When it comes to building a beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance outdoor living space, composite decking has become increasingly popular among homeowners and contractors alike. While Trex is often the first name that comes to mind, there are several other high-quality alternatives that offer unique benefits and features. In this blog, we’ll explore three superior composite decking options: Deckorators, TimberTech, and Fiberon. Each of these brands provides excellent alternatives to Trex, with their own set of advantages that may better suit your specific needs and preferences.
Understanding Composite Decking
Composite decking is an engineered product made from a mixture of wood fibers, recycled plastics, and binding agents. This combination results in a durable, low-maintenance material that mimics the look of natural wood without many of its drawbacks. Some key benefits of composite decking include:
Longevity and durability
Low maintenance requirements
Resistance to rot, decay, and insect infestation
No need for staining or sealing
Wide range of colors and styles
Deckorators: Innovative Technology and Superior Performance
Deckorators has made a name for itself by offering innovative composite decking products that combine cutting-edge technology with aesthetic appeal. Let’s delve into what makes Deckorators a standout choice.
Key Features of Deckorators Composite Decking
Eovations™ Technology: This proprietary technology creates a lightweight yet incredibly strong decking material. Eovations™ boards are up to 35% lighter than traditional composite boards, making them easier to handle and install.
Voyage Decking: Deckorators’ Voyage line features a unique formulation that results in exceptional strength and stability. These boards are highly resistant to moisture absorption, which means less expansion and contraction.
Wide Range of Textures and Colors: From the rustic look of their Voyage Collection to the sleek appearance of their Vista line, Deckorators offers a variety of textures and colors to suit any aesthetic preference.
Mineral-Based Composite (MBC) Decking: This innovative product uses minerals instead of wood fibers, resulting in a deck board that’s virtually indestructible and impervious to moisture.
50-Year Structural Warranty: Deckorators stands behind their products with an industry-leading 50-year structural warranty, which includes 25 year removal and replacement coverage including labor.
Advantages Over Trex
- Superior Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Thanks to Eovations™ technology, Deckorators boards are lighter yet stronger than many competitors, including Trex.
- Enahnced Traction: With Deckoratos MBC, the embossing on the decking makes the decking slip resistant.
- Better Moisture Resistance: The MBC lines offer exceptional resistance to moisture absorption, outperforming Trex in this aspect.
- More Diverse Texture Options: Deckorators provides a wider range of textured finishes compared to Trex, allowing for more design flexibility.
Potential Drawbacks
- Limited Color Selection: While Deckorators offers a good range of colors, some homeowners may find the selection more limited compared to Trex.
- Higher Price Point: Some Deckorators lines, particularly those featuring Eovations™ technology, may be more expensive than comparable Trex products.
TimberTech: Premium Quality and Eco-Friendly Innovation
TimberTech has established itself as a leader in the composite decking industry, known for its premium quality products and commitment to sustainability. Let’s explore what sets TimberTech apart.
Key Features of TimberTech Composite Decking
Multiple Product Lines: TimberTech offers three main product lines – AZEK, PRO, and EDGE – each catering to different needs and budgets.
Capped Polymer Decking: The AZEK line features boards made entirely of synthetic materials, offering superior resistance to fading, staining, and heat.
Four-Sided Capping: Many TimberTech boards feature four-sided capping, which provides enhanced protection against moisture and weathering.
Diverse Design Options: From realistic wood grain patterns to solid colors, TimberTech offers a wide array of design choices to suit various architectural styles.
Sustainable Manufacturing: TimberTech uses a high percentage of recycled materials in their products and employs eco-friendly manufacturing processes.
Impressive Warranties: Depending on the product line, TimberTech offers warranties ranging from 25 to 50 years, including fade and stain coverage.
Advantages Over Trex
- Superior Fade and Stain Resistance: TimberTech’s AZEK line, in particular, offers better resistance to fading and staining compared to most Trex products.
- More Realistic Wood Appearance: Many homeowners find that TimberTech’s wood grain patterns more closely resemble natural wood than Trex.
- Longer Warranties: TimberTech’s 50-year warranty on their AZEK line surpasses Trex’s offerings.
Potential Drawbacks
- Higher Cost: TimberTech’s premium lines, especially AZEK, are generally more expensive than comparable Trex products.
- Heavier Boards: Some TimberTech boards, particularly in the PRO and EDGE lines, may be heavier than Trex boards, potentially making installation more challenging.
Fiberon: Affordable Quality and Diverse Options
Fiberon has carved out a niche in the composite decking market by offering high-quality products at competitive prices. Let’s examine what makes Fiberon a worthy Trex alternative.
Key Features of Fiberon Composite Decking
Multiple Product Lines: Fiberon offers several product lines, including Paramount, Horizons, ProTect Advantage, and Good Life, catering to different budgets and preferences.
PermaTech® Innovation: This advanced surface protection is available on select Fiberon lines, offering enhanced resistance to fading, staining, and surface degradation.
Symmetrical Board Design: Many Fiberon boards are reversible, allowing for easier installation and less waste.
MultiChromatic Technology: This feature creates realistic wood grain patterns with natural-looking color variations.
Solid and Multi-Tonal Color Options: Fiberon offers both solid color options and multi-tonal boards that mimic the varied hues of natural wood.
Moisture-Resistant Core: Fiberon’s composite core is engineered to resist moisture absorption, rot, and decay.
Advantages Over Trex
- More Affordable Options: Fiberon generally offers more budget-friendly options compared to Trex, especially in their Good Life and ProTect Advantage lines.
- Reversible Boards: The symmetrical design of many Fiberon boards can lead to easier installation and less waste compared to Trex.
- Comparable Warranties: Fiberon offers 25-year warranties on most of their products, matching Trex’s warranty terms.
Potential Drawbacks
- Less Brand Recognition: While Fiberon is well-respected in the industry, it doesn’t have the same level of brand recognition as Trex, which may be a consideration for some homeowners.
- Slightly Less Extensive Color Range: Although Fiberon offers a good selection of colors, Trex may have a slight edge in terms of color variety.
Choosing the Right Composite Decking for Your Project
Now that we’ve gone through these three excellent Trex alternatives, how do you choose the right one for your project? Here are some factors to consider:
Budget: Determine your budget range. If cost is a primary concern, Fiberon might be your best bet. For those willing to invest in premium quality, TimberTech’s AZEK line or Deckorators’ Voyage series could be ideal.
Aesthetics: Consider the look you’re aiming for. If you want the most realistic wood appearance, TimberTech might edge out the competition. For unique textures, Deckorators offers some interesting options.
Performance Requirements: Think about the specific challenges your deck will face. For high-moisture environments, Deckorators’ MBC or TimberTech’s AZEK could be excellent choices.
Maintenance Preferences: While all composite decking is low-maintenance compared to wood, some options (like TimberTech’s AZEK line) require even less upkeep than others.
Sustainability: If eco-friendliness is a priority, look into the recycled content and manufacturing processes of each brand. TimberTech, in particular, has made significant strides in sustainable production.
Warranty: While all three brands offer solid warranties, the specifics vary. TimberTech’s 50-year warranty on their AZEK line is particularly impressive.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Regardless of which brand you choose, proper installation and maintenance are just as important for ensuring the longevity and performance of your composite deck. Here are some general tips:
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Each brand has specific installation requirements. Always follow these closely to maintain warranty coverage. Incorrect installation can void warranties.
Allow for Expansion and Contraction: Composite boards will expand and contract with temperature changes. Leave appropriate gaps between boards and at butt joints.
Use Proper Fasteners: Use fasteners specifically designed for composite decking. Hidden fastener systems can create a cleaner look.
Maintenance Tips:
Regular Cleaning: Sweep debris regularly and clean the deck at least twice a year with a mild soap and water solution.
Prompt Stain Removal: Clean up spills as soon as possible to prevent staining.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Don’t use bleach, acid products, or pressure washers, as these can damage the deck surface.
Use Proper Snow Removal Tools: In winter, use plastic shovels and calcium chloride-based ice melt products to avoid scratching or damaging the deck surface.
Making Your Decision
Choosing the right composite decking for your project is a significant decision that will impact your outdoor living space for decades to come. While Trex has long been a popular choice, the alternatives we’ve discussed – Deckorators, TimberTech, and Fiberon – each offer unique advantages that may better suit your specific needs.
Deckorators stands out for its innovative technologies like Eovations™ and Mineral-Based Composite, offering exceptional strength and moisture resistance. TimberTech impresses with its premium quality, particularly in the AZEK line, and its commitment to sustainability. Fiberon provides a great balance of quality and affordability, with features like reversible boards that can make installation easier and more cost-effective.
Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific requirements, preferences, and budget. We recommend requesting samples from each manufacturer to compare colors, textures, and overall quality in person. Don’t hesitate to consult with decking contractors who have experience with these products – their insights can be invaluable in making your final decision.
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.
