The Ultimate Guide To TimberTech vs AZEK vs Trex​

Let’s face it, building an entire deck with 100% real wood is expensive. 

Also, depending on how concerned you are about the environment, it might rub you the wrong way for ethical reasons. 

Luckily, though, there is an alternative that isn’t just nothing or that metal bleacher-style look that you’d expect to see in the audience stands at a high school football field. 

Well, actually, there are a few alternatives. 

And in this article, we’ll be comparing 3 of the most popular ones: TimberTech vs AZEK vs Trex. 

With any of them, you can get close to the classic hardwood look without the hardwood price or, well, the hardwood itself. 

However, you may prefer one over the others for one reason or another. 

That’s what we’ll be exploring here to try and help you figure out which one is best for you. 

First, What Does “Composite” Mean?

Before we get into the specifics, it’s worth covering the fundamentals first. 

When comparing TimberTech vs AZEK vs Trex, we’re comparing 3 different types of composite decking material. 

A composite decking material is essentially a plank that is partially composed of material other than pure wood. 

Usually, this material is solid polyvinyl chloride, otherwise known as “PVC.” 

To clarify, PVC is a type of plastic, and virtually all composite decking materials will contain some type or quantity of PVC or another plastic. 

But a composite material must contain at least some natural wood in order to be called a “composite.” 

So, the main differences between composite decking materials will generally be attributable to the type of plastic they contain, in what quantity they contain it, and what percentage of the real wood in their composition is recycled. 

Lastly, it’s important to note that, although we are comparing specific materials, we are really comparing the 3 different brands that make those materials. 

Each of the 3 brands we’re covering here make both composite materials and purely plastic decking materials.

TimberTech

The first composite material we’ll take a look at is TimberTech, a brand that is known for producing decking materials that are both durable over the long term and easy to maintain. 

While we’re not going to take any particular side in this article, we can say that customers who choose TimberTech are generally pretty satisfied with it. 

Like the other two, it is composed of PVC and wood fibers. 

And as they’ll tell you, each plank/board is usually “capped“ to keep moisture out. 

Now, this isn’t something that TimberTech alone is known for, but it is something they’re known to excel at. 

So, it goes without saying that this brand tends to be particularly popular in areas that see a lot of rain. 

AZEK

OK, this is where a lot of people start getting confused. 

Like TimberTech, AZEK is a brand and a company, not a single building material. 

AZEK is known mainly for its purely plastic decking materials, which are not composite as they contain no natural wood. 

However, AZEK produces composite materials as well. 

When comparing TimberTech vs AZEK vs Trex, misunderstandings occur mostly because AZEK Building Products acquired the TimberTech brand back in 2012. 

Today, both AZEK (formerly known as CPG International) and TimberTech are owned by the same parent company: James Hardie Industries PLC. 

For that reason, you can expect a similar level of quality and a comparable product lineup from both brands.

Trex

The third brand on this list is one that, unlike the other two, is not owned by the same parent company (James Hardie Industries PLC). 

So, you’re dealing with a whole different group of people as far as the people running things are concerned. 

And because of that, you might tend to notice a bigger difference between Trex and the other two than between TimberTech and AZEK. 

That might be good or bad, depending on your personal needs and location. 

One thing we can say that Trex is known for is its very extended warranties, often stretching as far out as 50 years, which demonstrate the company’s confidence in the long-term durability of its materials. 

Possible Drawbacks

Something we should probably mention here is that if you build your deck using a purely plastic material rather than a composite or pure wood, it may be subject to certain problems. 

While it might not be as prone to moisture damage, it might be more susceptible to heat damage and warping than natural wood. 

And with a composite, the degree to which you may face problems like that is directly related to what percentage of the composition is plastic vs natural wood. 

Other issues, such as the susceptibility to breakage and concerns regarding the safety of the chemicals in the material, can be considered in the same way.

You’ve Got Options

As you can see, you’ve got a pretty wide selection of options to choose from. 

However, your options may not be exactly what you thought they were. 

Although we’re comparing TimberTech vs AZEK vs Trex (3 different brands), we’re only comparing 2 different parent companies. 

Also, there are more composite and PVC decking material brands that we haven’t even mentioned here, like MoistureShield and Deckorators. 

But remember that if you ultimately opt for something a little more classic, natural wood is always there for you. 

You can even go with a stone patio or a metal deck. 

Whatever you end up choosing, the most important thing is to ensure that you get all the information to make the best choice for you. 

And we’re here for you if you have any questions or need help exploring your options.