TimberTech vs. Trex Decking: A Comprehensive Comparison 

 

When it comes to choosing the perfect decking material for your outdoor living space, two of the most popular options on the market are Timber Tech and Trex. Both brands are both known for  low-maintenance composite decking solutions that can transform your backyard into a beautiful and functional oasis. But how do these two industry leaders compare? In this  blog , we’ll dive deep into the key differences between Timber Tech and Trex decking, helping you make an informed decision for your decking project.

 

 Company Background and History

    TimberTech

•        Founded in 1997, TimberTech has been a pioneer in the development of innovative composite decking materials.
•        In 2012, TimberTech was acquired by AZEK Building Products, expanding its product line and market reach.
•        TimberTech offers a wide range of decking products, including capped composite, capped polymer, and PVC decking.

   Trex

•        Trex was founded in 1996 and has since become one of the largest manufacturers of wood-alternative decking products.
•        The company revolutionized the industry by creating decking materials made from 95% recycled content, including reclaimed wood and plastic film.
•        Trex offers a variety of decking products, focusing primarily on capped composite decking.

 

 Product Lines and Collections

   TimberTech

•        TimberTech AZEK: A premium capped polymer decking line that offers superior durability, stain resistance, heat resistance and natural wood-like aesthetics.
•        TimberTech PRO: A high-performance capped composite decking line that combines the beauty of wood with the durability of composite materials.
•        TimberTech EDGE: An affordable capped composite decking line that offers a balance of performance and value.

 

    Trex

•        Trex Transcend: A high-performance capped composite decking line that features a proprietary shell technology for enhanced durability and fade resistance.
•        Trex Select: A mid-range capped composite decking line that offers a balance of performance and affordability.
•        Trex Enhance: An entry-level capped composite decking line that provides a budget-friendly option for homeowners.

 

 Materials and Composition

    TimberTech

•        TimberTech AZEK: Made from 100% synthetic materials, including PVC and advanced polymer resins, for superior durability and moisture resistance.
•        TimberTech PRO and EDGE: Made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic polymers, encased in a protective polymer shell.

 

   Trex

•        All Trex decking products are made from a combination of recycled wood fibers and plastic film, wrapped in a protective polymer shell.
•        Trex uses 95% recycled content in their decking materials, making it an eco-friendly choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.

 

Durability and Performance

  TimberTech

•        TimberTech AZEK offers superior resistance to heat, scratches, stains, and fading, thanks to its 100% synthetic composition.
•        TimberTech PRO and EDGE feature a protective polymer cap that enhances durability and resistance to the elements.
•        All TimberTech products are resistant to moisture, rot, and insect damage.

   Trex

•        Trex decking products are designed to withstand the elements, resist fading, and maintain their appearance over time.
•        The protective polymer shell helps prevent scratches, stains, and mold growth.
•        Trex decking is resistant to moisture, rot, and insect damage.

 

Aesthetics and Design Options

    TimberTech

•        TimberTech offers a wide range of color options and wood-like textures across its product lines.
•        TimberTech AZEK features a natural wood grain finish and a range of premium colors, including multi-tonal options.
•        TimberTech PRO and EDGE offer a variety of color options and realistic wood grain patterns.

 

   Trex

•        Trex Transcend features high-definition wood grain patterns and a range of rich, saturated colors.
•         Trex Select and Enhance offer a variety of color options and wood grain textures.

 

Cost and Warranty

TimberTech

•         TimberTech decking products are generally priced at a premium compared to traditional wood decking and some other composite brands.
•         TimberTech AZEK comes with a 50-year limited fade and stain warranty and a lifetime limited warranty against material defects.
•        TimberTech PRO and EDGE come with a 30-year limited fade and stain warranty and a limited lifetime warranty against material defects.

 

   Trex

•        Trex decking products are typically priced lower than other high-end composite decking brands.
•        Trex Transcend comes with a 25-year limited fade and stain warranty and a limited lifetime warranty against material defects.
•        Trex Select comes with a 25-year limited fade and stain warranty and a 25-year limited warranty against material defects.
•        Trex Enhance as of 2024 no longer comes with a warranty.

 Environmental Impact and Sustainability

TimberTech

•        TimberTech uses recycled materials in its PRO and EDGE product lines, reducing waste and environmental impact.
•        TimberTech AZEK is 100% recyclable, although it does not contain recycled content.

 

  Trex

•        Trex is a leader in recycling, using 95% recycled content in its decking products, including reclaimed wood and plastic film.

 

 

Customer Reviews and Reputation

 TimberTech

•        TimberTech has a strong reputation for quality, durability, and customer satisfaction.
•        Customers praise TimberTech products for their natural wood-like appearance and low-maintenance requirements.
•        Some customers have reported issues with scratching or fading, particularly with darker colors.

 

Trex

•        Trex has a well-established reputation in the composite decking industry, with a strong track record of customer satisfaction.
•        Customers appreciate Trex decking for its durability, low-maintenance requirements, and eco-friendly composition.
•        Some customers have reported issues with manufacturer warranties, warping, color inconsistency or fading, particularly with older generations of Trex products, chipping, molding and extreme temperature.

 

Pros and Cons

    TimberTech

Pros:

•         Wide range of color options and wood-like textures across product lines
•         Superior durability and moisture resistance, particularly with TimberTech AZEK
•         Low-maintenance requirements
•         Eco-friendly manufacturing processes and use of recycled materials in some product lines

Cons:

Higher upfront cost compared to traditional wood decking and other composite brands

Some reports of scratching or fading, particularly with darker colors

TimberTech AZEK does not contain recycled content

 

Trex

Pros:

•         Eco-friendly composition with 95% recycled content
•         Strong reputation for low-maintenance requirements
•         Lower pricing compared to other high end composite decking brands
•         Sustainable manufacturing practices and commitment to environmental stewardship

Cons:

•         Some reports of color inconsistency or fading, particularly with older generations of Trex products
•         Limited warranty coverage compared to some other composite decking brands
•         Fewer color options compared to TimberTech

 

Both TimberTech and Trex offer low-maintenance composite decking solutions that can elevate your outdoor living space. TimberTech offers a wide range of color options and textures across its product lines, with superior durability and moisture resistance, particularly in its AZEK line. Trex, on the other hand, is a leader in recycling, using 95% recycled content in its decking products and offering competitive pricing compared to other high-end composite brands.

 

Ultimately, the choice between TimberTech and Trex will depend on your specific needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Consider factors such as durability, color options, warranties, eco-friendliness, and cost when making your decision. Both brands have a strong reputation so you can feel confident in your choice, whichever you decide.

 

Investing in a high-quality composite deck from either TimberTech or Trex can provide you with a beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance outdoor living space that you and your family can enjoy for decades. With the right care and attention, your new composite deck will be a valuable addition to your home, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functionality.

 

Trust the Experts in Composite Deck Installation

Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or are ready to start building, Decked Out Builders is here to be your trusted deck-building partner. Our team of skilled professionals has decades of experience as premier composite deck builders in Illinois and Wisconsin. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about composite decking materials and can help you schedule a design consultation when you’re ready to move forward.

In addition to custom composite decks, we offer a range of other outdoor living services, including porches, patios, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and more. Browse our portfolio of showpiece custom decks and request your free quote today to start turning your outdoor living dreams into reality.