If you’re planning to elevate your outdoor space with a new deck, you’re likely considering the most popular decking materials in the market, TimberTech and Trex.
These industry-leading brands both offer composite decking products, which are a step up from traditional softwood in terms of longevity, durability, and maintenance.
However, choosing between TimberTech and Trex can be challenging. To aid your decision, we have provided a comprehensive comparison considering several key factors.
Material and Construction
Both TimberTech and Trex offer high-quality composite decking, TimberTech does also offer a PVC deck option as well. Composites are made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic polymers, resulting in a product that mimics the look of wood but requires less maintenance and possesses superior durability.
Trex Product Lines:
Trex Signature®: Luxury
Setting a new standard for style in outdoor living.
Trex Transcend® Lineage™: Best
The award-winning next generation of design and performance, featuring heat-mitigating technology for our coolest decking yet.* Available in four on-trend, tranquil colors. Backed by a 50-Year Limited Residential Warranty.
Trex Transcend®: Best
Elevated aesthetics paired with the highest level of performance. Available in eight multi-tonal and monochromatic colors. Backed by a 50-Year Limited Residential Warranty.
Trex Select®: Better
The perfect pairing of price and minimal maintenance. Available in five Earth Tones colors. Backed by a 35-Year Limited Residential Warranty.
Trex Enhance®: Good – Scalloped Deck Board
Pair the beauty of wood with the ease of composite, at the right price and with easy maintenance. Available in five streaked and monochromatic colors. Backed by a 25-Year Limited Residential Warranty.
Every Trex line except Select features a three-sided shell that protects against staining, fading, and mold. Trex deck boards are made from up to 95% recycled material, including reclaimed wood and sawdust, as well as plastic film from items like shopping bags.
TimberTech Product Lines:
TimberTech offers a variety of product lines including a 100% PVC decking product in addition to their composite decking line. TimberTech’s products are composed of up to 60% – 80% recycled material, including reclaimed wood and recycled plastic. The PVC line does not contain any wood fiber so it’s a superior option around high moisture areas.
TimberTech Composite™
DURABLE
Won’t splinter, crack, or peel
LOW MAINTENANCE
No sanding, staining, or sealing—ever
FADE & STAIN-RESISTANT
Maintains its rich color & resists staining for decades
PROTECTIVE WARRANTIES
Covered by limited product and fade & stain warranties up to 30 years (see collection for details)
MOISTURE-RESISTANT
Protected from mold, mildew, and rot
SUSTAINABLE
Made in the USA from approximately 85% recycled material*TimberTech Prime+, Prime, and Premier Collections are covered by a 25-Year Limited Product Warranty and a 25-Year Fade & Stain Limited Warranty. The proprietary capping on the Prime+, Prime, and Premier Collections does not feature Mold Guard Technology.
TimberTech Advanced PVC
SUPER DURABLE
Highly resistant to moisture & won’t splinter, crack, peel, or rot
LOW MAINTENANCE
No sanding, staining, or sealing—ever
FADE & STAIN-RESISTANT
Maintains its rich color & resists staining for decades
BAREFOOT-FRIENDLY
Up to 30° cooler* & 40% better traction than the competition
BETTER FOR FIRE ZONES
Collections feature Class A Flame Spread Rating, WUI-Compliance, or both
INDUSTRY-LEADING WARRANTY
Covered by a Lifetime Limited Product Warranty and 50-Year Fade & Stain Limited Warranty
SUSTAINABLE
Made in the USA from approximately 60% recycled material*Although TimberTech Advanced PVC decking is cooler to the touch than many other composite deck board products, all decking products will get hot in the sun. Additionally, the darker the decking color, the hotter it will feel. For hotter climates, consider choosing a lighter color.
Aesthetics and Variety
Trex decking provides a broad range of color choices, with over 20 colors and shades across their collections. They also offer a natural wood grain pattern that convincingly imitates real wood.
TimberTech offers over 20 colors as well but also offers unique texturing and grain patterns. TimberTech also offers multi-width decking options available in the Vintage Collection allows for unique, mixed-width designs.
Durability and Maintenance
Both TimberTech and Trex manufacture highly durable products that can withstand the elements. The difference lies in their capping. TimberTech’s four-sided capping provides better resistance against moisture intrusion and potential damage, potentially providing longer life.
Maintenance for both brands is minimal. Forget about sanding, staining, or sealing. A simple cleaning with soap and water will keep the decks looking good year-round.
Sustainability
In terms of eco-friendliness, Trex has a slight edge. With their products made from 95% recycled materials, they have managed to save over 400 million pounds of plastic and wood scrap from landfills every year.
TimberTech also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability with their products consisting of up to 80% recycled materials, but they fall short of Trex’s impressive recycling statistics.
Price
The cost varies depending on the specific collection and style. Generally, Trex decking tends to be slightly more expensive than TimberTech’s offerings. However, the cost difference is not substantial and should not be the sole deciding factor.
Warranty
Both companies offer competitive warranties that vary in what they cover and the length of time. Look at each product line to compare the warranties for both Trex and TimberTech.
In conclusion, both TimberTech and Trex offer high-quality composite decking options that outperform and outlast traditional softwood. The decision between the two will depend on your specific needs and preferences regarding aesthetics, sustainability, durability, and price. No matter which brand you choose, both promise to deliver a beautiful, low-maintenance deck that will stand the test of time.