azek decking vs trex

Both companies use a mix of recycled wood fibers and plastics to manufacture the core of their decking boards. I drew a comparison on these brands because they’re both strong high-performance, low-maintenance brands that are attractive to boot. One of the two does perform better in scratch tests and that brand is Trex. Make sure you don’t do anything to void the warranty. When we build Azek decks in winter we always take special care to look over the entire deck for ice each morning to avoid falls. Decks Trex vs Azek Decking. A well-designed deck will give you increased functional area for entertaining, grilling, or just relaxing. Price: The cost of these to composite decking materials is also crucial when it comes to comparing them. Fiberon vs. Trex vs. Azek, Oh My! 23 to 24 years old: 30% However, when it comes to their warranties, they state that a customer is responsible for cleaning their deck on a regular basis. Trex And Azek Make Building Easier. On the other hand, if you’ve always cleaned your deck properly, and you still see excessive mold growth, then your warranty should cover the damage. When considering the durability of composite decking you have to look at more than just the cap. Metrojersey.com NJ's #1 Web Directory Which decking is better? Trex on the other hand captures the elegance and richness found in real wood decking like few other brands can. These high-performance, eco-friendly composite boards withstand years of sun, sleet and snow, keeping their rich color. Trex’s decking products are made of recycled composite wood. 23 to 25 years old: 10%, 1 to 10 years old: 100% Azek Decking. You can’t go wrong with any of these options, but it’s important to know about each of them. For its part, Trex tends to collect mildew and dirt a little more than Azek , and the same wood fibers that help give it a natural look can make it more susceptible to moisture. Like composite decking, Azek offers decking materials in shades of grey, beige, and brown. Wood decks are harder to clean, and typically don’t last as long as composites do. £22.99 £ 22. Plus, learn how to install hidden deck fasteners in the video below. AZEK vs. Fiberon. When a customer does take advantage of their warranty, both companies will either replace the damaged boards or refund a portion of the money for the defected items. Plastics last much longer and resist many of the issues that can damage Trex’s natural core. To help customers make the right decisions, we analyzed key product indexes that most homeowners would be concerned about. Azek issues will be primarily cosmetic. Both of these types of alternative decking have complementary products so that you can design the deck of your dreams. Composite is resistant to rot, mold, and termites, which can … We had a 2000 product Trex deck for 16 years that didn’t wear that well, but maybe that is the expected life. Azek has a more synthetic appearance because of what it’s made of but newer models get more and more natural looking as they improve the product. If your making your decision based on durability alone then it’s a toss up since technically some small scratches in Azek can be repaired. Cheaper models of Trex perform really bad in a stain test. Like composite decking, Azek offers decking materials in shades of grey, beige, and brown. All of these products are great and we proudly sell them all at TimberTown, but let's see how they did. If you’re trying to live a more environmental friendly life and want to use green building materials, then Trex is definitely the composite material for you. In the Trex vs Azek battle of green building materials the clear winner is Trex. Even though Trex expands and contracts with temperature changes too, it’s less of an issue. You may be able to save time and money by using AZEK Deck to simply resurface your existing deck structure instead of starting over from scratch. Although Trex and Azek are made of tough materials, they can still both be scratched. Nothing offers natural beauty as RealWoodTM does. As you can see from the information above, you’ll receive a greater long term recovery rate from Azek than you will from Trex. TimberTech’s composite deck boards can be found through Home Depot, Lowes, or online, including the TimberTech AZEK collection. However both brands due fade a shade or two lighter than how they look when brand new. Alternative building materials have increased in popularity over recent years, especially in high traffic, high visibility applications such as decks and balconies. Today we will be taking a look at each of these options and dissecting what each has to offer. When comparing Trex vs Azek, there are Pros and Cons to both materials. The core or inside part and the thin outer shell as shown in the close up pic above. Both companies have this protective outer shell which is a coating of durable material that resists mold, staining, scratches and fading. You’ll see that Azek scratches worse than a comparable model Trex. In scratch tests both Trex and Azek perform comparably to an exotic hardwood like Ipe. A 25-year fade and stain warranty covers all models of Trex decking. Or worst of all, haven’t installed it properly, they generally won’t honor the warranty. Between Azek and Trex decking, Trex definitely resembles the look of wood much more than Azek. Ipe, on the other hand, looks exactly like real wood because, well… it is. You really can’t go wrong no matter which you choose. Durability of the cap is a major concern since that’s the area exposed to the blazing sun, frigid winter temperatures, staining, and potential scratches. Azek decking is made of a cellular PVC material which is basically plastic. For example, a color labeled as 1 Delta E is visually different that a color labeled as 10 Delta E. As mentioned above, your deck must have faded to a level of 5 Delta E or more for the warranty to be used. From hosting summer barbeques to relaxing under the stars, a deck can be enjoyed a variety of ways. Each Trex board is designed to mimic the subtle imperfections found in real wood grain. A quality sealer will protect your deck from not just mold, but will also help prevent fading caused by weather or sunlight. This includes cleaning off any mold, dirt, and pollen. Trex And Azek Make Building Easier Both of these types of alternative decking have complementary products so that you can design and build the deck of your client’s dreams. Boards have additional colors added into the surface which enhances it’s natural appearance. FREE Delivery. You can keep your current wooden structure and just replace the planks on your deck. We Update Weekly & It’s All Completely FREE. Being plastic makes it immune to some of the long term issues that Trex’s recycled core may have to deal with. There are a lot of composite decking brands in the market, some of the likes include Trex, Timbertech, Azek, Veranda, ChoiceDek, Newtechwood and more. While comparing premium grade Trex to Azek may be a tie, cheaper model Trex decking performs so badly you have to factor this into the overall stain resistance of the brand. However, this all changes when comparing cheaper models of Trex to Azek. No Question. Plastic can’t rot, be eaten by bugs, is more resistant to warping and impervious to a bunch of other things that can potentially damaged Trex. When it comes to a head to head price comparison, Trex wins this matchup of Trex vs Azek. However, premium grade Trex isn’t cheap, it’s also very durable but has a more natural look and feel than Azek. Every material has its downsides, and Trex and Azek are no exception. Fiberon vs. Trex vs. Azek, Oh My! Understanding the difference between TimberTech vs Trex requires a little background into how composite decking is manufactured. Is there a difference in how they feel? It’ll be easy to get a claim paid if the decking was recently installed but much harder if it’s 15 years old. Possibly best of all, composite decking has absolutely no splinters, doesn’t twist or warp and comes with a slip resistant grain finish just like real wood. Trex Decking is an eco-friendly, high quality choice when it comes to composite decking and will last for decades. So, take a little time to make the right choice, and then get started on that dream deck. While it is more expensive up front, because there’s less things that can damage it and it stays nicer for longer, we think Azek is the better long term value. Azek Building Products The versatility and durability of Azek flooring even provide the option of having outdoor decking that mimics the look of indoor flooring. We’d love to hear from you. Gaining in popularity are composite decking materials, composed primarily of a mix of recycled plastic and wood fibers. Azek will always be much more synthetic in appearance. They are also a wrapped (or capped) option, with a more durable outer shell wrapping a less-dense core. Both also offer nearly the exact same warranty which can be void if you fail to clean your deck. Ultimately, it comes down to your region’s climate. Choose from plentiful hues ranging from rich browns to grays — and natural hardwoods like mahogany. 15 to 16 years old: 70% TimberTech and Trex Decking Prices. Composite decking comes in a wide variety of colors and multiple sizes. Trex Decking is Flaking. Since Trex is made from a mix of natural materials, it better captures the natural look and feel of wood than Azek, which is made of PVC. When you invest in a Trex deck, you can feel good that you’re using the greenest composite decking on the market. ft. of AZEK’s Harvest boards will run you about $900, while the same amount of Trex Enhance boards comes in around $500. It’s Alloy Armour shell contains UV protection which resists fading under the harsh sun. Ipe Premium Hardwood vs. AZEK Vintage Boards On the other hand, Azek is more resistant to fading while Trex is much more environmental friendly, and the back and forth goes on. TimberTech AZEK products are high-quality, premium lines, perhaps the best (and most expensive) of all the composite decking manufacturers, with a limited warranty of 50 years. Why we chose composite decking for this rebuilt deck. Decide whether Azek or Trex is the best choice for your specific project, with this summary and comparison of these two industry leading materials. Through it all, we have never felled a single tree. Often grouped together in conversation but is a different product with different advantages and disadvantages, making a direct comparison between boards difficult. Composite decking can last over 20 years with the proper care and maintenance. Trex vs Azek is an ongoing, ever changing discussion, as each company continues to innovate, improve and reinvent their product lines. Installation of composite decking is the same as traditional wood decking with the added benefit of optional side grooves for hidden fasteners. This is largely because Trex offers high-end, dual-toned options. And don’t ever drop anything greasy on the deck, it’s totally impossible to get out. Trex and Azek require far less maintenance than a traditional wood structure. Not too mention it does poorly in winter and is prone to icing. Both resist scratching far better than common treated pine decking or other soft woods. Upfront Cost to Build a Deck. FT. SQ. Azek Building Products The versatility and durability of Azek flooring even provide the option of having outdoor decking that mimics the look of indoor flooring. Finally, Trex is environmentally friendly. Engineered to stay true over time, colors are backed by a 50-Year Limited Fade & Stain Warranty. TimberTech is now part of CPG building products which also owns Azek. Composite decking should not include lines like Azek, which is 100% synthetic capped polymer material (PVC). Fiberon is a composite with a PVC wrap which means the thermal density is higher so it may retain more heat than AZEK does. The basic Azek line (Harvest) has a simple wood-grain pattern and comes in three colors. Cost out Azek decking vs Trex for a similar task, and you’’ ll rapidly discover Trex is the more affordable choice, with Azek can be found in at 2 to 3 times the expense, per direct board foot, of Trex. AZEK decking is engineered to last longer than any other composite decking, with a natural hardwood look and feel. 5/4 Treated Decking is Spruce, Pine or Fir wood milled to 1″ (25mm) thick with a slightly rounded smoothing out the decking edges, treated with Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ) to prevent fungi and … Decks, Hardscaping. WEATHERS ALL WEATHER. Prices vary based on the model Trex or Azek you buy and where and when you buy it. Regular cleaning is also a requirement under the terms of your warranty so make sure you do it when your supposed to or you’ll run the risk of voiding your warranty. Composite decking consists of wood fibers embedded in a polymer binder. They don’t just write you a check because you ask for one. The reason we give the edge here to Azek is because water issues are much more serious than a cracked piece of decking. Materials Most of Fiberon decking products are made of composite materials that are wrapped in PVC for enhanced protection and durability against the environment – … Whether you’re interested in hosting summer barbecues with friends and family or just want an outdoor space to hang out. It’s made from 95% recycled materials, including recycled sawdust, and claims to be the most eco-friendly decking material on the market. 99. However this doesn’t include the cost of initial installation. Just be prepared for a battle to get your money. When considering resistance to harsh weather, the winner this match up of Trex vs Azek is Azek. In addition to these advantages, new capped composite decking is also stain and fade resistant, which makes it even easier to clean with very high color retention. However, washing your deck periodically will help keep mold at bay. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. The two largest manufactures of composite decking are Trex and Timbertech Azek. Home Outdoors Yard & Garden Structures Deck & Patio. Trex has settled a number of class action lawsuits recently and if you read their better business complaints you’ll find Trex can be a pain to deal with. Here is a deeper dive into how to choose composite decking. Whereas Trex is fade- and stain-resistant, early generation composite decks: Are subject to discoloration and staining over time Need periodic cleaning with deck wash Are susceptible to mold and mildew, fading, staining and scratching They began by manufacturing a single color decking board, which they patented in 1998. Wood decking has an average lifespan of 10 to 20 years. Trex Decking is Flaking. AZEK vs. Fiberon. Both brands have their benefits as well as their drawbacks. 11 to 12 years old: 90% Between Capped Polymer decking (Azek), it will retain less heat and dissipate heat quicker than Capped Composite (Timbertech). Composite decking consists of wood fibers embedded in a polymer binder. You will be running for your flip flops on either one. Beautiful poolside waterfront deck with screwless installation. 27 to 30 years old: 10%. You can relax knowing your deck can take on just about anything. Composite decking is a manufactured construction material created using recycled wood fibers and plastics. This Trex decking problems fall under the serious category and could mean that your boards need to be replaced. When it comes to fade resistance, Azek wins this match up of Trex vs Azek. By doing this regularly, you’ll keep your deck looking great for years to come while also removing mold growth. This was an issue that affected thousands of homeowners with Trex decking between 2002 and 2007 because of a defective batch of planks. Trex is composed of 95% recycled material and is designed to look and feel like real wood. The trend in outdoor materials is overwhelmingly in favor of non maintenance materials. They don’t want to pay if they don’t have to. TimberTech decking brings you high-style, low-maintenance composite decking products— all backed by industry-leading warranties. 50. Length (FT.) (M.) Width (FT.) (M.) Total Area = SQ. Cost: Is Azek More Expensive Than Trex? AZEK Composite Decking. One of the best-known makers is Trex, whose product weighs approximately 60 pounds per cubic foot, so a 12-foot length of 5/4-by-6 Trex weighs 27.5 pounds. In other words, you can get more money for a much older deck replacement from AZEK than from Trex. Trex was designed with the beauty of wood decking, but not all the maintenance. Here are some of the differences. PVC doesn’t disperse heat as well as the natural materials in Trex so it gets hot which can be uncomfortable on your feet. The time recorded is based on the year that you made the claim compared with when you bought the decking. One of the best-known makers is Trex, whose product weighs approximately 60 pounds per cubic foot, so a 12-foot length of 5/4-by-6 Trex weighs 27.5 pounds. If it fits your budget, style, and color preferences; a quality composite deck is a home run. Both offer limited warranties that cover material defects, splinters and rot on all of their capped decking products. 25 to 26 years old: 20% Now, before you decide between Azek or Trex, it’s best to have a good understanding of both brands along with all their pros and cons. Where natural materials feel as soft in terms of answering warranty claims because of cellular... Has a clear advantage over wood: lifespan Calculate the cost of initial installation protective shell that ’ totally. 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