Which Is Better, Trex or TimberTech? Composite Decks Compared

ByJim Pritchard Posted on Updated on
Two Photographs side by side showing decking areas made from TimberTech (left) and Trex (right). The left hand deck has dining furniture on it and is light brown. The deck on the right is light gray and has a city skyline in the background. Across the top are the words "Which Is Better, Trex or TimberTech? Composite Decks Compared." The letters "VS" are in the center.

Images courtesy of The AZEK Company Inc. and its affiliates, and Trex Company, Inc.

Welcome to the great composite decking debate: Trex or TimberTech; which one is better?

This is the most likely question on your mind if you’re in the market for a composite deck to update your outdoor space. Of course, you may already know you want composite over wood and PVC – but which brand is right for you?

TimberTech and Trex are the two most popular composite decking brands. They are known for their long-lasting and insect-resistant decks contributing immensely to sustainable construction. Therefore, deciding which is best for you might be challenging.

In this article, I’ll compare Trex and TimberTech composite decks to help you make an informed decision.

Many factors are highlighted in the great composite deck debate, from environmental impact to price. So, let’s dive in and find out which one you should choose!

Trex

A photograph of Trex decking installed in a home with a view of a nearby river. The decking boards are dark brown and have plan pots arranged on them and steps leading down towards the river. There is a pool with two artificial waterfalls flowing into it sunk into the deck. The pool is right next to the house, which is built from yellow sandstone and has large windows with white frames. The railings around the deck have thin black vertical balusters, white posts, and brown, wood-like guardrails.
Trex makes beautiful decking products that are made from recycled plastic and wood fibers. Their products are available in over 40 countries. Image courtesy of Trex Company, Inc.

The Trex Company was founded in 1996 through the buyout of a division of Mobil Corporation. Since its inception, Trex has focussed on perfecting composite decking as an alternative to wood decks.

Although founded in 1996, the company went public in 1999, differentiating itself as the leading producer of the best composite decks.

The company’s products are available in more than 40 countries, boasting huge annual sales amounting to $1.2 billion.

Due to its innovative culture, Trex remains top of the scale regarding composite decks. Having been the first company to combine the durability of recycled plastic with the natural beauty of wood fibers to make high-performing composite decking, Trex has vast experience in its art.

The company’s composite decks have the beauty of natural wood and come in various colors.

TimberTech

A photograph of a TimberTech deck overlooking a tree-lined lake. The picture is taken at dusk and there are lights in each of the posts of the railing. The guardrail is made from wood-like material and so are the balusters, which are connected with horizontal steel wires that act as a barrier for small pets and children. The decking boards are brown, wood-effect boards with a visible grain. There is a wicker coffee table with a cream colored muslin tablecloth, two metal coffee mugs and a candle burning in an ornate wooden, carved bowl. The tablecloth is pulled back to reveal the front right corner of the coffee table where the coffee mugs are sitting. The surface of the table is made from similar brown wood-like material to the decking. The table is surrounded by wicker furniture with blue and cream-colored cushions.
TimberTech was founded shortly after Trex and offers three main product lines that are available in different colors and styles. Image courtesy of The AZEK Company Inc. and its affiliates.

TimberTech is also a leading composite decking producer, founded shortly after Trex in 1997.

The company has a long history of producing top-of-the-line composite decks in various shapes, sizes, and colors. It is known to put quality and durability above all when making composite decking.

Although it started with one decking board in only one color, the company put innovation at the forefront to enhance its products.

TimberTech has developed three product lines through its innovative culture, each with different collections. The three product grades include:

  • TimberTech Azek with four collections
  • TimberTech Pro with three collections
  • TimberTech Edge with three collections

Currently, the company produces a wide range of decking boards. From browns and grays to complex multi-color blending, TimberTech makes many boards to suit all tastes.

Azek company acquired TimberTech in 2012, and they are both owned by the parent company, CPG International.

It’s worth noting that CPG International kept the Azek and TimberTech brands separate. That’s why you still find TimberTech and Azek decks on the market.

Is TimberTech More Expensive Than Trex Decking?

TimberTech is more expensive than Trex decking. However, each brand offers decks in tiers that increase in price as you move up the tiers.

Although it’s difficult to be specific about pricing due to the many variables to be considered, the average cost for Trex composite decking is $15 to $30 per square foot, depending on the composite grade, size, and materials.

On the other hand, TimberTech composite decking costs approximately $23.50 to $37.00 per square foot, depending mostly on the collection.

What’s the Difference Between TimberTech and Trex Decking?

The main difference between TimberTech and Trex lies in capping.

While Trex covers only the top part of its boards, TimberTech decks are four-sided capped, meaning every part, including the bottom, is covered. Thus, TimberTech decks are more moisture-resistant than Trex since they are covered on four sides.

However, the unique extrusion process employed by Trex makes their composite decks more durable.

What Are the Negatives About Trex Decking?

The negatives about Trex decking include the following:

  • The bottom side is susceptible to moisture since it’s uncapped.
  • Like any other composite decking, Trex is more expensive than wood decking.
  • Its surface can be slippery when wet due to the presence of polymers.
  • Its appearance is not as aesthetically-appealing as natural wood.

Why Is My Trex Deck Warping?

A photograph of warped composite decking taken from a very low angle looking along the length of the boards to the undulations are clearly visible. The boards have grooves running along their lengths. The boards are dark brown in color and look like wood. Either side of the decking walkway is a railing made from wood with light brown balusters and darker brown guardrails. There are leafy green trees either side of the decking.
Some brands of composite decking might warp if installed inappropriately. Trex and TimberTech say that their boards don’t easily warp. Natural wood also warps in some circumstances, so the problem can happen with many materials. Image courtesy of Lang Building Supply.

Your Trex deck is warping because of excessive heat, most likely due to overexposure to the sun. Trex decking undergoes thermal expansion that contributes to warping when exposed to the sun for a long time.

Although Trex decking is UV color fade resistant, it can still warp if exposed to too much heat.

To prevent warping, make sure you install your Trex deck in an area that’s not exposed to direct sunlight or excessive heat.

Does Trex Warp in Sun?

Trex warps in the sun due to excessive heat, leading to thermal expansion. The deck expands when it absorbs heat from the sun. Consequently, it expands, bends, and becomes flexible.

What Is the Most Popular Composite Decking?

Trex is the most popular composite decking, and it contributes immensely to sustainable building.

Unlike Timbertech decks that use up to 80% recycled materials, Trex decks have up to 95% recycled plastics and wood.

Is TimberTech Like Trex?

TimberTech is like Trex because they use recycled polymers and reclaimed wood fibers to make composite decks. They both manufacture reliable, durable, and high-quality composite decking.

What Is the Longest Lasting Composite Decking?

TimberTech Azek is the longest-lasting composite decking. Capped polymer boards from TimberTech Azek have a 50-year fade and stain limited warranty. Therefore, they can serve you for at least 50 years before developing serious structural issues or fading.

How Long Do TimberTech Decks Last?

A light-colored deck outside a modern stylish house with pale gray walls and large floor-to-ceiling windows with black metal window frames and white drapes on the left side. On the deck is a table and four stools. There is bright sunshine and in the bottom right corner is a diagonally-oriented hourglass icon with circular arrows around it.
TimberTech’s capped composite decks last from 25 to 30 years with appropriate maintenance. Their capped polymer product lasts as long as 50 years.

TimberTech capped composite decks last between 25 and 30 years. On the other hand, TimberTech’s capped polymer has the longest lifespan of at least 50 years.

In comparison, Trex decks have a lifespan ranging between 25 and 30 years.

What Is the Longevity of TimberTech?

TimberTech composite decking has a longevity of between 25 and 30 years. This is based on the company’s warranty on its composite decks, which is between 25 and 30 years.

Is TimberTech Slippery When Wet?

TimberTech composite boards become slippery when wet, especially due to standing water.

These boards become slippery because of the water-resistant polymers that allow the accumulation of standing water. Therefore, it’s advisable to drain standing water from the boards to prevent sliding.

Does TimberTech Decking Scratch Easily?

TimberTech decking doesn’t scratch easily because the company has invested in curing technology that makes the materials highly resistant to scratches. Thus, the decks can stand up to the rigors of use by both pets and humans.

It’s worth mentioning that both TimberTech and Trex have low maintenance due to their engineering design. The combination of polymers and wood fibers makes them stronger and highly resistant to the elements, rot, mold, and insects.

Does TimberTech Decking Get Hot?

A closeup photograph of a decking area in mid-brown composite wood-effect decking boards. The boards run diagonally across the image from top left to bottom right. There is a "hot" icon overlain which comprises red lines with a single curve in a smile shape with three vertical wavy red lines above that resemble steam rising.
TimberTech decking can get hot in the sun, much like any other composite decking. In fact, most surfaces get hot in intense sunlight, so this is not surprising.

Like any other decking product, TimberTech gets hot when exposed to the sun. This is because polymers absorb infrared and visible wavelengths of radiation, which are then converted into heat.

Choosing lighter colors for your decking can help to reduce the heating of your decking boards in direct sunlight by reflecting a greater proportion of the sun’s incident energy.

What Is a Cheaper Alternative to Trex?

A cheaper alternative to Trex decking is wooden decking. However, Trex offers the most affordable composite decking, so choosing Timbertech will usually be more expensive than Trex.

Final Thoughts On Trex Or TimberTech For Decking

Considering every comparison feature, Trex and TimberTech are closely tied in maintenance, appearance, longevity, and overall value.

Although the cost of TimberTech is between 20 and 40 percent higher than Trex’s, both brands have various tiers with options that come in at almost the same price.

While TimberTech is better for moisture-prone areas because it’s entirely capped, Trex is ideal for places with more drastic temperature fluctuations.

Now that you have a head-to-head comparison between Trex and TimberTech, here are other sustainable construction methods to complement whichever deck you choose.

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