Choosing between Trex and TimberTech is like picking between Kleenex & Puffs—they’re both good, but there are definitely differences and it comes down to your preferences. If you want a low-maintenance deck that lasts, looks amazing, and holds up to kids, pets, and weather, you’re likely comparing these two industry giants. Here’s what homeowners really want to know about TimberTech vs Trex. (Curious what the pros prefer? Don’t miss our sales team’s take near the end of this post.)
TimberTech vs Trex at a Glance
| Feature | Trex | TimberTech |
|---|---|---|
| Core Material | Wood-plastic composite | Wood-plastic composite & PVC |
| Cap Coverage | 3-sided & 4-sided options | Mostly 4-sided options |
| Price Range | $ to $$ | $ to $$$ |
| Heat Resistance | Moderate | Advanced PVC is best in class |
| Slip Resistance | Good | Very good (especially Advanced PVC) |
| Color Options | Limited (27 colors) | Broad (38 colors), realistic wood grains |
| Warranty | 25 years on most lines & 50 years (for one line with limited colors) | 25-30 years for composite & 50 years + lifetime structural on PVC |
| Sustainability | 95% recycled content | Sustainable manufacturing, recyclable PVC |
Material Matters: Composite vs. PVC
Trex uses a traditional wood-plastic composite decking core capped on three sides. This composition offers respectable performance, but the exposed underside can be more vulnerable to moisture absorption over time. In damp climates or shaded areas, that can lead to swelling or mildew growth without proper maintenance.
TimberTech offers two types of decking:
- TimberTech Composite: A wood-plastic composite board, fully wrapped in a four-sided polymer cap for enhanced moisture resistance.
- TimberTech Advanced PVC: Made entirely of cellular PVC. These boards are lighter, stronger, and totally impervious to moisture.
PVC’s lack of organic material also means it won’t support mold or mildew growth, and it can be installed in ground-level or rooftop decks with less concern about trapped water or airflow.
Our take: For wet or full-sun decks, TimberTech Advanced PVC is the clear winner. For shaded decks or tighter budgets, Trex composite decking or TimberTech composite decking lines still perform well—but TimberTech typically outlasts Trex in head-to-head comparisons.
While we’ll build with Trex if requested, we truly feel that collection for collection, TimberTech decking outperforms each of its Trex counterparts, so we almost always recommend TimberTech instead. If you’re looking for experienced TimberTech deck builders, we’ve got you covered.
Aesthetic Appeal: Which Looks More Like Wood?
Trex and TimberTech both aim to mimic natural hardwood, but TimberTech takes it a step further.
- Trex decking boards often have a more uniform texture and color, which can look synthetic up close. Their embossing tends to repeat more frequently, which may stand out on larger decks.
- TimberTech Composite includes deeply embossed grain patterns with more variation from board to board.
- TimberTech Advanced PVC uses advanced printing technology to achieve rich, natural-looking finishes with realistic streaking and low-gloss textures.
TimberTech also offers a wider range of tones—from warm browns and natural cedar to cool modern grays. With up to 38 TimberTech decking colors across their lineup, it’s easier to match your deck to your home’s exterior or create a custom look. Check out our project gallery to see the colors on full decks & screen porches.
Note: Trex’s 3-sided cap leaves the underside exposed, which can lead to discoloration over time (sometimes called the “cheetah effect”).
Pro tip: If you want a deck that gets compliments like real wood—without the upkeep—TimberTech Advanced PVC is the closest you’ll get. If you’re set on composite, nothing beats TimberTech’s Legacy Collection in Tiger Wood for level of color variance throughout your deck.
Performance & Durability
Your deck needs to stand up to the daily grind—foot traffic, furniture, weather, and whatever your kids or pets throw at it.
- Trex: Performs well in average conditions but is more prone to scratching, especially from metal patio furniture or active dogs. Because it’s not capped on all sides, moisture can sometimes lead to long-term issues in high-humidity or shaded areas.
- TimberTech Composite: Its full-wrap capping protects every surface of the board, significantly improving moisture resistance and durability.
- TimberTech Advanced PVC: The most resilient option—it resists mold, mildew, water damage, insect activity, and harsh UV exposure better than any composite board.
Heat resistance: TimberTech Advanced PVC stays cooler, especially in lighter colors. Both Trex & TimberTech composite can become hot to the touch in full sun.
Scratch resistance: TimberTech Advanced PVC has the hardest surface. TimberTech Composite and Trex Transcend are fairly even, but cheaper Trex lines scratch more easily.
Bottom line: Any surface, regardless of material, can and will scratch if treated roughly. That said, for tough climates, intense sun, or active families, TimberTech is worth the upgrade. If PVC isn’t in your budget, the embossment on Terrain+ and Prime+ composite hold up very well, in our experience.
Maintenance: Set It and Forget It
All composite and PVC decking is low-maintenance compared to wood, but some options require less effort than others.
- Trex: Needs occasional cleaning with soap and water. If mold or mildew forms in damp spots, a gentle cleaner can remove it. Avoid pressure washing above 1500 psi.
- TimberTech Composite & Advanced PVC: Require the same low-effort cleaning, but tend to stay cleaner and discolor less thanks to the full cap and PVC’s moisture resistance.
Bonus: TimberTech’s full-wrap composite and PVC products don’t absorb water, so they dry faster and stay looking fresher. Plus, they pair beautifully with maintenance free deck railing for a worry-free setup.
Safety First: Slip, Splinters & Smoldering Toes
Composite and PVC decking was designed to eliminate splinters and warping—but that doesn’t mean all boards perform the same underfoot.
- Slip resistance: TimberTech Advanced PVC has one of the best surface grips (40% better traction), even when wet.
- Heat: All synthetic decking gets warm in full sun. But PVC (especially lighter TimberTech colors) remains an average of 30 degrees cooler to the touch than composites.
- Barefoot safety: No splinters. And PVC boards cool down faster in the evening—ideal for pets and little feet.
If safety and comfort are high priorities, TimberTech’s PVC lines are top performers.
TimberTech vs Trex Cost Breakdown: What You Get for Your Money
Pricing varies based on the product line, length of boards, and whether you’re including accessories or custom design work.
- Trex: Most affordable, especially the Select and Enhance lines. Good for DIYers and homeowners on a budget.
- TimberTech Composite: Mid-range pricing. More color and style options than Trex, with better capping and protection.
- TimberTech Advanced PVC: Premium price, but excellent value over time thanks to longevity, warranty, and minimal maintenance.
Tip: Consider not just material cost—but also how long it will last, what it takes to maintain, and how it will look five years from now.
Sustainability: Which One’s Greener?
Both brands care about the planet—but take different approaches:
- Trex: Uses 95% recycled content, including reclaimed wood and plastic film. One of the largest recyclers of grocery bags and stretch film in the U.S.
- TimberTech: Their Advanced PVC boards are recyclable at the end of life. Their capped composites include up to 80% recycled material and they’ve committed to carbon reduction in manufacturing.
Either way: You’re making a better choice than pressure-treated wood.
Deck Railings, Lighting & Add-Ons
Both companies offer full accessory ecosystems, but there are subtle differences:
- Trex: Offers more universal and budget-friendly railing and lighting options. Easier to find at big-box stores.
- TimberTech: Accessory lines are more customizable and upscale, especially if you want a high-end finish. Their maintenance free deck railing options offer the same longevity and sleek design as their boards.
We’re definitely team TimberTech for the look and longevity of their accessory options, but there is one exception. Our team prefers Trex RainEscape system for waterproofing underneath your deck because they tend to be easier to install!
Warranty & Support
A decking warranty is your peace of mind. Here’s how they compare:
- Trex: 25-year limited warranty on fading and staining. Structural warranty also lasts 25 years. Trex does offer one line that has a 50-year warranty, but we have a hard time believing any composite will last 50 years.
- TimberTech:
- Composite: 25–30-year fade/stain warranty (depending on collection).
- Advanced PVC: 50-year fade/stain warranty and lifetime structural warranty.
TimberTech’s longer warranty on their PVC lines reflects their realistic confidence in long-term performance—especially for homeowners who plan to stay put.
Bonus Perk: When you work with a TimberTech Platinum Pro contractor like us, you don’t just get top-tier craftsmanship—you also get a labor warranty that’s typically 3–5 years longer than if you hired a non-certified installer. TimberTech backs our work because we build it right the first time, by the book.
Straight from Our Deck Team: Why We Recommend TimberTech Over Trex
We’re hands-on with both brands every single day—but when homeowners ask us what we’d choose for our own homes, TimberTech wins. This isn’t just a preference. It’s a conclusion based on years of experience, dozens of product lines, and hundreds of decks. Here’s what our sales team has to say:
Composite and PVC
TimberTech is one of the only brands offering both composite and PVC decking. That means more choices, broader price ranges, and more flexibility to fit your project. Trex only offers composite, and TimberTech’s lineup envelopes everything Trex offers—and then some.
True Innovation
Trex may be the household name, but TimberTech is the one actually moving the industry forward. From their Landmark Collection with its unique cross-hatched embossing to the newly released Harvest+ line (a more budget-friendly PVC option that still looks elevated), TimberTech is designing smarter for long-term performance and beauty.
Better Material Makeup
TimberTech composite decking uses a lower wood content and higher-quality fillers, meaning less organic material to break down over time. That results in a more durable, stable board—without wood in the cap layer, which some lower-end Trex products still have.
Skeptical About a 50-Year Composite Warranty? So Are We.
Trex’s recent move to a 50-year warranty on select composite lines is more of a marketing play than a material upgrade. Our team’s take? It’s still wood pulp and resin—it doesn’t magically become a lifetime product with a slightly different cap. TimberTech’s PVC lines, however, are engineered for true lifetime performance.
Color & Aesthetic Variability
TimberTech takes the edge when it comes to visual range. Each product line (PVC and composite) has its own embossing and color blend, giving homeowners a more customized look with less pattern repetition and more natural variation.
They Listen to the Market
TimberTech isn’t just innovating for the sake of it—they’re paying attention. Whether it’s offering new styles that wear beautifully over decades or designing lower-cost options without sacrificing design, they’re responding to what real homeowners want.
Bottom line? TimberTech is doing more. They’re innovating, improving, and building with longevity in mind. Trex may still be a big name—but in our eyes, TimberTech is the brand that’s actually earning its reputation.
Final Take: Which Maintenance Free Decking Should You Choose?
Go with Trex if:
- You’re budget-conscious but still want a low-maintenance deck
- Your deck is in a dry climate, shaded, or partially covered
- You prefer simplicity and name recognition
Go with TimberTech if:
- You want the most wood-like look and feel
- Your deck is fully exposed to sun, rain, or snow
- You want best-in-class durability and a longer warranty
- You’re building your forever deck and want premium results
Still Unsure?
We’re happy to walk you through the pros and cons of Trex composite decking and TimberTech composite decking, but unless you’re set on Trex, we’ll almost always guide you toward TimberTech for better looks, longer life, and stronger performance.
Book a no-pressure free estimate, and we’ll walk you through samples, real decks we’ve built, and what we’d recommend based on your budget & how you’ll actually use the space.
Trex vs TimberTech FAQs
In most cases, yes. TimberTech typically offers better protection, cooler surfaces, longer warranties, and more realistic wood looks—especially in their Advanced PVC line. If you’re investing in a deck you want to love for decades, TimberTech is usually worth the upgrade.
All synthetic or colored decking warms up in full sun, but TimberTech Advanced PVC stays noticeably cooler (by about 30 degrees)—especially in lighter colors. If you’re barefoot a lot or live in a sunny area, it’s the better pick.
TimberTech PVC has the best slip resistance, even when wet. Trex and TimberTech Composite are both good, but PVC wins if safety is a top priority (especially around pools or for pets and kids).
Yes, you can absolutely install both TimberTech and Trex yourself. Just keep in mind that some product lines are designed for hidden fasteners, which can be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with the system. That’s where bringing in a pro can make a big difference—especially if you want a clean, professional-looking finish. Also worth mentioning: Trex tends to be more readily available at big box stores, so if convenience is a priority, that might factor into your decision.
TimberTech Advanced PVC. It won’t mold, fade, warp, or absorb water, and the surface wipes clean easily with minimal effort. Pair it with maintenance-free railings and you’ll barely lift a finger.
TimberTech’s Advanced PVC lines. The embossing, color variation, and low-gloss finishes make it nearly indistinguishable from real wood. That said, a close runner up are the Terrain+ & Prime+ composite lines from TimberTech.
With proper installation, Trex can last 20–25 years. TimberTech Composite can hit 25–30 years, while Advanced PVC often lasts 30–50+ years—especially with pro installation and proper care.
Technically, yes—but it may impact warranties or cause design mismatches. Both brands offer full accessory lines for a reason: cleaner installs, better warranties, and a more cohesive look.
