Both companies use a mix of recycled wood … Timbertech vs Trex: Which Is the Better Choice? Established in 1996 and made public in 1999, the company is known for its quality and environmental friendliness — it is generally considered the first company to produce composite … We ended up choosing TimberTech. Azek … Cleaned it once a year. Make the best choice for your home. In addition to this, you should also take into account the purpose of the deck, your family’s daily habits, the kind of weather in your geographical area, and your overall budget. AZEK will be much lighter in weight and feel slightly different under your feet. This in return will save you more money in the future. If you’re trying to live a more environmental friendly life, then Trex is definitely a better way to go. Between Azek and Trex decking, Trex definitely resembles the look of wood much more than Azek. Post Although this Trex material is more expensive than both the Select and the Enhance products, it’s well worth the money. We're near Philly too and I built a deck using Azek around 10 years ago. The white railings tend to get some discoloration over the winter, but the power washing takes it away easily. I don't know if it is the elements. When it comes to fade resistance, Azek wins this competition. Due to the easy maintenance, a composite or plastic decking can also last for a long time. Azek is quite a bit more expensive than Trex. In the Trex vs Azek battle of green building materials the clear winner is Trex. It’s important to note that you should never use cleaning products that have abrasives in them. by dpm321 » Sun Mar 18, 2018 5:36 pm, Post Azek also expands and contracts more than Trex making it less resistant to temperature changes. Both Timbertech and Trex … AZEK boards are also significantly lighter than Trex boards and absorb less heat. Re: Opinions on Azek vs. composite (Trex/Timbertech)? I'm in the Philly area also. For most people, price is an important factor when investing in new home improvement projects. A slippery deck is extremely dangerous and can lead to a serious accident, especially if you have elderly members living in your home. I built a big deck out of it 10 years ago and was worth every penny. Azek, which owned by Timbertech … For example, Trex … However, more and more people are deciding to build Azek or Trex decks over wood ones. On the flipside, if you live in a region with a lot of rain, then Azek may be the better choice. You should clean your Azek or Trex deck on a regular basis and by doing so, you’ll effectively remove firth, grime, grease, and other dirt. Opinions on Azek vs. composite (Trex/Timbertech)? by enjoyinglife » Wed Mar 21, 2018 10:55 am, Post Take a look at Veka decking. Azek has a reputation for being more resistant to scratches, dings, and dents. To help customers … The biggest difference between TimberTech Pro and TimberTech Azek products is the material each is made of. http://www.ranchlifeplastics.com/decking/gorilla-deck. Some of the things you can do to avoid scratching up your deck include making sure the legs on all your outdoor furniture have rubber feet, make sure nobody walks across the deck with sporting cleats, and try to avoid dropping sharp or heavy objects onto the deck. Azek on the other hand is made of plastic and other chemicals that are molded together. by keinodoggy » Sat Mar 17, 2018 8:07 pm, Post In some situations, Trex can be more resistant to scratches as well. Understanding the difference between TimberTech vs Trex requires a little background into how composite … BR: It's important to … In fact, most homeowners will typically spend over $20,000 in a 20-year period maintaining their wood deck. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. AZEK TimberTech is made from recycled plastic and does not contain any wood, while composite decking has both wood and plastic in its material. Minimal fade and wasn't too hot in the summer with bare feet. AZEK is a PVC product and will have a different feel and look to it then Trex, which is a capped composite. Lastly, Trex Transcend is the most expensive kind of Trex. Between Azek and Trex decking, Trex definitely resembles the look of wood much more than Azek. Although Azek doesn’t capture the appearance of wood as well as Trex, it does come in a wide array of colors, patterns, and designs for easy personalization. by LucyB » Sun Mar 18, 2018 4:47 pm, Post Why TimberTech … Like mentioned earlier, Trex is made of 95% recycled material. by dpm321 » Sat Mar 17, 2018 5:45 pm, Post We replaced it about 24 months ago with the Trex Transcends hidden fastener system over the powder coated metal Trex Elevations framing system. Azek on the other hand is crafted from a really tough, weather resistant cellular PVC material and is engineered to also look like high-quality wood. I would stay away from composites like Trex. Type above and press Enter to search. These abrasives can dull the appearance of your deck. This Trex material has a higher price tag but is well worth the extra money. The price is ultimately determined by the quality of the material. The Materials Perhaps the biggest difference between TimberTech and Azek … We put in a new Trex deck last summer. A 25-year fade and stain warranty covers all models of Trex decking. Capped wood composite: TimberTech ® Made of plastic and wood fibers and coated with a composite cap, this decking is more resistant to the elements than traditional wood, and provides added … We installed a Timbertech deck about 9 years ago and we are also in the Philadelphia area. Trex is the largest manufacturer of composite decking in the U.S. OP here. Turning the Gas Back on After a Disconnect. Azek, because it is fully PVC, expands and contracts more than Trex, making it more prone to cracking, especially in areas where there is a dramatic swing from cold to extremely hot temperatures. In general, Trex and TimberTech composite decking materials are more expensive than pressure treated wood.However, they require less maintenance than standard wood decking, making them cost less overtime. We liked Azek a lot, and were surprised (after hearing how expensive it is) to get a quote for an Azek deck that was almost the same price as another contractor's quote for TimberTech. Here is a video on performing scratch tests for both Azek and Trex. In comparison, Azek and Trex decks will generally cost less than $10,000 to maintain for that same time period. Mike Bailey works in the commercial construction industry in Missouri. Whether you’re interested in hosting summer barbeques with your friends and family, gazing at the stars on a clear night, or even sunbathing during the day, one thing is for sure. Now, that’s not to say that Azek doesn’t resemble wood at all, but if you’re really interested in that natural look, then Trex is definitely the way to go. This composed material includes things like ground up plastic, sawdust, and reclaimed wood. Timbertech created its first composite decking board in 1996. In addition to this, if you have rust stains on your Azek or Trex deck, you can use a household cleaner containing phosphoric acid to remove them. There have been several tests that proved this. TimberTech Composite Decking; AZEK Composite Decking; Fiberon Composite Decking; Comparing these four brands should be a simple exercise until you realize that each offers tiered grades. We take Azek and Trex decking and put them to the scratch test. The first thing you’ll want to look at is the cost of both Timbertech and Trex. Here’s the Right Way to Apply It. Although both Azek and high-quality Trex, Transend for example, are weather resistant, Azek tends to be more resistant to moisture. The framing is very nice and we hope/think it will last. Pressure washers are also great tools for cleaning your Azek or Trex deck. On the other hand, Azek provides their customers a 30-year limited warranty for staining and fading whereas Trex offers their customers a 25-year warranty for residential homes and a 10-year warranty for commercial companies. by Sandi_k » Sat Mar 17, 2018 8:00 pm, Post Some kinds of Azek products will actually scratch easier than Trex. Even the patterns that are illustrated on the boards make Trex look like real wood grain. We did a kitchen porch with Azek with a southside exposure, and are very pleased with the results. The decking boards offered today are covered with an acrylic shell which fades so little that the human eye cannot even detect it. ft. of AZEK’s Harvest boards will run you about $900, while the same amount of Trex … In the winter time, it’s perfectly safe to use rock salt or calcium to remove the ice. Trex vs Veranda Decking: Which Is the Better Choice? by Sandtrap » Fri Mar 16, 2018 10:23 pm, Post If you live in geographical regions with hot summers and cold winters, you may want to choose Trex. First, the lowest grade is called Trex Select. Hope that helps. Trex Select, Trex Enhance and Trex Transcend all contain this shell and maintain consistency in color. Trex vs Timbertech – Material & Capping Comparing the difference between Trex vs Timbertech requires an understanding of how composite decking is made. Timbertech. Composite Vs. PVC Decking. Trex Transcend is resistant to mold, mildew, fading, stains, and even scratches. However, you must use the fan setting at all times, and you should never go over 1,500 psi at 8-10″ above deck surface. Now that’s tough. TimberTech vs AZEK: The Leading Manufacturers of Low Maintenance, PVC, and Composite Decking A popular and fast growing trend in the outdoor living world is low maintenance and composite … Birdsmouth Cut: How to Calculate and Cut a Birdsmouth Joint, Can You Paint Over Polyurethane? We had a 2000 product Trex deck for 16 years that didn’t wear that well, but maybe that is the expected life. One thing we found was the Trex deck in sunlight gets very hot, so you can't walk barefoot on it. Winner: Trex Trex vs Azek – Who Has The Better Warranty? However, Trex is also quite tough and is much more resistant to temperature change than Azek. Investing in a quality deck is a wise decision that will help you get the most out of your home. by cody69 » Wed Mar 21, 2018 12:43 pm, Post We live in Colorado with extreme heat and cold and blizzard and heavy snows. Timbertech is most well known for the way that it seals their … Another piece of information worth mentioning is that Trex decks are designed to transform into a natural shade within the first six months. We put down a large deck and covered it with Azek in 2011. Below, we will discuss about TimberTech vs Azek, two popular choices that people usually consider when looking for a composite or plastic decking. However, this isn’t always the case. Azek is quite a bit more expensive due to its reputation of being really tough. Again, rinse your deck off when you’re finished. No guarantees are made as to the accuracy of the information on this site or the appropriateness of any advice to your particular situation. Replacing our pressure-treated deck with either composite (Trex or TimberTech) or Azek, and welcome any opinions from Bogleheads who've installed either in the last couple of years. The cost of Trex is generally in the range of $40 to $70 for each 16 ft board. This expanding and contracting overtime can cause cracking and other issues within the boards. The 2” Trex Transcend boards are comparable with TimberTech AZEK in terms of price, but the rest of the collections are cheaper. by Casper » Fri Mar 16, 2018 6:34 pm, Post Great article! They’re fast and effective. Although similar, there are a few differences in these two materials that may be important to you. In conclusion, when comparing Azek vs Trex, there are benefits and downfalls to both materials. I don't know what it costs now, but at the time I paid $4 per linear foot for gray. I used the cortex system to fasten the boards but would probably choose a different fastener if doing it again. Explore composite decking, railing & pavers that offer design versatility, technological superiority & the best composite deck warranty in outdoor living. Why? by Sandi_k » Wed Mar 21, 2018 12:45 am, Post If you live in a region that gets a lot of rain, or you’re planning on building a hot tub into your deck, then Trex boards with a wood embossed surface is a much better choice than Azek boards. TimberTech is now part of CPG building products which also owns Azek. Press Esc to cancel. Trex materials for railings and … This will prevent you from damaging the surface. I use 12 inch joist spacing with Azek which increases the total cost slightly, but it makes for a very stiff surface. The sheen is also different between the two -- AZEK has a glossier sheen than Trex’s … Azek decks tend to get quite slick in rainy weather and around hot tubs. About 7 years ago we redecked with a vinyl product called “Gorilla Deck” (. by Hockey10 » Wed Mar 21, 2018 11:30 am, Post Most all of the Azek products on the market come with lifetime warranties that cover your basic wear and tear. Timber Tech is a 4 sided Capped Wood Polymer Composite, while Trex only caps the top half of the board. Azek will always be much more synthetic in appearance. Here, we’ll discuss several factors. ↳   The Bogleheads® Wiki: a collaborative work of the Bogleheads community, ↳   Local Chapters and Bogleheads Community. We have it on 3 large decks complete with pickets and railings. Recoloring your deck can be expensive if you hire a professional company to complete the job for you. Bogleheads Wiki: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Main_Page. compare composite product There are a lot of composite decking brands in the market, some of the likes include Trex, Timbertech, Azek, Veranda, ChoiceDek, Newtechwood and more. I've done several decks with Azek. When you invest in a Trex deck, you can feel good that you’re helping the world become a cleaner place. On the cons side, it gets very hot in direct sunlight and it is not as stiff as other material, so on a standard joist spacing you will get some bouncing. Composite … Here is a video on performing scratch tests for both Azek and Trex. On the other hand, Azek is more resistant to fading while Trex is much more environmental friendly, and the list goes on. Trex Enhance features both stain resistant and fade resistant qualities and is also resistant to both mold and mildew to a certain point. The previously manufactured boards such as Trex Origins and Trex Accents (which are no longer manufactured) did fade as you have stated because they did not have this shell. As a result, the presence of wood gives Trex a slightly more natural and less “plastic” appearance compared to AZEK … 100 sq. This hike in price is due mainly to the fact that Azek has a reputation for being a more durable product than Trex. One brand, three ways to Go Against the Grain.® Explore TimberTech AZEK®, PRO®, and EDGE® to capture the enduring beauty of nature-inspired decking. TimberTech Pro is a composite product while Azek is a PVC product. But when it came time to choose a contractor, we felt more comfortable with the guy who suggested TT, just based on his portfolio and experience. MR: Well the Azek should be cooler even to the touch under the same circumstances compared to a composite but absolutely the temperature will dissipate far quicker with a PVC. To start, Trex is designed to look like natural wood but is composed of 95% recycled material. This material includes plastic, saw dust, and reclaimed wood. You can also use a deck cleaner too. First, you’ll want to sweep and wash your deck with a mild soap and then rinse it thoroughly. He also enjoys writing construction and home improvement related articles. Whether you own an Azek or a Trex deck, you should always try to avoid scratching up the surface. Our deck is elevated with a walkout basement below. Post by LucyB » Sun Mar 18, 2018 9:47 pm We had a 2000 product Trex deck for 16 years that didn’t wear that well, but maybe that is the expected life. by Malvern » Fri Mar 16, 2018 9:05 pm, Post We hadn't been considering Azek because of the supposed cost, but received a very reasonable quote (for the Azek "Vintage" line) and are taking another look at it. Our deck faces East, so we get sun only in the morning hours. Timbertech vs trex, which one is better? There are three different kinds of Trex. by radiowave » Fri Mar 16, 2018 9:57 pm, Post Trex on the other hand simply captures the elegance and the style that’s found in treated wood. Neither of these brands use any PVC. Let’s find out! When compared to other kinds of composite material or even PVC, Trex has a much more natural look to it. I have noticed that over time the weather side deck surface is not as smooth as it used to be. In fact, Azek costs anywhere from $120 to $140 for a 16-foot board. Timbertech vs Trex: Pricing. I was pleased with Azek and would do it again. Explore our Decking Portfolio. Next in line is Trex Enhance. Now, that’s not to say that Azek doesn’t resemble wood at all, but if you’re really interested in that natural look, then Trex is definitely the way to go. When deciding between Azek and Trek, some of the things that you’ll want to consider include your budget, the kind of things you’ll be doing with your deck, the average weather of your geographical area, the amount of sun your deck will get, and above all, your personal tastes. When building a deck, Trex will average 10-20% less than TimberTech but may seem to actually cost 40-50% less if you don’t include the additional cost of railings and substrate. Wood decks require a lot more maintenance, can be damaged and stained much easier, are harder to clean, and typically won’t withstand years of harsh weather conditions. Many of the decks built today are made out of wood. This Trex material is the most affordable and has an outer shell that makes it quite resistant to mold and mildew. So, now that you understand what Trex and Azek is, it’s time to look at both of their pros and cons, so you can decide which is a better choice for your deck. Still looks new through a mild winter (just a few snow/ice events). Sort of rough texture now. At least 12 years on our Trex deck under the Northern Arizona sun and snow. by Casper » Thu Mar 22, 2018 8:19 pm, Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Limited, Questions on how we spend our money and our time - consumer goods and services, home and vehicle, leisure and recreational activities. It was a big project to install but looks beautiful and still looks new. For its part, Trex tends to collect mildew and dirt a little more than Azek , and … By doing this, you can ensure you choose the right material for your personal needs. The only maintenance we do is to power wash the deck and railings each May. TimberTech vs Trex – Materials and Capping. Trex is generally more affordable because they use less reliable recycled materials (higher Oak Wood Flour % ) If you want top of the line look at Azek … TimberTech AZEK Vintage (high-end) $11.40 to $14 per sq ft. Now, before you try and decide between Azek or Trex, it’s best to have a good understanding on what these two materials specifically are and both their benefits and downfalls. You really should change your information in that section because only the old Trex decking boards as outlined above fade. AZEK Boards are also more expensive than Trex boards–especially in their value-priced offerings. Something to compare to other brands in your research. You covered many valid points, however, your information regarding the fading of Trex is incorrect. The above comments are merely an expression of personal opinion and should not be considered advice in any form—tax, legal, financial or otherwise. When it comes to maintaining both Azek and Trex decks, the same process is the same. Re: Opinions on Azek vs. composite (Trex/Timbertech)? That doesn’t mean that there isn’t different kinds of Trex with fade resistant characteristics, but on average, Azek is less likely to fade overtime. There are several benefits to adding a deck to your home. It's a much better product than the composites; it doesn't stain and decompose. On a sunny day in the summer, the surface of the deck can get hot, but that is solved by not going barefoot and by having a large umbrella. However, that’s not always the case. ChoiceDek vs. Trex, UltraDeck vs. Trex, TimberTech vs. Trex, etc. Although these products will leave a white residue, this can be easily washed away. It had wood joists that deteriorated and the Trex held water. 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