TimberTech and Trex are both leading composite decking brands in Seattle and beyond. TimberTech vs. Trex certainly is the match of the century in the deck-building scene, but which makes the superior decking? It’s about time we take a good look at both brands and put this age-old question to rest.
Which is better, TimberTech or Trex?
Comparing TimberTech and Trex extends beyond examining their superficial qualities. As such, we will need to review the advantages each decking brand offers and where they fall short.
TimberTech
TimberTech is best known for its durable, low-maintenance outdoor decking and railing solutions. Founded in 1997, the company initially specialized in composite decking—an alternative to natural wood decking made from recycled plastics and sawdust. Since its acquisition by The AZEK Company in 2012, the brand has expanded to the PVC decking market. Now, then, let’s look at the qualities that make TimberTech special, and where it can get better.
The Good
TimberTech’s advantages lie mainly in its durability and aesthetic appeal. Here are the key features that give the brand its edge:
- Superior moisture resistance. TimberTech’s PVC boards, which are made entirely of plastic, do not absorb moisture and are resistant to fungi, insects, mildew, mold, and rot. To top it off, a strong polymer capping protects all four sides of TimberTech boards, including the less moisture-resistant composite options.
- Diverse choices. TimberTech offers both PVC and composite boards. These products are available in dovetailed and solid options, as well as a wide array of aesthetic choices. Different boards from the brand’s various collections vary in color, color complexity, texture, and visual style.
- Realistic aesthetics. TimberTech decking is widely praised for its realistic aesthetics. They are practically indistinguishable from real wood and, to add to the realism, no two boards ever look alike.
- Generous warranties. A TimberTech composite deck comes with a warranty of approximately 25 years. Meanwhile, its advanced PVC counterpart has a warranty of at least 50 years—practically an entire lifetime. While the terms are limited, these decades-long guarantees demonstrate the company’s confidence in its products.
The Bad
There is no question about the mettle of TimberTech’s decking solutions. However, these issues with the brand’s pricing and quality might put people off:
- Higher upfront cost. The brand’s entry-level composite decking starts at $3.36 per foot or about $5.70 per square foot. On the other hand, the PVC boards start at $4.79 per foot or $11 per square foot. This is notably higher than Trex’s $2.42 and $5 entry costs per linear foot and square foot, respectively.
- Heat retention in darker boards. TimberTech products feature the brand’s proprietary Cool Touch technology that helps manage the deck’s temperature during warm weather. However, color remains a factor in heat absorption. The brand offers a variety of dark-colored boards, which tend to absorb and retain heat from the sun quickly.
The Ugly
TimberTech’s price range and minor quality issues are certainly tolerable. We’ve yet to talk about what’s worst about the brand, and these are as follows:
- Availability. TimberTech’s distribution network is not as extensive as Trex’s. As such, not all stores in Seattle carry the brand, and those that offer TimberTech decking do not always have the full product range available.
- Repair difficulties. Repair is possible for damaged TimberTech boards. However, it may require specialized tools and advanced techniques that are not readily available to the average homeowner or repair professional. Replacing the damaged board is almost always more feasible, especially as significant damage to the capping could compromise the affected part.
Trex
Based in Winchester, VA, and founded in 1996, Trex is a pioneer in bringing composite wood decking to the mainstream market. What makes Trex different from TimberTech is that the company does not offer PVC decking; instead, it only sells 100% recycled composite boards. This gives the brand unique strengths, as well as downsides that come with the compromise between price and quality.
The Good
Trex prides itself on its eco- and budget-friendly offers. It definitely should be, as the brand offers nature and consumers the following advantages:
- Better sustainability. Trex composite decking is made of no less than 95% recycled wood and plastic waste that would otherwise clog the landfills. The minimal use of virgin polymers significantly cuts down the manufacturing cost while saving trees and reducing humanity’s waste.
- Sturdy capping. Trex’s premium offers feature sturdy capping that can resist fading, scratches, and stains—byproducts of everyday use. This contributes to the product’s longevity, maintaining a balance of aesthetic and protection from the elements for many years.
- Wider availability. The company has an extensive distribution network throughout North America and worldwide. As such, Trex products are more readily available in most suppliers than TimberTech.
- Great prices. As mentioned earlier, Trex is much cheaper than TimberTech with prices starting at $2.42 per foot of board length or $5 per square foot of decking. The more high-end offers can be as expensive as $16 per square foot, which is still less expensive than TimberTech’s top-of-the-line decking at $22 per square foot.
The Bad
As a cost-effective composite board manufacturer, Trex has to make some compromises to maintain relatively low price points. This shows in the following disadvantages:
- Three-sided capping. The bottom side of a Trex board is typically exposed, allowing moisture to escape and reducing manufacturing costs. However, this makes the board susceptible to moisture damage in wet areas, as the exposed side can harbor fungi, mildew, and molds. Additionally, prolonged exposure to moisture can accelerate the decay of the composite core.
- Less realistic aesthetics. Trex decking tends to have uniform coloration. This is ideal for builders who prefer consistency, but may not be suitable for those seeking a natural hardwood or weathered appearance.
The Ugly
Trex’s design choices have further, less forgiving consequences, particularly when it comes to construction and maintenance. Here are such drawbacks, in our untainted opinion:
- Heavier maintenance requirements. Since most Trex boards have only three-sided capping, the exposed lower side is vulnerable to moisture damage. This means that while the top side requires fewer and less frequent maintenance work, the exposed part may need more attention, especially in damp environments.
- Possibility of sagging. Improper installation can cause Trex boards to sag as they contract or expand due to temperature changes. This is accounted for in the installation manual, and careful adherence to the instructions is necessary to build a perfectly, permanently flat Trex deck.
What is the best brand of composite decking?
We’re not closing the TimberTech vs. Trex saga with a cliche up-to-you conclusion. Both brands are excellent in their own right, each with its positives and drawbacks. Quality-wise, TimberTech is the best choice. Meanwhile, Trex is more affordable and widely available, making it the go-to brand when budget and material accessibility are a concern. Go with what works best for your current circumstances.
