trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") vs timbertech: Which composite decking "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?")-vs-timbertech "trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") Is Better?
trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") and timbertech are the top two composite decking "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?")-vs-timbertech "trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") brands in America — and the two we install most often across the Lehigh Valley. Homeowners ask us to compare them on almost every project.
The quick answer: Both are excellent. trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") offers better value at the entry and mid-range level. timbertech wins on premium aesthetics and feels more like real wood. You can't go wrong with either — the best choice depends on your budget and how you want your deck to look.
Here's the full breakdown from a contractor who's installed thousands of both.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") | timbertech |
|---------|------|------------|
| Price (materials) | $4–$14/sq ft | $5–$16/sq ft |
| Price (installed) | $30–$55/sq ft | $35–$60/sq ft |
| Product lines | 3 (Enhance, Select, Transcend) | 3 (Pro, Edge, Advanced PVC) |
| Cap technology | Shell protection (3-sided) | Full 4-sided cap |
| Scratch resistance | Good | Better |
| Fade resistance | 25-year warranty | 30-year warranty (some lines) |
| Color options | 20+ | 30+ |
| Wood grain realism | Good | Superior |
| Warranty | 25-year limited | 25–30-year limited |
| Made in | USA (Winchester, VA) | USA (Wilmington, OH) |
| Best for | Budget-conscious quality | Premium look and feel |
trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?"): What You Need to Know
trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") is the largest composite decking "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?")-vs-timbertech "trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") manufacturer in the world. They invented the category in 1996, and today they make their boards from 95% recycled materials — one of the greenest building products available.
trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") Product Lines
trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") Enhance (Budget)
- $4–$7/sq ft (materials)
- Solid, reliable board with basic color options
- Great for budget projects where you want composite durability without the premium price
- Limited color palette (6 colors)
trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") Select (Mid-Range)
- $6–$9/sq ft (materials)
- Better color depth and more refined grain patterns
- Our most popular trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") line for Lehigh Valley homeowners
- 10 colors including popular Pebble Grey and Saddle
trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") Transcend (Premium)
- $9–$14/sq ft (materials)
- Deep wood-grain patterns with multi-tonal color streaking
- The closest trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") gets to real hardwood appearance
- 8 colors including Havana Gold and Spiced Rum
trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") Pros
- Lower starting price — Enhance line makes composite accessible for tighter budgets
- Proven track record — 30 years of manufacturing history
- Widest availability — stocked at most lumber yards, shorter lead times
- Recycled content — 95% recycled wood and plastic
- Strong warranty — 25-year residential warranty covers fading and staining
trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") Cons
- 3-sided capping — the bottom of trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") boards is uncapped, which can absorb moisture if exposed (not an issue with proper installation)
- Fewer premium colors — timbertech has a wider selection at the high end
- Slightly less realistic — the wood grain pattern is good but not as nuanced as timbertech's best lines
timbertech: What You Need to Know
timbertech (owned by Azek Building Products) produces three distinct composite and PVC product lines. They're known for pushing the boundaries of realistic wood appearance in a synthetic product.
timbertech Pro (Budget Composite)
- $5–$8/sq ft (materials)
- Solid composite core with polymer cap
- Competes directly with trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") Select
- 8 colors
timbertech Edge (Mid-Range Composite)
- $7–$11/sq ft (materials)
- Scalloped bottom reduces weight and cost
- Good performance-to-price ratio
- 6 colors with deeper grain textures
timbertech Advanced PVC (Premium)
- $10–$16/sq ft (materials)
- Full PVC construction — no wood fibers at all
- The most moisture-resistant decking on the market
- Best for pool decks, ground-level builds, and coastal applications
- 16 colors with multi-width plank options
- 4-sided capping — every board is fully wrapped, protecting all surfaces from moisture
- Superior color realism — the Vintage and Legacy collections look remarkably like real hardwood
- PVC option — the Advanced PVC line has zero wood content, meaning zero moisture absorption
- 30-year fade and stain warranty on select lines (vs. 25 for trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?"))
- Multi-width boards — available in 5.5" and 7.25" widths for a more natural, varied plank look
- Higher price — 10–20% more than the equivalent trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") product
- Fewer retailers — not as widely stocked, which can mean longer lead times
- Heavier boards — the Advanced PVC line is denser, which slightly increases labor for installation
Head-to-Head: The Details That Matter
Durability
Both brands resist rot, insects, and mold. Neither will splinter. The key differences:
- Moisture resistance: timbertech's 4-sided cap and PVC option give it an edge in wet environments. If your deck is ground-level, near a pool, or in a shaded area that stays damp, timbertech Advanced PVC is the better choice.
- Scratch resistance: timbertech's cap is slightly harder. If you have large dogs or move heavy furniture frequently, timbertech holds up better.
- UV/Fade resistance: Both warrant against significant fading for 25+ years. In our experience across hundreds of installations, neither brand shows noticeable fading within the first 10 years in Pennsylvania's climate.
Winner: timbertech, by a small margin — mainly because of the 4-sided cap and PVC option.
Appearance
This is where preference matters most.
- trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") Transcend looks like stained hardwood with subtle grain variation. It's attractive and consistent.
- timbertech Vintage/Legacy looks like weathered, aged hardwood with deeper color variation and more organic grain patterns. It's the most realistic composite on the market.
If you put both side by side, most homeowners pick timbertech for appearance. But trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?")'s mid-range Select line is very close to timbertech Pro — the difference narrows significantly when comparing products at the same price point.
Winner: timbertech at the premium level. At mid-range, it's nearly a tie.
Cost
For a typical 400 sq ft Lehigh Valley deck with railing and stairs:
| Product Tier | trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") (Installed) | timbertech (Installed) | Difference |
|-------------|------------------|----------------------|------------|
| Budget | $12,000–$16,000 | $14,000–$18,000 | +$2,000–$3,000 |
| Mid-Range | $16,000–$22,000 | $18,000–$24,000 | +$2,000–$3,000 |
| Premium | $22,000–$30,000 | $25,000–$35,000 | +$3,000–$5,000 |
The price gap narrows when you factor in timbertech's longer fade warranty and 4-sided capping. Over 25 years of ownership, the per-year cost difference is minimal.
Winner: trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?"), for upfront savings. timbertech, for long-term value per dollar.
Warranty
Both brands offer similar warranty structures:
- trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?"): 25-year limited residential warranty. Covers structural integrity, fading, and staining. Requires installation by a TrexPro certified contractor for full coverage.
- timbertech: 25–30-year limited residential warranty (varies by line). Covers structural integrity, fading, and staining. Full warranty requires professional installation.
One important note: both warranties require professional installation by a certified contractor. Using an uncertified installer can void or reduce your warranty coverage. Make sure your contractor is certified for whichever brand you choose.
Winner: Tie — both are comprehensive and comparable.
Maintenance
Identical. Both brands require:
Winner: Tie.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") If:
- Budget is a primary concern
- You want a proven, time-tested brand
- You're building a standard raised deck
- You want the widest local availability and shortest lead time
- trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") Select or Transcend colors match your home
- You want the most realistic wood appearance
- Your deck is ground-level, poolside, or in a consistently damp area
- You have large dogs or expect heavy furniture use
- You prefer multi-width plank layouts
- You want 4-sided cap protection for maximum moisture resistance
- You're building a premium outdoor living space and want every detail to be top-tier
Our Honest Take
As Trex Pro Platinum "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?").com/find-a-builder/details/?PRO=0013a00001wSKU6) and timbertech certified installers, we have no financial incentive to recommend one over the other — we're certified for both and install both regularly.
For most Lehigh Valley homeowners building a standard deck, trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") Select is the sweet spot. Great appearance, proven performance, and the best value per square foot.
For homeowners building a premium outdoor living space — especially ground-level decks, pool surrounds, or multi-level designs — timbertech Advanced PVC is worth the upgrade. The moisture resistance and color realism are noticeably superior.
See Both Materials in Person
The best way to decide is to see and feel both products. We bring full-size samples of trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") and timbertech to every consultation so you can compare colors, textures, and weight in your own backyard — next to your house, in your lighting.
Schedule your free consultation: Call (484) 743-7332 or request an estimate online. We'll help you choose the right material, design your deck in 3D, and provide a detailed quote — all at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is timbertech more expensive than trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?")?
Yes, by about 10–20% for comparable product tiers. A mid-range
timbertech deck costs roughly $2,000–$3,000 more than the same size
trex "Trex vs
timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") deck, installed.
Can you mix trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") and timbertech on the same deck?
Technically yes, but we don't recommend it. The color tones and textures are different enough to be noticeable. Pick one brand and stay consistent.
Which composite deck "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?")-vs-timbertech "trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") vs timbertech: Which composite decking "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?")-vs-timbertech "trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") Is Better?") lasts longer?
Both last 25–50 years with proper installation.
timbertech's 4-sided capping may give it a slight edge in very wet environments, but in typical Lehigh Valley residential use, both will outlast a wood deck by 2–3x.
Do trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") and timbertech get hot in the sun?
All
composite decking "Trex vs
timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?")-vs-
timbertech "
trex "Trex vs
timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") vs
timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") absorbs more heat than wood. Lighter colors stay cooler. If heat is a concern, choose lighter shades from either brand —
trex "Trex vs
timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") Foggy Wharf or
timbertech Coastline are both popular light options.
Which brand do you install more often?
Roughly 60%
trex "Trex vs
timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?"), 40%
timbertech across our projects.
trex "Trex vs
timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") wins on volume because of its lower price point.
timbertech wins on higher-budget custom projects where clients want the most premium look.
Does it matter who installs composite decking "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?")-vs-timbertech "trex "Trex vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") vs timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?")?
Yes. Both
trex "Trex vs
timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?") and
timbertech require certified installation for full warranty coverage. VM Power Decks is
Trex Pro Platinum certified "Trex vs
timbertech: Which Composite Decking Is Better?").com/find-a-builder/details/?PRO=0013a00001wSKU6) and a
timbertech registered contractor — your warranty is fully protected with us.