TimberTech Composite Decking – Everything You Need To Know

ByJim Pritchard Posted on Updated on
A photograph of a stylish decking area with a balcony that juts out over a green lawn. The deck has a gray glass outdoor dining table and six gray mesh-backed chairs. The decking boards are light brown and have a visible grain. The building the deck abuts has large windows along its length. There is also a large overhang on the building with prominent wooden beams that partially covers the decking area. The railing around the decking has black metal posts, steel wire cross-pieces and wood-effect handrail. In the bottom right hand corner is an icon showing a person reading a book. The words "TimberTech Composite Decking - Everything You Need To Know" appear across the top of the image.

Are you tired of spending your summer sanding, staining, and sealing your wooden deck, only to have it fade and splinter by the next year?

If so, it’s time to consider the revolutionary world of TimberTech composite decking – a material that contributes to sustainable construction.

TimberTech is a renowned manufacturer of composite decking. It was one of the first companies to start manufacturing composite decks. Therefore, it boasts some of the most durable and reliable products on the market today.

In the rest of this article, I’ll discuss everything you need to know about TimberTech composite decking.

From material and installation to pricing and maintenance, you’ll be fully prepared to make an informed decision.

Ready? Let’s get started!

What Is TimberTech Composite Decking?

A photograph of TimberTech Composite Decking installed at a home in the US. There is wicker furniture and matching plant pots on the deck, with a green hedge beyond marking the boundary between this house and next door. The decking boards are laid from left to right in the picture and there is a floor to ceiling corner window on the right of the image. In the bottom right corner of the image is a light gray question mark.
TimberTech composite decking makes for a beautiful and stylish outdoor living space suitable for any home. Image courtesy of The AZEK Company Inc. and its affiliates.

TimberTech composite decking is a type of deck made by the TimberTech company. It’s made from a blend of reclaimed wood fibers, plastics, and other binders, producing a strong and durable board.

TimberTech composite decking contributes to sustainable building because it’s made from recycled polymers and reclaimed wood. Therefore, it helps reduce plastic waste from the environment while preserving trees.

The company puts much emphasis on sustainability. This is why TimberTech’s capped composite decking comprises up to 80% recycled materials. The mixture contains up to 54% recycled polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

All decking boards from this company are covered with a 100% recycled polymer cap.

Is TimberTech a Good Composite Decking?

TimberTech is a good composite decking because it’s highly resistant to scratches, warping, fading, and mold. Moreover, it doesn’t need to be sanded, stained, or sealed for maintenance and can withstand extreme temperatures.

Although costly, TimberTech composite decking outlasts wood, making it a worthwhile investment.

What Are the Different Grades of TimberTech?

TimberTech has three grades:

  • TimberTech Azek with four collections
  • TimberTech Pro with three collections
  • TimberTech Edge with three collections
Examples of the three different grades of TimberTech composite decking, which are referred to as collections on their website. From top to bottom, they are TimberTech Azek, TimberTech Pro, and TimberTech Edge. The photos of each collection show a beautiful decking area with outdoor furniture and plant pots set in picturesque gardens.
The three different grades of TimberTech composite decking, which are referred to as collections on their website. From top to bottom, they are TimberTech Azek, TimberTech Pro, and TimberTech Edge. Images courtesy of The AZEK Company Inc. and its affiliates.

Let’s dive deeper into each of these grades.

TimerTech Azek

This is a solid PVC product, also known as synthetic decking.

The main difference between TimberTech Azek and other grades is that Azek is a PVC product, while the rest are composites of recycled wood and polymers.

The Azek grade is the industry’s best lifetime product with a 50-year limited warranty on fading and staining.

The Azek line has vintage, landmark, harvest, and porch collections, as shown by the table below:

CollectionVintageLandmarkHarvestPorch
TextureA photograph of the TimberTech Azek synthetic decking product in closeup showing the "Vintage" color and grain pattern. It is a deep brown color and has a natural grain pattern.A photograph of the TimberTech Azek synthetic decking product in closeup showing the "Landmark" color and grain pattern. It is a dark brown color and has a natural grain pattern.A photograph of the TimberTech Azek synthetic decking product in closeup showing the "Harvest" color and grain pattern. It is a light gray-brown color and has a cathedral wood grain pattern.A photograph of the TimberTech Azek synthetic decking product in closeup showing the "Porch" color and grain pattern. It is a light brown color and has a dense natural grain pattern.
Surface texture/finishWire-brushed straight grain pattern with a low-gloss finish for premium hardwood lookCathedral wood grain complemented by a rustic crosscut and matte finishTraditional cathedral wood grain patternAvailable in different textures
Available colors5336
Table 1: TimberTech Azek collections. Source: TimberTech

  • Vintage collection: This is the top-of-the-line product within the Azek collections. It features a solid bottom and capping on all four sides for maximum protection against weathering.
  • Landmark collection: It falls below the vintage collection and is inspired by the natural beauty of reclaimed wood.
  • Harvest collection: This is the economical option in this category. Although it has solid bottoms, it’s only capped on three sides.
  • Porch collection: It’s the tongue and groove option from the company. It features an interlocking pattern that removes gaps between the boards.

TimberTech Pro

This is a composite-based decking grade featuring three collections; legacy, reserve, and terrain, as shown by the table below:

CollectionLegacyReserveTerrain
TextureA photograph of the TimberTech Pro composite-based decking product in closeup showing the "Legacy" color and grain pattern. It is a dark brown color and has a wide wood grain pattern.A photograph of the TimberTech Pro composite-based decking product in closeup showing the "Reserve" color and grain pattern. It is a dark brown color and has a very wide natural-looking wood grain pattern.A photograph of the TimberTech Pro composite-based decking product in closeup showing the "Terrain" color and grain pattern. It is a light gray color and has a very dense wood grain pattern.
Surface texture/finishNaturally varied wood grain patterns with a low-gloss, wire-brushed finishCathedral wood grain with wire-brushed finishCathedral wood grain
Available colors645
Table 2: TimberTech Pro collections. Source: TimberTech

  • Legacy collection: It’s the top-of-the-line product for TimberTech’s Pro grade. It features a complex blend of pigments, a full profile, and is capped on all four sides.
  • Reserve collection: It comes immediately after the legacy collection. It features subtle undertones, solid bottoms, and is capped on all sides.
  • Terrain collection: This cost-conscious option features a scalloped design that’s capped on all sides.

TimberTech Edge

TimberTech Edge is also a composite-based decking with three collections – Premier, Prime+, and Prime, as shown below:

CollectionPremierPrime+Prime
TextureA photograph of the TimberTech Edge composite-based decking product in closeup showing the "Premier" color and grain pattern. It is a dark brown color and has a wide natural-looking wood grain pattern.A photograph of the TimberTech Edge composite-based decking product in closeup showing the "Prime+" color and grain pattern. It is a mid-brown color and has a wide natural-looking wood grain pattern.A photograph of the TimberTech Edge composite-based decking product in closeup showing the "Prime" color and grain pattern. It is a dark gray color and has a wide natural-looking wood grain pattern.
Surface texture/finishStraight, tight wood grain patternStraight, tight wood grain patternStraight, tight wood grain pattern
Available colors432
Table 3: TimberTech Edge collections. Source: TimberTech

The TimberTech edge collection is a pocket-friendly option due to its scalloped design that’s capped only on three sides.

Which TimberTech Product Is Best?

A photo collage showing three different decking products offered by TimberTech. Each photo shows a completed decking area with well-appointed furniture and other items. The bottom right image shows a herringbone feature as a centerpiece. The top right deck has dining table and chairs and is a light gray color. The image on the left, which is full-height, shows a design with lighting in the steps.
Which TimberTech product is best for your project depends on personal taste, technical requirements and budget. TimberTech have products to suit most pockets and tastes. Images courtesy of The AZEK Company Inc. and its affiliates.

Azek is the best TimberTech’s product because it’s made from premium PVC. The material makes it highly durable and resistant to the elements. With minimal care, it can last more than 50 years.

However, if you’re eco-conscious, TimberTech’s pro decking is the best option because it’s made from up to 100% recycled materials.

What Is the Difference Between Azek and TimberTech?

The difference between Azek and TimberTech is that Azek is the company that owns the TimberTech outdoor brand.

Azek is a PVC product line, while TimberTech is a composite-based decking brand. The decking lines from these brands are marketed under TimberTech; therefore, they are the same thing.

What Is the Average Cost of a TimberTech Deck?

The average cost of a TimerTech deck is between $5.70 and $13.50 per square foot, depending on the grade. Factors such as railing, substructure, labor, and deck size also come into play.

The table below shows the average costs of the different TimberTech grades.

TimberTech GradeCost Per FootCost Per Square Foot
Edge Prime$2.40-$2.65$5.70-$6.50
Edge Premier$3.10-$3.2$6.85-$7.50
Pro Terrain$3.35-$4.05$8.75-$9.35
Pro Reserve$4.90-$5.35$11.15-$12.00
Pro Legacy$5.80-$6.35$12.35-$13.50
Table 4: Average costs of TimberTech composite decking. Source: Deck Bros

Although TimberTech composite decking costs more than other brands, it’s worth the investment because it’s highly durable and requires minimal maintenance.

Furthermore, you won’t need to sand, stain, or seal regularly like wood decks.

How Long Will TimberTech Last?

TimberTech will last at least 25 years. Since TimberTech offers a 25 to 30-year limited product warranty, you can expect your decking to withstand the weather, fading, and staining for at least 25 years.

Moreover, TimberTech is UV resistant and highly durable, so it can last longer than the warranty period when properly maintained. Vinyl-based products like Azek have a 50-year limited warranty on fading and staining.

Is It OK to Pressure Wash TimberTech Decking?

A photograph of some decking being pressure-washed. The left side of the photo has already been cleaned and is a lighter shade of brown compared to the right side of the picture. In the bottom left of the image is a red sign with white lowercase writing saying "no!"
You shouldn’t pressure wash TimberTech decking because this will probably damage it.

It’s not ok to pressure wash TimberTech decking because the washer’s pressure can damage it. Moreover, pressure-washing too close can be ruinous to the deck.

According to TimberTech, a power washer can only be used for rinsing. However, if you must use a power washer, ensure the pressure is no more than 1,500 psi, and the fan tip is no closer than 8 inches (203 mm) from your deck’s surface.

It’s also not advisable to spray across the grain pattern.

Is TimberTech Slippery When Wet?

TimberTech is slippery when wet because the polymer cap on the decking creates a slipping hazard when it repels the water. However, the extent of slipperiness depends on the grade of TimberTech you use.

The Legacy and Reserve collections of TimberTech’s Pro grade feature a patented pattern that allows water to pass between the boards, making it less slippery when wet. The Terrain collection is also slip-resistant due to its scalloped surface.

Does TimberTech Get Hot in the Sun?

Like all decking products, TimberTech gets hot in the sun. TimberTech decking grades with darker colors can get very hot to the touch. Therefore, if you live in hotter areas, it’s advisable to opt for lighter shades to keep your deck cooler.

You can also use awnings or umbrellas to provide shade and minimize the heat.

Does TimberTech Scratch Easily?

TimberTech doesn’t scratch easily. The thick polyurethane cap makes it highly durable and resistant to scratches.

However, if you use furniture with sharp edges, then your deck may get scratched.

To reduce the chances of scratching, opt for patio furniture made of plastic or rubber.  Also, avoid dragging chairs across the board, as this can cause scratches.

Can You Put a Fire Pit on TimberTech Decking?

You can’t put a fire pit directly on TimberTech Decking. Putting a fire pit on TimberTech decking can weaken the supporting structures or damage the cosmetics or the decking itself.

For safety, it’s advisable to place pavers or bricks in the area before putting the fire pit.

How Long Do TimberTech Decks Last?

TimberTech composite decks can last at least 27 years due to the company’s limited warranty period of 25 to 30 years.

Does TimberTech Fade in the Sun?

A photograph of TimberTech decking in direct sunlight. There is a stone fireplace structure with seating around it and white railings. The decking boards are light gray, which helps reflect the sun's heat.
It’s best to use lighter colored decking boards for situations where the deck will be exposed to intense sunlight. This helps to keep the area cooler and avoid the boards themselves from heating up so much. Image courtesy of The AZEK Company Inc. and its affiliates.

TimberTech doesn’t fade in the sun due to its unique design that features UV stabilizers. As a matter of fact, TimberTech is covered by a limited warranty that covers up to 50 years against fading and staining.

Does TimberTech Cost More Than Trex?

TimberTech costs slightly more than Trex. However, both brands have different product tiers whose price increases as you move up.

What Is the Gap Between TimberTech Boards?

The gap between TimberTech boards must range from 1/8 to 3/16 inches side-to-side. You must also have a minimum 3/16-inch gap where the board meets an adjacent structure.

Final Thoughts

TimberTech composite decking is a good alternative to traditional wood decking for eco-conscious people.

Besides being environmentally friendly, the decking is low-maintenance, long-lasting, and resistant to insects and rot.

While the upfront cost for TimberTech composite decking is higher than traditional wood decking, the long-term savings and benefits make it a worthwhile investment.

For a fully-functional eco-friendly home, it’s advisable to combine your TimberTech decking with other green building components. Here are the best components of green building mandated by the EPA.

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