Trex vs TimberTech, Which Composite Decking is For You?

[@tonyd4346]

What a great video! We build roughly 40 decks annually. We use Azek PVC decking on the regular. We Coretex and plug the entire deck. Im not sure how long those plastic Trex clips will hold over time and the screws holding them are thin, in our opinion. The Trex boards before installing, while on site, seem to curl up in the sun where as the Azek does not. Trex is heavier. It also seems to expands and contract in the hot Virginia sun more than the Azek. The linear edges of Trex are manufactured slightly higher than the field of the board which can hold just enough moisture to frost over and be very slippery. With that said, all of the brands when frosted over are slippery. We only use Trex when requested. We do not really care for it. Timber Tech or Azek carry superior products in our opinion. Caution to all! Avoid walking bare foot in the summer, I dont care what any manufacturer says about that. Thanks for the awesome video! I love other deck builders insight. It helps us all provide the best product we can! I watch Dr. Decks too!

[@decksbye3269]

Thanks for all your insight. You and Dr.Decks Azek all the way.

[@tonyd4346]

@@decksbye3269 I just subscribed. Looking forward to watching more of your videos. Thanks so much!

[@decksbye3269]

@@tonyd4346 Thanks

[@AStanton1966]

I used some Azek trim pieces for some new aluminum-clad windows on my house. Because the windows' cladding had a bronze color, I had to paint the Azek to match. I can't believe how well the Azek is holding up as well as the paint I put on them. The location of the windows is a high sun/heat area on the roof area of the house. Previously, the wooden-sash windows, would require re-painting every 3-4 years like clock work. The paint on the Azek is still holding strong about 6 years later.

[@Pepe-dq2ib]

I tried sideloc/camo installation on my sister's new deck and it holds much better than clips. It's only been one year, so I can't say how it'll hold long term. I have used the camo system on a real cedar decking and it's held fine six years later since I last checked.

[@JS-nz4lw]

I do not know much about deck materials but I am getting a new composite deck built and I think this was a very well presented video. Fully enjoyed it and understood it. Great job Decks by E3!

[@decksbye3269]

Thank you. Your feedback is encouraging.

[@Susan70003]

Which product did you go with?

[@jamessharier7529]

Very informative video, my brother in law is putting in a timber tech deck. Myself I love the grain affect of trex, plus possibly the safety aspect of traction.

[@victoryak86]

Have you done a comparison between Timbertech composite and their Azek pvc lines?

[@stephenmerritt5750]

It's quite obvious that you prefer the Trex. I never install the Trex because of the delamination issues over time. The grooves in the bottom of the decking is to reduce the mass and make the decking cooler on bare feet which is common for such dense material. We as a company only install Timbertech as warranty issues are virtually nil after 21 years. I've tore up and replaced Trex but never Timbertech unless it was damaged by a snow shovel, lol.

[@decksbye3269]

That is a good record with TimberTech. Definitely a big pro and reason to install TimberTech.

[@decksbye3269]

There is so much more I could have said about these two brands. Two brands of which I have had the pleasure of building with the most of all composite decking brands.

[@incredibles11]

I live in Ontario, Canada and we have harsh winters. I am replacing my wooden deck with composite. I have a lot of high traffic through my deck because it leads to my garage so winter time I am shoveling it and using melting salt. Which one and which line would you recommend to be the most durable and withstand wear and scratches? Thank you!

[@garymagno9136]

Very informative and well done. You answered all my questions and also information I didn't know I needed. Thanks !!!

[@decksbye3269]

Thanks, Gary, very encouraging. I haven't had a chance to make a video yet but recently I published a round-up of 11 popular brands of composite. If you want to check it out, decksbye3.com/best-composite-decking-brands/

[@TheWagLife]

Would you use composite decking for a shed ramp where you’d be driving a riding lawn mower up it? Only 6 boards so cost not an issue. 2x6 12” in. Center.

[@rickbecker3239]

Thank you for posting the video. With the bad publicity Trex received a few years ago regarding poor manufacturing of their products and a big law suit, what is your assessment of their product quality in 2020 as opposed to 10 years ago. What's different today? Product durability is a crucial factor to me when evaluating different companies. How is Trex doing compared to their competition when it comes to long term fading, warping, cracking, product warrantee claims, etc.? Thanks again.

[@decksbye3269]

I was just installing Trex's Clamshell decking today. Which despite being their economical line install beautifully, except in the heat it was burning hot. Last year I built a deck also with Clamshell, about a week after I was complete a hail storm stripped the house of its vinyl siding but didn't damage the decking at all. In regards to long-term performance, I can only cite their current warranties. TimberTech's are longer. Fiberon's Concordia is even longer, 50 years. I have been researching a lot the last few years while building many decks but I cannot tell you how, if any that Trex's decking has changed in manufacturing. The addition of the polymer cap was a game-changer but that was more than ten years ago.

[@rickbecker3239]

@@decksbye3269 Thanks very much for taking time to provide your thoughtful reply. All the best.

[@decksbye3269]

@@rickbecker3239 Rick, while working more on that Trex Basic Enhance deck yesterday. One thing I noticed while I moved the decking boards around while building the decking the surface scuffed fairly easily. I think this would be less during use as walking on the decking did nothing but something to keep in mind when figuring out what decking to use.

[@blindhelicopterpilot]

Trex Enhance scuffs super super easy. I will not/would not recommend. Look at their lack of scuff resistence warranty coverage

[@guyivie8987]

Great info. Helped me make a decision.

[@driveman6490]

Since each manufacturer has it's "good/better/best" line of decking, it basically comes down to color. The higher you go in price, the better the color palette. Oddly though, I built an elevated deck last year using AZEK capped PVC in English Walnut ($4.99 LF at the time, now $5.79), and just completed the lower deck using Trex Toasted Sand ($2.79 LF). The appearance is nearly exact.......the texture of the Trex is the only major difference.

[@karenb00000]

@driveman Which one do you like better?

[@randygreen007]

Perfect deckin’ demonstration! Straight to the point and lots of information. Thanks!

[@decksbye3269]

Thanks, shooting more about different brands this winter.

[@NeedsMoreToys]

I think either product is fine. Both will likely outlive the wood framing. I picked Timbertech due to more natural looking color/grain blending. The Trex boards have a more plastic look that is not evident in Timbertech. Probably because of the higher plastic content. I due however like the Trex hidden fastener much better. In the end it came down to the look.

[@decksbye3269]

Appearance is so important when picking composite decking. If it doesn't look good why bother. My experience is the same with the hidden fastener, Trex's straight screws is so much easier to install.

[@b22chris]

Building a deck and was curious what the difference was. Great video and very informative. Thank you!

[@decksbye3269]

My pleasure!

[@kmuttleyjr147]

Any idea which Trex Transcend color is closest to Trex Select Saddle? Id like the thicker board.

[@patrickcrist7455]

You mentioned using a sealer--what brand? We have big concern about 60 lb dog nail scratches

[@decksbye3269]

Sorry, I don't have any sealer that I recommend for composite decking. A quality capped composite polymer cap will seal out any moisture. Therefore not requiring any additional sealing.

[@rosemarymccartney7934]

TimberTech advertises heat resistant decking. After having walked on a Trex deck this is a very important feature. Have you noticed any difference between the two? And have you worked with Tanzite decking?

[@davidme9698]

Drop a piece of tanzite on cement. It will shatter!

[@jhbuilders]

We are a decking contractor near Annapolis Maryland. We use azek on all our projects. The price tag is getting to high to sell to people.

[@decksbye3269]

The price of Azek is a challenge.

[@misterio488]

Thank you for the video!. I just spent $7k on trex decking and on a sunny day it gets REALLY REALLY HOT, customer and I are very disappointed

[@angelasoWA]

I'm getting Trex Transcend installed as we speak!

[@decksbye3269]

Trex is definitely one of the most popular composite deckings.

[@Grande79]

How did it work out, I’m deciding between that and Timbertech PVC

[@mahdyali3739]

What would you recommend for decking for a deck with a pool.

[@stevebader6385]

What is your opinion on face screwing with plugs vs clips on the side?

[@decksbye3269]

I find side clips easier to work with. Clips also cost less than cortex plugs. Generally speaking, I only use cortex plugs for edge boards like picture framing where I cannot use edge clips. That being said I have seen Dr.Decks (KZbin) do entire decks with cortex plugs. He has a very good system to ensure consistent installation and quality finish.

[@jasonchipkin]

This was a great comparison 👏

[@decksbye3269]

Thanks. Been working on some other brands.

[@jasonchipkin]

@@decksbye3269 Deckorators?

[@decksbye3269]

@@jasonchipkin I am a fan of their mineral-based composite. I do some comparisons. Meanwhile, The Ultimate deck Shop has a good video about Deckorators. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJ-xnq18p66Eh9U

[@bonniestewart429]

How do they hold up to everyday wear? Do they mold?

[@decksbye3269]

The current generation of capped composite will not grow mold. That includes both TimberTech and Trex.

[@DukeofHesse-he7bu]

My timbertech deck got mold and there's no way to get it out.@@decksbye3269

[@user-rw7xd7qy3j]

Which of the composite decking materials is most fire retardant

[@DukeofHesse-he7bu]

One person's experience with Timbertech which I had installed about five years ago on a multilevel deck. It is awful. Started to stain a couple years ago and we couldn't get it clean. The slightest movement of a piece of furniture scratched it. The stains got so bad I decided to use their warranty. They make you jump through hoops; photos, documentation, drawings of the deck and a requirement that I send them one of the boards. Then I learned that after all that, if they approve, I will have to pay to remove and replace all the boards at my expense. Horrible product.

[@RawFitChris]

Thanks Ryan for making such an informative video- you seemed to hit all my key questions. It really helps someone like me new to composite decking. Now all I have to do is learn more about "side clip hidden fastening system" - it sounds interesting. Is this a method you use often or recommend? Or is to too complex for most applications or DIYers?

[@decksbye3269]

Chris, glad the video helped. The more I work with composite decking the bigger fan I become. In regards to the "side clip hidden fastening system", that must have been off the top of my head. Trex has their own hidden fastener that works with their grooved boards. A straight drive preset screw with a plastic biscuit. One of the easiest hidden fasteners to work with. TimberTech uses CONCEALoc® Hidden Fastener, which are metal clips attached with a screw. A little harder to work with but not impossible for a DIYer. But I highly recommend whichever one you choose, spend the extra and use hidden fasteners. The deck will look so much better. Good luck and enjoy your deck.

[@driveman6490]

I would recommend Camo EdgeClips, a little more expensive (about $230 for a 450 count/250sf tub) however compared to the Trex hidden fasteners.....they install so much faster.

[@decksbye3269]

@@driveman6490 Thanks for the fastener tip.

[@Redlegwar]

Thank you for sharing!

[@dustbat]

Are there any products that are not wraps?

[@decksbye3269]

Of the bigger brands, MoistureShield's Vantage line is uncapped. UltraDeck also sells an uncapped composite.

[@bonbonz3011]

I have a question to you If you can help me out or give me Advice. thank you

[@decksbye3269]

Bonbon what is your question?

[@bonbonz3011]

@@decksbye3269 Thanks for the reply I took care of it

[@ldd9672]

Just did a trex deck…love it

[@decksbye3269]

Glad to hear about your deck. Trex is a good decking.

[@basha9482]

It’s important to note that in Ontario, Canada, Trex is approved for decking under the OBC, because they have the CMCC report. Whereas, Timbertech is not an approved decking under the OBC because the company refuses to submit their product for evaluation to produce the requisite CMCC report to pass a building inspection. It is being sold in Ontario because there are no regulations limiting such products from being sold, but anyone who uses the Timbertech product will not pass a building inspection. I spoke with Timbertech and they chose not to achieve a CMCC report for their top of the line product. Makes one wonder what are they trying to hide.

[@decksbye3269]

Interesting. Disappointing to because I love using the data from the CCMC reports to compare the decking performance.

[@willx6434]

I went to Rona in Saskatchewan yesterday, the employees said timber tech is cheaper and better than Trex, I really wonder if it’s true.

[@decksbye3269]

@@willx6434 Every market varies, but my experience Trex is cheaper. Quality is hard to say, they both have their strong points. Also lines/collections have significant differences in quality. If you are near Saskatoon or Regina you should visit The Ultimate Deck Store, those guys know their stuff. Except Shane will probably try to convince you that Deckoroators mineral based is better than all of them.

[@willx6434]

@@decksbye3269 funny i actually just got a quote from them, i requested Trex but i got a quote for Fiberon. is fiberon any good?

[@decksbye3269]

@@willx6434 Sorry to hear about the mix up in your quote. Fiberon is a descent brand. You can check out my full comparison between the 2 brands at decksbye3.com/trex-vs-fiberon-which-composite-decking-is-for-you/ Hopefully you get the decking that is best for you.

[@MyGarageWorkshop]

Consumer Reports did an extensive test for slip resistance.

[@decksbye3269]

I subsribed a few years ago but the results weren't in then. Did they have a best slip resistence decking board already.

[@MyGarageWorkshop]

@@decksbye3269 TimberTech consistently scored Good or Very good while most of the entry level Fiberon and Trex were Not Good or poor. I’m having a harder time getting the TimberTech so wondering how noticeable it would be.

[@decksbye3269]

@@MyGarageWorkshop Thanks. Agree about Fiberon wood-based composite traction or lack there off. CCMC tests give them a really bad score. Sorry to hear about not being able to get your hands on Timbertech

[@patleahan1947]

Great video. You sound like John c Reilly lol

[@decksbye3269]

Thanks. Don't know who John Reilly is will need to google him.

[@chocolatety130]

That was great...thank you

[@decksbye3269]

Thank you for your positive comment.

[@miltonturner2977]

Minor comment...your text display should be just above the camera so your vision is at the camera...not above it a foot or more, causing your eyes keep looking up...a Videographers trick.

[@decksbye3269]

Thanks for the advise. I will try to incorporate them. I have uploaded a few new videos which I did without a written outline. Hopefully I make better I contact. I did forget a few points as we were recorded. I well all part of the trade off while learning.

[@glow9999]

When you compare each, you should compare with the same quality product (best line with best line, not Trex best with Timbertech lower line). You don’t use cortex screws with grooved deck boards, you use the hidden fasteners. You sound very biased to Trex, not very objectionable. You use the Trex best product line and compare it to Timbertech entry level products.

[@vernseaton8636]

The eye thing is downright unnerving, sunglasses maybe 😅

[@TwoTall1988]

the deeper embossment makes it look more fake to me.

[@decksbye3269]

I don't disagree with you. I am also starting to rethink whether it increases traction. Learning as I go.

[@NathanGilmore-g2q]

“decking” and “pricing” both have a g at the end. it will make you sound more educated if you pronounce it

[@tomvanleeuwen3914]

Your teleprompter shouldn’t be at the ceiling….

[@billrb4855]

No offense, but it is pronounced “com-posit”, not “compo-sit”

[@nestorotazu4938]

Miguel estudios bíblicos

[@anthonydimacchia9844]

lol

[@cjl.6394]

It's pronounced - comPOSite, not COMposite.

[@catbirdler]

It's pronounced COMposite according to British English, which is what's used in Canada - and where this video was made. It's not a mispronunciation.

[@raymondatwood5266]

Wood is far superior in all ways at least you can maintain wood ,trex and timbertech is plastic crap soilent green is people