Material Comparison
Choose the Right Decking Material
Compare real products from Trex, TimberTech, and natural wood side by side. We're brand-agnostic — our job is to help you pick what's best for your deck, your climate, and your budget.
Head to Head
Trex vs. TimberTech vs. Wood
How the three major material categories stack up across the factors that matter most.
| Category | Trex | TimberTech | Natural Wood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Resistance | SunComfortable — Trex claims up to 35°F cooler | AZEK — TimberTech claims up to 30°F cooler | Naturally cool — stays coolest underfoot |
| Moisture Resistance | Shell-protected, won't absorb water | AZEK is 100% synthetic — zero absorption | Requires sealing; absorbs water without treatment |
| Maintenance | None — soap and water only | None — soap and water only | Annual staining/sealing required |
| Warranty | Up to 50 years (Transcend) | Up to 50 years + Lifetime Fade (AZEK) | Structural only — no appearance warranty |
| Color Options | 14+ colors across 3 lines | 15+ colors across 4 lines | Natural only (stainable) |
| Upfront Cost | $2.30–$5.50/lf | $2.60–$6.50/lf | $0.80–$3.00/lf |
| Lifetime Cost | Low — no maintenance costs | Lowest — longest warranties | High — stain + replacement costs add up |
| Environmental | Trex reports 95% recycled content | Recycled content + reclaimed materials | Renewable but requires chemical treatment |
| Board Widths | 5.5" standard | 5.5" + 7.25" multi-width (AZEK) | 5.5" standard |
| Scratch Resistance | Good — shell protection | Alloy Armour Technology (AZEK) | Low — soft wood dents easily |
Browse Collections
Every Product Line, One Place
Explore detailed specs, colors, warranty information, and climate recommendations across every major decking line.
Trex
Transcend Lineage
Trex's premium line with the most realistic wood aesthetics. Multi-tonal color blending and deep wood grain patterns that capture the beauty of exotic hardwoods.
Trex
Enhance Naturals
A mid-range composite with nature-inspired multi-tonal colors. Offers the look of real wood with easy maintenance.
Trex
Select
Trex's entry-level composite with solid, consistent color and clean aesthetics. Newly updated with SunComfortable technology.
TimberTech
AZEK Vintage
TimberTech's flagship line. Fully synthetic from cap to core — zero wood content. The most advanced color blending and the highest moisture, stain, and scratch resistance.
TimberTech
PRO Legacy
Premium composite with 4-sided capping that protects all surfaces including the groove. Rich, cascading color patterns inspired by tropical hardwoods.
TimberTech
PRO Reserve
Sophisticated solid and subtle streaked colors. Weathered wood aesthetics with modern composite performance.
TimberTech
EDGE Prime+
TimberTech's most accessible line. Moderate color blending with a subtle wood look. Attainable pricing with composite durability.
Natural Wood
Pressure-Treated Pine
The most affordable and widely available decking option. Requires annual maintenance (staining/sealing) but offers structural reliability and easy workability.
Natural Wood
Western Red Cedar
Naturally rot-resistant with a beautiful warm grain. Lighter and easier to work with than hardwoods. Requires periodic staining but ages gracefully.
Why StruKture
What We Do That Manufacturers Can't
Trex and TimberTech make great products. But they can only show you their own. StruKture shows you everything.
Cross-Brand Comparison
See every option from every brand on one screen. No manufacturer bias — just the data you need to make the right decision.
Structural Intelligence
We calculate your beams, joists, footings, and hardware automatically — something no material company does. IRC-compliant engineering in every plan.
Full Project Lifecycle
Design, plan, order, build, track. From your first sketch to the last screw, StruKture manages the entire journey — not just the material selection.
Long-Term Value
Total Cost of Ownership
Upfront price is only part of the story. See how maintenance, staining, and replacement costs add up over time.
Composite (Entry)
Lowest TCOComposite (Mid)
PVC / Vinyl
Pressure-Treated
Composite (Premium)
Cedar
Crossover Point
Composite becomes cheaper than pressure-treated after 16 years when factoring in staining, sealing, and replacement costs.