When it comes to creating a stunning outdoor space, selecting the right decking material is critical. Two industry giants, Trex vs. TimberTech, have long been the top choices for homeowners, contractors, and builders. Both brands offer the best composite deck boards and composite decking materials, but how do you make the right choice between them?
This updated guide will cover the latest features, color selections, warranties, and sustainability efforts from both Trex and TimberTech. If you’re picking the best decking material or looking at composite boards, this guide will help you make the right decision.
Why Choose Composite Decking?
Knowing why composite decking is a favorite for homeowners and builders is useful before talking about Trex and TimberTech.
- Durability: Unlike wood, composite decking doesn’t split, warp, or rot over time. Both Trex and TimberTech offer superior resistance to the elements, ensuring your deck lasts for years with minimal maintenance.
- Low Maintenance: Composite decks do not require frequent staining, sealing, or sanding. A simple cleaning with soap and water is all it takes to maintain your deck’s appearance.
- Aesthetics: Composite decking boards replicate the look of natural wood, but they also provide extra color options and finishes. TimberTech delivers realistic wood grain textures, while Trex provides bold, contemporary colors.
- Eco-Friendliness: Both Trex and TimberTech prioritize green practices by using recycled materials in their decking boards. Trex leads in this area, with 95% of its decking made from recycled materials.
What is Trex?
Trex is an industry leader in composite decking, known for its durable, low-maintenance materials. With up to 95% recycled plastic film and reclaimed wood, Trex manufactures some of the most eco-friendly decking boards on the market.
Key Features of Trex (2024 Update):
- Durability: Trex boards are highly resistant to scratches, stains, and UV fading.
- Eco-Friendly Composition: Trex uses 95% recycled materials, including plastic bags and wood. They recycled over 300 million pounds of plastic in 2023.
- Warranty: Trex offers a 50-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranty on their higher-end lines like Trex Transcend.
- Colors: Trex provides a wide range of colors, including Trex Rocky Harbor and Spiced Rum. They have introduced Trex Transcend Lineage, offering colors like Biscayne, Rainier, and Carmel, designed to keep surfaces cooler.
- Pricing Tiers: Trex has several product lines to fit different budgets, making it a top choice for the best value in composite decking. The price of Trex decking varies, with the Trex Enhance and Trex Select lines being more budget-friendly.
What is TimberTech?
TimberTech, part of The AZEK Company, produces high-quality PVC and composite decking materials. The brand’s Advanced PVC boards offer superior performance in moisture-rich environments, and their commitment to sustainable living is impressive, with decking made from up to 85% recycled content.
Key Features of TimberTech (2024 Update):
- Durability: TimberTech boards, especially the TimberTech 20′ Pecan Decking from the Legacy Collection, are incredibly durable and moisture-resistant. The Advanced PVC boards also come with a Class A Flame Spread Rating, making them fire-resistant.
- Eco-Friendly Composition: TimberTech is committed to environmental responsibility, making its products from recycled polymers and reclaimed wood fibers.
- Warranty: TimberTech backs the Vintage Collection with a 50-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranty and offers a 30-year warranty for its other composite lines.
- Colors: TimberTech offers more than 30 color choices, including favorites like Weathered Teak, Sea Salt Gray, and Dark Hickory.
- Heat Resistance: TimberTech’s Advanced PVC decking stays up to 30 degrees cooler than most composite decking materials, making it perfect for hot climates.
Trex vs. TimberTech: Durability and Performance
Both Trex and TimberTech composite decking are highly durable, but their performance differences may affect your decision.
Scratch Resistance
- Trex: Trex designs the Transcend line with superior scratch resistance, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
- TimberTech: TimberTech composite decking is highly durable, but it might not be as scratch-resistant as Trex.
Moisture Resistance
- Trex: Trex boards are capped on three sides, allowing moisture to escape from the bottom. This design works well in environments with proper ventilation.
- TimberTech: TimberTech’s fully capped boards offer superior moisture resistance, making them perfect for humid or rainy areas.
Heat and Fade Resistance
- Trex: Trex’s Transcend Lineage collection features heat-mitigating technology, which helps keep the deck cooler under the sun.
- TimberTech: TimberTech’s Advanced PVC stays up to 30 degrees cooler than most other composite decking products, making it an excellent choice for hot climates.
UV and Fade Resistance
- Trex: Trex’s high-performance shell provides good protection against UV rays, though some minor fading may occur over time.
- TimberTech: TimberTech AZEK offers the best UV resistance, maintaining its color vibrancy even after extended exposure to sunlight.
Trex vs. TimberTech: Appearance and Style
TimberTech excels with its realistic wood grains, while Trex stands out with bold, contemporary designs, and both brands offer a variety of colors and finishes.
Color and Finish Options
- Trex: Popular color choices include Trex Rocky Harbor, Island Mist, and Spiced Rum. Trex’s Transcend Lineage series offers modern colors like Biscayne and Rainier, which help keep your deck cooler under the sun.
- TimberTech: TimberTech offers more natural wood grain patterns with colors like Weathered Teak, Sea Salt Gray, and TimberTech 20′ Pecan Decking from the Legacy Collection.
Texture and Wood Grain
- Trex: Trex uses an embossed wood grain texture across all its lines, which creates a uniform look.
- TimberTech: The Reserve and Vintage Collections from TimberTech provide more natural textures, featuring wire-brushed finishes and blended colors.
Trex vs. TimberTech: Pricing and Value
While both brands offer premium products, Trex is often considered more affordable, especially for homeowners on a budget.
Pricing
- Trex: The cost of Trex decking is generally lower than TimberTech, especially in the Trex Enhance and Trex Select lines, making it a great choice for those seeking best value for composite decking. Trex decking prices vary depending on the product line and options.
- TimberTech: TimberTech AZEK costs more due to its high-quality PVC material and advanced features, including fire resistance and heat mitigation.
Long-Term Value
While TimberTech’s initial cost is higher, its long-term durability and warranties make it a top investment for homeowners seeking the best composite decking material. Trex, on the other hand, provides excellent value at more accessible price points.
Trex vs. TimberTech: Warranty
When investing in decking, the warranty is a key factor in ensuring long-term performance and protection. Both TimberTech and Trex offer extensive warranties on their composite and PVC decking lines. Below is a detailed comparison to help you decide which best fits your needs.
Trex Composite Warranties
- Trex Signature Line: Offers a 50-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranty, providing premium protection for long-lasting durability.
- Trex Transcend Lineage and Transcend: These lines offer a 50-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranty, ensuring they resist fading and staining well.
- Trex Select Line: Provides a 35-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranty, offering strong mid-range protection.
- Trex Enhance Line: Comes with a 25-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranty, offering dependable coverage for budget-conscious homeowners.
TimberTech Composite Warranties
- TimberTech Legacy Collection: Includes a 30-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranty, ensuring durability and aesthetic protection.
- TimberTech Reserve Collection: It offers a 30-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranty, giving long-term protection from fading and stains.
- TimberTech Terrain+ Collection and TimberTech Terrain Collection: Both lines include a 30-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranty, providing dependable performance.
- TimberTech Prime+ Collection and TimberTech Prime Collection: Both collections provide a 25-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranty, offering solid coverage at a lower price point.
- TimberTech Premier Collection: Comes with a 25-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranty, designed for homeowners seeking dependable, affordable coverage.
TimberTech PVC Warranties
- TimberTech Vintage Collection: Offers a 50-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranty, providing top-tier protection and durability.
- TimberTech Landmark Collection: Includes a 50-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranty, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- TimberTech Harvest Collection: Provides a 50-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranty, offering excellent coverage for homeowners.
- TimberTech Porch Collection: Comes with a 50-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranty, offering premium protection for porch applications.
Warranty Coverage Table
The table outlines the percentage of replacement or refund available based on the warranty period for Trex and TimberTech decking. It details coverage under 50-year, 35-year, 30-year and 25-year warranties, with the percentage decreasing as the years progress. This helps homeowners understand the level of protection offered at different stages of the warranty period.
| Year of Claim | 50-Year Warranty | 35-Year Warranty | 25-Year Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-13 | 90% | 80% | 80% |
| 14 | 90% | 80% | 60% |
| 15-16 | 90% | 60% | 60% |
| 17-18 | 70% | 60% | 40% |
| 19-20 | 70% | 40% | 40% |
| 21-22 | 70% | 40% | 20% |
| 23-25 | 50% | 20% | 10% |
| 26-28 | 50% | 20% | – |
| 29-31 | 30% | 10% | – |
| 32-35 | 30% | 10% | – |
| 36-40 | 20% | – | – |
| 41-50 | 10% | – | – |
| Year of Claim | 50-Year Warranty (Advanced PVC) | 30-Year Warranty (Legacy, Reserve, Terrain) | 25-Year Warranty (Prime+, Prime, Premier) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-13 | 90% | 90% | 80% |
| 14 | 80% | 80% | 60% |
| 15-16 | 75% | 70% | 60% |
| 17-18 | 65% | 60% | 40% |
| 19-20 | 55% | 50% | 40% |
| 21-22 | 50% | 40% | 20% |
| 23-25 | 45% | 30% | 10% |
| 26-28 | 30% | 10% | – |
| 29-31 | 25% | 10% | – |
| 32-35 | 20% | – | – |
| 36-40 | 15% | – | – |
| 41-50 | 10% | – | – |
Which Warranty is Best for You?
- 50-Year Warranty (Trex and TimberTech): If you are seeking the longest warranty, both Trex’s Signature, Transcend, and Transcend Lineage lines, as well as TimberTech’s Vintage, Landmark, Harvest, and Porch collections, provide 50-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranties. These lines are perfect for homeowners looking for maximum longevity.
- 35-Year Warranty (Trex): Trex’s Select line comes with a 35-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranty, making it a great mid-range choice for homeowners seeking durability without the higher cost of premium collections.
- 30-Year Warranty (TimberTech): TimberTech’s Legacy, Reserve, Terrain+, and Terrain collections offer 30-year warranties, ensuring long-term protection for those who prefer composite materials.
- 25-Year Warranty (Trex and TimberTech): Trex’s Enhance line and TimberTech’s Prime+, Prime, and Premier collections offer 25-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranties, providing solid, reliable coverage for more affordable decking options.
Trex vs. TimberTech: Environmental Impact
- Trex: Trex demonstrates its environmental commitment by making 95% of its decking from recycled materials. For homeowners who prioritize sustainable practice, Trex is the better choice.
- TimberTech: While TimberTech also uses recycled materials, it doesn’t match Trex’s 95% recycled content. However, TimberTech still offers eco-friendly options and is committed to reducing waste.
Trex vs. TimberTech: Which is Best for You?
Both Trex and TimberTech provide high-quality composite decking boards, but the best choice for your project depends on your needs.
Choose Trex If:
- You are looking for a more budget-friendly option that still offers great durability.
- You want a decking solution that uses mostly recycled materials and focuses on eco-friendliness.
- Scratch resistance and the best value for composite decking are key factors in your decision.
Choose TimberTech If:
- You live in a hot or humid climate and need decking with superior moisture resistance and heat mitigation.
- You prefer decking with more realistic wood grain textures and a wider range of multi-tonal color options.
- You’re comparing TimberTech Reserve vs Trex Transcend and prioritize TimberTech’s advanced features like four-sided capping.
Whether you choose Trex or TimberTech, both brands offer durable composite decking that will enhance your outdoor space for years.
Frequently Asked Questions:
With the right maintenance, both TimberTech and Trex decks can last for decades. They also come with warranties of up to 25 years or more, depending on the product line.
Yes, you can install it yourself, but for better results and a longer-lasting deck, it’s best to hire a professional.
Both TimberTech and Trex are environmentally friendly brands, and they use plenty of recycled materials in their decking.
Trex and TimberTech decking require a properly supported substructure, adhering to local building codes and installation guidelines.
Extreme temperatures, moisture levels, and UV exposure can affect the longevity and appearance of composite decking materials. Both brands offer products engineered to withstand various environmental factors.
Both decking materials can endure outdoor conditions, but it’s important to be cautious with de-icing agents. Follow manufacturer guidelines to prevent potential damage.
Check the installation guides and local building codes for the right joist spacing to ensure proper support and performance.
TimberTech has more color options than Trex, with over 30 colors compared to Trex’s 20. This gives homeowners more choices to match their design preferences.
Yes, TimberTech has more realistic wood grain textures, while Trex offers a more consistent embossed texture. A survey showed 60% prefer TimberTech’s wood-like look, while 40% liked Trex’s uniform texture.
Reviews highlight the stylish designs of both TimberTech and Trex. TimberTech shines for its color options and texture, while Trex earns praise for its durability and easy maintenance. In a survey, 85% of customers rated their designs highly.
