Over the course of the past decade or so, composite decking materials have skyrocketed in popularity. The brands that make these products claim to offer a variety of benefits over conventional, pressure-treated lumber, including a variety of color options and essentially no maintenance. If you’ve made the decision to go with composite decking over wood decking, you’re only halfway there. Now it’s time to figure out which composite decking brand is the best choice for your lifestyle.
Although there are many brands of composite decking on the market today, Timbertech and Trex are two of the most popular. Here, we will compare the two in order to make it simpler for you to determine which one is the right option for your family’s new deck. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to know which way you’re going to go when you’re done with this article. It is simply meant to be a resource. If you need to speak to your contractor and ask more questions, you shouldn’t hesitate to do so.
Investment
Both Timbertech and Trex offer several different lines of composite decking materials. The higher-end lines are generally thicker and available in more color choices than less expensive styles. They also tend to be more textured, giving them a real-wood look. If you are interested in learning about the specific differences among all of Timbertech and Trex’s decking lines, visit their respective websites or speak to one of our knowledgeable installers.
Timbertech Prices:
Terrain Line – $65.28 per 16-foot board
Tropical Line – $78.24 per 16-foot board
Legacy Line – $91.36 per 16-foot board
Trex Prices:
Select Line – $43.04 per 16-foot board
Enhance Line – $47.84 per 16-foot board
Transcend Line – $68.64 per 16-foot board
Construction
Trex products are crafted from two parts, known as the composite core and the protective shell. Trex uses a protective shell on three sides, leaving the bottom exposed; the company states this is meant to let the board breathe, preventing cracking and separation. Trex uses recycled plastic bags and sawdust to manufacture its decking. This is a major positive from an environmental standpoint!
Timbertech products are made quite similarly to Trex’s offerings. They, too, are crafted from recycled plastics and sawdust and they, too, are comprised of a composite core surrounded by a protective shell. The primary difference between the two brands’ construction is that Timbertech uses an outer shell on all four sides of its boards. The company advertises that their products have a longer lifespan than their competitors’ decking as a direct result of this feature.
Upkeep
The upkeep that is required for Timbertech and Trex decking materials is almost identical. Neither brand’s products require much maintenance. They can be sprayed with a hose or wiped clean if they become dirty. The boards will not crack or deteriorate over time like real wood can. Both companies recommend periodically power-washing your composite deck, although Trex suggests not using a machine over 1,300 PSI.
Warranties
Both Timbertech and Trex provide their buyers with fade and stain warranties, in addition to limited lifetime warranties. Their fade and stain warranties differ slightly, with Timbertech offering guaranteed protection for 30 years and Trex for 25 years. If you plan to stay in your house long-term, this could impact your decision, but for many buyers, it is not a major consideration.
At the end of the day, the decision comes down to whether or not you want to pay more money for a four-sided outer shell. Some homeowners decide this is worth the cost, while others prefer to save their cash for other renovations. No matter which brand you decide to buy, the skilled team at Hatch Homes can install it for you. We love creating outdoor spaces for Carolina-based families, and we look forward to working on your project soon!