Why These Two Brands Dominate
Trex and TimberTech are the two most widely available composite decking brands in the United States. Combined, they account for a significant share of the composite decking market. Both companies make quality products, but they differ in meaningful ways across their product lines, pricing, warranties, and installation details.
This comparison is based on publicly available specifications, warranty documents, and hands-on building experience. We reference manufacturer claims with careful attribution — always verify current specs directly with the manufacturer before purchasing.
Product Line Comparison
Trex Product Lines (2026)
Trex organizes its composite decking into three tiers:
- •Trex Enhance: The entry-level line, available in Basics (single-color) and Naturals (multi-tonal). Trex states this line offers "good looks at a good price" with a scalloped-bottom profile to reduce material and cost.
- •Trex Select: A mid-range option with a solid profile (no scalloped bottom), offering improved strength and a slightly more refined look. Available in a smaller color palette.
- •Trex Transcend: The premium line featuring deep, multi-tonal woodgrain patterns and the widest color selection. Trex promotes this as their most realistic-looking product with their most advanced shell technology.
All current Trex lines feature their proprietary shell technology — a protective cap that wraps around a composite core.
TimberTech Product Lines (2026)
TimberTech (owned by AZEK) offers three main composite lines plus a premium PVC line:
- •TimberTech Edge (by AZEK): The entry-level composite line with a capped polymer shell. Positioned as an affordable starting point with solid performance.
- •TimberTech PRO (by AZEK): Mid-range capped composite with more advanced aesthetics and a wider color palette than Edge. TimberTech claims this line offers "4-sided capping" for enhanced moisture protection.
- •TimberTech Landmark (by AZEK): The premium composite line with what TimberTech describes as their most realistic wood appearance and highest-performing cap.
- •AZEK Vintage (PVC): A full PVC decking product (not composite) that is 100% moisture-proof. This is a fundamentally different material than composite and is priced accordingly.
Pricing Comparison
Pricing varies by region and retailer, but here are typical 2026 ranges per square foot for materials only:
Trex
- •Enhance Basics: $3.50–$4.50
- •Enhance Naturals: $4.50–$5.50
- •Select: $5.00–$6.50
- •Transcend: $7.00–$9.50
TimberTech
- •Edge: $4.00–$5.50
- •PRO: $5.50–$7.50
- •Landmark: $7.50–$10.00
- •AZEK Vintage (PVC): $10.00–$14.00
At each tier, TimberTech tends to run slightly higher than the comparable Trex product. The gap is narrowest at the entry level and widens at the premium end, particularly when comparing Trex Transcend to TimberTech Landmark.
Warranty Comparison
Both brands offer multi-decade warranties, but the details matter.
Trex Warranty
Trex provides a 25-Year Limited Residential Warranty that covers:
- •Structural integrity (the board won't crack, split, or suffer structural damage from rot or termites)
- •25-Year Fade & Stain Warranty on Transcend and Select lines
- •Enhance lines have slightly shorter coverage on fade and stain
Trex states their warranty is transferable to a subsequent homeowner, which can be a selling point when listing a home.
TimberTech Warranty
TimberTech offers a Limited Lifetime Structural Warranty (for original homeowner) plus:
- •30-Year Fade & Stain Warranty on PRO and Landmark lines
- •50-Year Fade & Stain Warranty on AZEK PVC products
- •Edge carries a 25-year fade and stain warranty
TimberTech claims their warranty terms are among the most comprehensive in the industry. The lifetime structural warranty (vs Trex's 25-year) is a notable differentiator on paper, though both timelines exceed the typical lifespan of a deck design.
Warranty Fine Print
Both warranties are "limited" — they don't guarantee the boards will look brand-new after 25 years. They cover defects that fall outside normal wear. Fade warranties typically mean the product won't fade beyond a specified delta-E color measurement. Read both warranty documents carefully before making a purchasing decision.
Color and Aesthetics
Trex
Trex Transcend offers the broadest color range in their lineup, including deep multi-tonal patterns designed to mimic hardwood species. Colors tend toward warm browns and grays. Their "Lineage" collection in Transcend offers what Trex describes as their most advanced visual technology.
TimberTech
TimberTech Landmark is known for what the company describes as "hand-scraped, artisan-quality textures." Their color palette leans slightly cooler than Trex's, with a mix of gray-toned and warm options. The PRO line includes streaked, multi-color patterns.
The Verdict on Looks
Aesthetics are subjective. Order samples from both companies — they're typically free. Look at them in natural daylight (not store fluorescents), wet and dry, and at different angles. What looks great online may not match your taste in person.
Heat Resistance
Both brands acknowledge that composite decking gets hotter than wood in direct sunlight. This is inherent to the material — the plastic component absorbs and retains heat.
- •Trex states that lighter colors run cooler, and their shell technology helps manage surface temperature compared to uncapped composites.
- •TimberTech claims their capping technology reflects more solar energy. Their lighter colors, like "Coastline" in the PRO line, are marketed as their coolest options.
For decks in hot climates with significant sun exposure, choose the lightest color you find acceptable. Neither brand has fully solved the heat issue, but both have made significant improvements over earlier-generation composites.
Installation Differences
Fastening Systems
- •Trex offers their proprietary Trex Hideaway Hidden Fastener system and also works with standard face-screwing using Trex-specific screws. Their universal fastener is designed to work across multiple Trex product lines.
- •TimberTech uses the CONCEALoc Hidden Fastener system for their PRO and Landmark lines. The Edge line is typically face-screwed. TimberTech also offers TOPLoc color-matched face-screwing fasteners.
Gapping and Expansion
Both manufacturers specify gap requirements between board ends and edges to allow for thermal expansion. These specs differ slightly between product lines, so always follow the installation guide for your specific product. Failing to leave proper expansion gaps can cause buckling in hot weather.
Joist Spacing
Most products from both brands require 16" on center joist spacing for standard residential applications. Diagonal or picture-frame installations typically require 12" on center. Check the specific product's span rating before committing to your framing layout.
Which Is Better for Your Project?
Choose Trex When:
- •Budget is a primary concern: Trex Enhance Basics is the most affordable capped composite from a major brand
- •Availability matters: Trex is stocked at more retail locations nationwide
- •You want a proven track record: Trex has been manufacturing composite decking longer than almost anyone
Choose TimberTech When:
- •Warranty length is important to you: The lifetime structural and 30-year fade warranties are hard to beat on paper
- •You want premium aesthetics: Many builders consider TimberTech Landmark to be the most realistic-looking composite on the market
- •You're already considering PVC: The AZEK Vintage line is a top-tier PVC product
It's a Wash When:
- •Overall quality at the mid-range: Trex Select and TimberTech PRO are extremely competitive products
- •Customer service: Both companies have extensive dealer networks and responsive support
- •Environmental commitment: Both brands use recycled materials and publish sustainability data
Final Thought
You won't go wrong with either brand at comparable price points. The differences between Trex Transcend and TimberTech Landmark are far smaller than the differences between either of them and a bargain-bin uncapped composite. Invest in a good product from either company, install it correctly, and your deck will perform well for decades.