, suitable for straightforward installations and cost-sensitive projects.
- TimberTech Pro (Premium Composite): Pro features a solid profile and four-sided capping for enhanced moisture protection. It’s made with over 70% recycled material and offers a wider range of colors and finishes, making it ideal for homeowners seeking longevity and style without the price tag of full PVC.
- TimberTech Azek (Premium PVC): Azek is a capped polymer (PVC) board, completely free of wood fibers. It’s exceptionally lightweight, highly resistant to moisture, and available in multiple widths for unique design flexibility. Azek is TimberTech’s answer to high-end, low-maintenance decking, especially in challenging climates.
Material Composition and Manufacturing Processes
Trex uses a proprietary blend of reclaimed wood fibers and recycled polyethylene plastic, resulting in boards that are approximately 95% recycled content. The process involves:
- Mixing and heating wood fibers and plastic films to form a malleable composite.
- Pressing the mixture into molds for various profiles and finishes.
- Cooling and rigorous quality inspections to ensure consistency and durability.
Trex’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of over a billion pounds of recycled plastic and wood annually, making it a leader in eco-friendly decking.
TimberTech manufactures its composite lines (Edge and Pro) using a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastics, heated and extruded into decking boards. The Pro line features four-sided capping for maximum protection, while Edge is capped on three sides. The Azek line, by contrast, is made from 100% synthetic PVC, offering superior moisture resistance and lighter weight.
TimberTech’s manufacturing emphasizes strict quality control and innovative capping technologies, such as the Alloy Armour Technology in Azek, which enhances resistance to mold, mildew, and rot.
Aesthetics and Design Options
Trex provides a broad spectrum of colors, from natural wood tones to vibrant contemporary hues. Its Transcend line is especially lauded for realistic wood-grain patterns and deep, rich colors, though some reviewers note that the texture can be more uniform compared to TimberTech. Trex’s design flexibility caters to both traditional and modern architectural styles.
TimberTech is often praised for its authentic wood-like appearance, particularly in the Pro and Azek lines. TimberTech offers a wide range of colors, textures, and even multi-width boards in the Azek collection, allowing for creative patterns and intricate designs that closely mimic natural hardwood. The grain patterns are more varied and realistic, appealing to those seeking the warmth and character of real wood.
Durability and Maintenance
Trex decking is engineered for longevity, with a high-performance shell that resists fading, staining, scratching, and mold. Its boards do not rot, split, or splinter, even in harsh climates. Maintenance is minimal-just occasional cleaning with soap and water. Trex’s protective shell is applied to the top and sides, which provides robust defense against the elements, though the underside is not capped.
TimberTech also excels in durability. The Pro line’s four-sided capping offers comprehensive protection against moisture, mildew, and rot, making it especially suitable for wet climates or poolside installations. Azek’s PVC construction is impervious to water and extremely resistant to UV rays, stains, and scratches. TimberTech’s textured surfaces may require slightly more frequent cleaning, as dirt can settle into deeper grain patterns.
Both brands are highly resistant to insects and mold, but TimberTech’s full-wrap capping and PVC options provide an extra layer of defense in challenging environments.
Cost Comparison
| Product Line | Trex (per sq. ft.) | TimberTech (per sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $2–$4 (Enhance) | $2–$4 (Edge) |
| Mid-Range/Premium | $4–$7 (Select/Transcend) | $4–$7 (Pro/Azek) |
Trex is generally more affordable, especially in its Enhance and Select lines. Upfront material costs are lower, making it attractive for larger projects or those on a budget. Installation costs are similar for both brands, as both offer user-friendly fastening systems.
TimberTech tends to be slightly more expensive, particularly in the Pro and Azek lines, but offers longer warranties and enhanced durability, which can translate to better long-term value. The higher initial investment may be offset by reduced maintenance and longer lifespan, especially with Azek’s PVC boards.
Warranty and Customer Support
Trex offers warranties ranging from 25 to 50 years, depending on the product line. The Transcend line comes with a 50-year limited fade and stain warranty, while Enhance and Select offer 25-year coverage. Trex has a robust customer support network and is known for honoring its warranties.
TimberTech provides industry-leading warranties:
- Azek: Lifetime limited warranty and 50-year fade and stain warranty.
- Pro: 30-year limited and 30-year fade and stain warranty.
- Edge: 25-year limited and 25-year fade and stain warranty.
TimberTech’s customer support is highly rated, with knowledgeable staff available to assist with product selection, installation, and warranty claims.
Environmental Considerations
Trex is a pioneer in sustainability, using 95% recycled and reclaimed content in its boards. The company has diverted over a billion pounds of plastic and wood waste from landfills annually and has made significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions intensity. Trex’s environmental credentials are a key selling point for eco-conscious consumers.
TimberTech also prioritizes sustainability, utilizing recycled plastics and wood fibers in its composite lines and operating its own recycling facilities. The Azek line, being 100% synthetic, does not use wood but is fully recyclable at the end of its life. Both brands hold various environmental certifications and are committed to responsible manufacturing.
Installation Considerations
Both Trex and TimberTech are designed for straightforward installation, with compatible hidden fastening systems and clear instructions. TimberTech’s 3D deck designer tool is a standout feature, enabling homeowners to visualize deck layouts and experiment with design options before construction begins.
Boards from both brands can be cut and fastened using standard woodworking tools, though TimberTech Azek’s lighter PVC boards may be easier to handle for DIY installers.
Expert Opinions and Reviews
Industry experts and contractors consistently rank both Trex and TimberTech among the top choices for composite decking. Trex is often recommended for its balance of affordability, performance, and sustainability. Homeowners appreciate the ease of maintenance and the range of color options.
TimberTech, especially the Pro and Azek lines, garners praise for its realistic wood appearance, superior capping technology, and robust warranties. Contractors note that TimberTech’s four-sided capping and PVC options offer unmatched moisture resistance, making it a favorite for pool decks and challenging climates.
Customer reviews highlight satisfaction with both brands’ durability and low maintenance, though some users prefer TimberTech’s textured finishes and design flexibility, while others value Trex’s cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly credentials.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Both Trex and TimberTech represent the pinnacle of composite decking, each excelling in different areas:
- Choose Trex if your priorities are affordability, sustainability, and a wide range of color options. Trex is ideal for budget-conscious projects, large decks, and those seeking a reliable, low-maintenance solution with strong environmental credentials.
- Choose TimberTech if you desire the most realistic wood aesthetics, advanced capping technology, and the option for premium PVC decking. TimberTech is especially suited for upscale projects, unique designs, and environments where moisture resistance is paramount.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs, design vision, and budget. Both brands offer exceptional quality, long-term value, and peace of mind-ensuring your outdoor space remains beautiful and functional for decades to come.
