TimberTech Reserve vs. Trex Transcend: The Best Comparison

Creating the perfect outdoor living space starts with choosing the right deck materials. With so many options available, homeowners and contractors often find themselves comparing TimberTech vs. Trex, two of the most recognized brands in the industry. Both offer beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance composite decking, but how do you know which one is right for you?

In this guide, we’ll take a detailed look at TimberTech Reserve vs. Trex Transcend, including Trex Transcend Lineage, the newest addition to the Trex lineup. We’ll break down:

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of which decking brand – TimberTech Reserve, Trex Transcend, or Trex Transcend Lineage – best fits your style, budget, and lifestyle needs.

Let’s dive in and explore what sets these decking collections apart!

TimberTech Reserve Collection – Features & Benefits

What is TimberTech Reserve Decking?

TimberTech Reserve decking is designed for homeowners who love the classic look of real wood but want a low-maintenance, high-performance alternative. It shows the rustic charm of reclaimed wood. It has deep grain patterns and rich colors that improve any outdoor space.

This collection combines high-performance and recycled polymers with reclaimed wood fibers for durability and lasting beauty. Unlike traditional wood, TimberTech Reserve decking resists fading, staining, splintering, peeling, and cracking. It delivers beauty, durability, and sustainability while giving homeowners peace of mind that their deck will last.

TimberTech Reserve Color Options

TimberTech Reserve comes in four stunning color options, each designed to mimic the natural beauty of aged wood:

• TimberTech Driftwood – A light, weathered grey reminiscent of coastal boardwalks
• TimberTech Reclaimed Chestnut – A warm brown with a rustic, aged appearance
• TimberTech Dark Roast – A deep, rich brown with a bold, elegant look
• TimberTech Antique Leather – A warm, earthy brown that complements natural surroundings

These boards have advanced color blending and a rough texture. They create a real wood look without the problems of traditional lumber.

Durability & Low Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of TimberTech Reserve decking is its low-maintenance design. Unlike wood, it never needs to be sanded, stained, or sealed – just an occasional rinse and scrub keep it looking great.

• Mold Guard® Technology prevents mold and mildew growth, even underneath the boards
• Protective polymer cap shields against moisture damage, preventing rot
• UV-resistant capping protects against fading and stains, ensuring long-lasting color
• Industry-leading 30-year limited warranty covers both product durability and fade & stain resistance

Sustainability – An Eco-Friendly Choice

For environmentally-conscious homeowners, TimberTech Reserve decking is a sustainable decking option. Made in the USA, it consists of 85% recycled materials, including plastic bags, milk jugs, and other reclaimed plastics. Choosing TimberTech over traditional wood helps reduce waste and supports sustainable practices in deck building.

Trex Transcend Collection – Features & Benefits

What is Trex Transcend Decking?

Trex Transcend decking is a high-performance composite decking solution designed for homeowners who want a low-maintenance, long-lasting outdoor space. Made from 95% recycled plastic film and reclaimed wood fibers, this is an eco-friendly choice for wood decking.

Trex Transcend is best known for its deep grain patterns, rich color saturation, and lasting durability. Its unyielding shell protection ensures that it resists fading, staining, splintering, and cracking, even in harsh outdoor conditions. This makes it a great choice for homeowners who want a worry-free deck.

Trex Transcend Color Options

The Trex Transcend collection offers six bold and vibrant color choices, all designed to mimic the beauty of natural hardwoods:

• Trex Transcend Island Mist – Cool silver tones that resemble weathered driftwood
• Trex Transcend Tiki Torch – A light brown with warm nutmeg and ginger hues, inspired by tropical teak
• Trex Transcend Spiced Rum – A deep brown with onyx black lowlights, resembling tropical ipe wood
• Trex Transcend Rope Swing – A soft sandy taupe, perfect for a relaxed outdoor aesthetic
• Trex Transcend Lava Rock – A bold reddish-black tone, inspired by redwood
• Trex Transcend Havana Gold – A rich, warm blend of caramel and honey tones

These color-blended boards feature a luxurious finish that stays vibrant over time, making them ideal for high-end outdoor living spaces.

Durability & Low Maintenance

One of the standout features of Trex Transcend decking is its superior durability and effortless upkeep. Unlike wood, Trex decking never needs sanding, staining, or sealing – just a quick rinse with soap and water keeps it looking fresh.

• Unyielding shell protection resists fading, stains, and scratches
• Resistant to moisture damage, preventing mold and mildew buildup
• Holds up against harsh weather conditions without warping or rotting
• Industry-leading 50-year limited warranty covers both product durability and fade & stain resistance

With Trex Transcend decking, homeowners get a beautiful, durable deck that requires minimal maintenance, allowing more time to enjoy the outdoor living experience without constant upkeep.

Sustainability – A Commitment to Green Building

For those looking to make an environmentally responsible choice, Trex Transcend decking is one of the most sustainable options available. Made from 95% recycled materials, including plastic bags and reclaimed sawdust, Trex products help reduce waste and support sustainable deck-building practices.

Trex Transcend Lineage – The Next Generation of Trex Decking

What is Trex Transcend Lineage?

Trex Transcend Lineage is the latest innovation in the Trex Transcend collection, designed with advanced heat-mitigating technology to keep decks cooler under the sun. This makes it an excellent choice for homeowners in hot climates who want a comfortable, barefoot-friendly deck.

Like Trex Transcend decking, Lineage is made from 95% recycled materials, including plastic film and reclaimed sawdust. It also features unyielding shell protection, ensuring resistance to fading, staining, splintering, and cracking. However, its softer, more natural color tones make it a unique alternative for homeowners who prefer a subtle and elegant deck aesthetic.

Trex Transcend Lineage Color Options

Trex Transcend Lineage offers seven refined, nature-inspired color choices, designed to create a serene, sophisticated outdoor space:

• Trex Transcend Lineage Island Mist – Soft silver tones, inspired by seaside landscapes
• Trex Transcend Lineage Biscayne – A light coastal brown, reflecting the warmth of mangroves and sandy beaches
• Trex Transcend Lineage Rainier – A cool mountain grey, mimicking the look of misty mountain peaks
• Trex Transcend Lineage Carmel – A soft taupe, embodying the glow of white sands and sunlit cliffs
• Trex Transcend Lineage Jasper – A deep mocha brown, reminiscent of old-growth forests
• Trex Transcend Lineage Hatteras – A neutral brown, inspired by windswept coastal dunes
• Trex Transcend Lineage Salt Flat – A blend of silvers, whites, and greys, perfect for a minimalist aesthetic

These colors offer a softer, more modern look than traditional Trex Transcend colors, making Trex Transcend Lineage a great choice for homeowners who want a more muted, contemporary deck.

Heat Mitigation – A Cooler Decking Option

One of the standout features of Trex Transcend Lineage is its heat-resistant technology. Unlike traditional composite decking, Lineage reflects more sunlight, keeping the deck cooler on hot days.

⚠ Important Note: While Trex Lineage decking is cooler than standard composite decks, it will still get hot in direct sunlight. Homeowners should take care to avoid extended contact between exposed skin and the deck surface, especially for young children or those with special needs.

Durability & Low Maintenance

• Designed for lasting beauty, resisting fading, stains, and scratches
• Tightly bonded shell protection prevents moisture damage, mold, and mildew
• Requires only occasional soap-and-water cleaning—no sanding, sealing, or staining
• Backed by Trex’s 50-year limited warranty for peace of mind

Sustainability – An Eco-Friendly Decking Choice

Like all Trex decking, Transcend Lineage is made with 95% recycled materials, helping to reduce waste and promote sustainability in deck building. Homeowners choosing Trex Lineage can feel confident they are making an environmentally responsible decision.

Key Differences – TimberTech Reserve vs. Trex Transcend

Now that we’ve covered the features and benefits of each decking collection, let’s break down the key differences between TimberTech Reserve vs. Trex Transcend (including Trex Transcend Lineage) to help you decide.

Material & Composition Comparison

When comparing TimberTech or Trex, a major factor is what the boards are made of.

Feature	TimberTech Reserve	Trex Transcend	Trex Transcend Lineage
Core Material	Mix of high-performance and recycled polymers and reclaimed wood fibers	Recycled plastic and wood fibers	Advanced composite with heat-resistant technology
Durability	Resists fading, staining, splintering, peeling, and cracking	Same as TimberTech	Same but stays cooler under the sun
Heat Resistance	Retains more heat	Retains some heat	Cooler under the sun with heat-mitigating technology
Color Options	Rustic, deep wood tones	Richer, more saturated tones	Lighter, natural hues with soft color blending
Texture & Finish	Rough-hewn, reclaimed wood look	Deep grain patterns for a sleek, polished appearance	Refined, delicate wood-like streaking for a modern aesthetic
Sustainability	85% recycled materials	95% recycled materials	95% recycled materials
Moisture Resistance	Mold Guard® technology prevents mold and mildew	Tightly bonded protective shell resists moisture and mold	Same as Trex Transcend
Warranty	30-year limited warranty (fade & stain protection)	50-year limited warranty (fade & stain protection)	50-year limited warranty (fade & stain protection)

Maintenance & Longevity

If you’re wondering Trex or TimberTech, both brands offer low-maintenance alternatives to wood decking.

• Neither requires sanding, staining, or sealing – just occasional cleaning with soap and water.
• TimberTech Reserve decking has more texture variation, mimicking reclaimed wood, while Trex Transcend decking provides a smoother, more uniform look.
• If heat resistance is a concern, Trex Transcend Lineage is the best option, designed to stay cooler under the sun.

Pricing Comparison – Is TimberTech or Trex More Expensive?

When choosing between TimberTech vs. Trex, pricing is an important consideration.

• TimberTech Reserve decking is slightly more affordable than Trex Transcend decking.
• Trex Transcend pricing is higher due to its longer warranty and fade resistance.
• Trex Transcend Lineage is often the most expensive, reflecting its heat-resistant technology.

Although Trex offers a 50-year warranty, TimberTech provides strong protection with its 30-year coverage. Both brands feature industry-leading warranties for long-term durability.

Which One Should You Choose? TimberTech Reserve vs. Trex Transcend

Now that we’ve compared the features, durability, and pricing in the Trex vs. TimberTech comparison, the final question is: Which option is the best choice for your deck?

Choose TimberTech Reserve if…

Choose Trex Transcend if…

Choose Trex Transcend Lineage if…

Making the Best Choice for Your Outdoor Living Space

At the end of the day, TimberTech or Trex both offer exceptional composite decking options that are durable, beautiful, and sustainable. Your choice comes down to:

• Aesthetic preferences – Rustic wood look? (TimberTech Reserve) Bold, rich colors? (Trex Transcend) Subtle, cool-toned elegance? (Trex Transcend Lineage)
• Heat resistance needs – If you live in a hot climate, Trex Transcend Lineage is the best option.
• Budget – TimberTech Reserve is slightly more affordable, while Trex Transcend and Trex Transcend Lineage offer premium longevity.

Regardless of your choice, both TimberTech Reserve and Trex Transcend decking collections will provide you with a long-lasting, low-maintenance deck that enhances your outdoor living space.