There are two types of Renton deck builders. The first prefers to work with TimberTech PRO boards, while the other would rather go with TimberTech Vintage. Now, which one makes the superior deck? This really depends on your vision and specific needs, so let’s start with understanding these two popular TimberTech product lines.
Understanding TimberTech PRO vs Vintage
PRO and Vintage are two distinct decking material product lines under the TimberTech umbrella. Their differences go beyond aesthetic style and color; the material composition, as well as the price points, sets them apart. Let’s go over the characteristics and features of both decking product lines in detail.
TimberTech PRO
If you’re looking for the closest decking material to real wood that does not break the bank, TimberTech PRO is your best choice. Products under this line are perhaps the brand’s most popular composite decking offers, thanks mainly to their high durability, relatively low cost, and pleasing aesthetics.
Here’s a breakdown of TimberTech PRO boards’ characteristics.
- Material. TimberTech PRO is a line of capped composite decking. This means that PRO boards are made of plastic derived from recycled materials, and wood fibers taken from ground-up reclaimed wood, sawdust, and wood shavings. This eco-friendly and sustainable combination is then covered on all four sides with an engineered polymer layer.
- Durability. Capped composite decking like TimberTech PRO is made to last. While it has the look and feel of real wood, its composite core can easily resist common issues that plague wood, such as mildew and rot. The polymer covering also provides sufficient protection against moisture and harsh outdoor conditions. On average, a PRO deck can last from 25 to 30 years, and even longer with proper care.
- Style. TimberTech PRO comes in a wide range of styles, colors, and textures. Decking in this line closely mimics natural wood; some options are even made to look like reclaimed wood or aged wooden surfaces.
- Cost. TimberTech PRO decking is not cheap, but it is certainly cheaper than Vintage. Its wood-and-plastic composite material gives it an affordable price of $4 to $8 per foot, which translates to $9 to $13 per square foot. However, a TimberTech PRO deck may not be cheap to maintain in the long run, as the engineered polymer layer can peel off, requiring complete replacement rather than mere repair in case a board gets damaged.
TimberTech Vintage
Vintage is part of TimberTech’s premium TimberTech Advanced PVC line, and decking in this collection is designed to imitate sought-after hardwoods. These boards are a popular choice for high-end and luxury builds, which not only benefit from their inherent beauty and superior durability.
Here’s how decking materials in this product line generally differ from their PRO counterparts:
- Material. Vintage decking is made entirely of polyvinyl chloride or PVC—a common type of plastic used in everything from plumbing to credit cards. What makes this material special, in Vintage decking’s case, is that it’s made of about 60% recycled plastic. Unlike PRO decking, it does not contain any wood-derived fiber, allowing for some additional advantages.
- Durability. Vintage decking boards are 100% plastic, so they are extremely resistant to mildew, moisture, and decay. Vintage boards are also harder than their PRO counterparts, making them more resistant to wear from scratches and day-to-day use. Additionally, they have a Class A fire rating, making them the perfect choice for decking in fire-prone areas. Vintage decking products have a 50-year warranty, which means they are expected to last for at least half a century.
- Style. TimberTech’s Vintage decking faithfully replicates natural wood, particularly prized hardwoods like mahogany and teak. The boards feature complex, multi-color blending with cascading hues. The low-gloss, wire-brushed finish further sells the realism with a texture that mimics the feel and natural beauty of the real thing.
- Cost. As you can notice, Vintage decking is superior to TimberTech PRO in every single aspect. Where it fails to come up on top, though, is in its price tag. As TimberTech’s top-of-the-line offer, Vintage is far more expensive at $5.38 to $11.45 per linear foot, or $11.72 to $18.93 per square foot. However, the PVC composition means that it is much easier to repair and maintain, minimizing the need to replace boards should one get damaged.
Which Is the Best Material For Your Deck?
Choosing between TimberTech PRO and Vintage should not be a difficult dilemma. Each product line has strengths and weaknesses that you can leverage to build the best possible deck for your home. Your choice depends on the following factors:
- Budget. Price is the most pronounced difference between TimberTech’s PRO and Vintage products. As such, it will be your budget that holds the greatest sway in your choice. You can go with Vintage if you’re willing to spend about $19 per square foot of decking, but if your cash is a bit tighter, PRO would be your best option.
- Desired aesthetics. How you want your deck to look is another consideration for your choice of decking. Vintage and PRO boards wildly differ in terms of style; the former has a more luxurious look while the latter has a more rustic feel. That said, it’s still important to choose decking that best works for the design that you wish to achieve.
- Specific requirements. Finally, your priorities determine your decking choice. In this case, it’s between getting a balance of beauty and durability at an affordable price, and building a high-end deck that will practically last a lifetime. It also pays to take note of subtle differences like texture and material strength, as these directly impact the deck’s slip resistance and comfort, among others.
To Conclude
You don’t need to overthink when it comes to choosing between TimberTech PRO vs Vintage. If you’re looking for durable, luxurious decking, opt for Vintage; if budget is an issue but you don’t want to skimp on quality, PRO is a great choice. In any case, it all boils down to your preference and what’s really needed to complete your deck project.
