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Porches & Decks

Deck material selection

7 years ago

Hi we're to build a new deck and in need of some advice regarding which brand to go with.

Fiberon Horizon, Azek Harvest , Azek Arbor and TimberTech Legacy are the 4 options we're looking at. We went to 2 local lumber dealers and got some samples of Azek and TimberTech. and it looks like all of them can be easily scratched using keys -> not really visible from stand point but definitely mark is left on the surface. Also tried to pour some oil and ketchup on them, all can be cleaned fairly easily.

One contractor recommended Fiberon and it looks like their warranty is better as it covers labor as well for the first 5 years.

Now comes the questions:

a) Which of the four is more fade resistant and less contract/expansion/warping as the deck will be facing the south. The deck will be 5-6' off the ground, so moisture is less a concern.

b) what's the difference between Azek Harvest and Arbor collection from quality/material perspective? on the sample, it looks like that the wrap on Harvest is difference between the surface and the back, but the same for Arbor -> not sure whether this makes any difference.

c) I heard TimberTech just came out with Alloy Armor technology, is that good or just market gimmick?

I did some google search but couldn't find too many recent reviews so please help me here ~~~ thank you

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Comments (5)

PRO
Keystone Custom Decks
7 years ago
Hello,

As a decking contractor we have had plenty of experience working with All three brands you have mentioned, however one stands out to us as the best product. TimberTech legacy is by far our most popular decking that we install and is one of our favorite collections to recommend to people. The Color lasts and we have yet to have any issues using it. We would also recommend NOT using Azek as PVC decking does fade and it doesn't feel as sturdy as a capped composite decking when installed.

Also if there is any issues with your decking down the line TimberTech does a great job at standing behind there warranty on all of there products!
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NN
Original Author
7 years ago
thank you for your comments! Am I right here that timber tech and azek just merged ? Not sure whether their services are better now or worse .
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Thanks for the suggestions! Perhaps, you might respond to my concerns regarding these two woods: Cumaru: I can handle a mix of color but I've only seen samples in dark red which wouldn't work in my setting if it was the predominant color. Since I'm locked into needing a midtown brown with hints of yellow and orange, I also have some concern over it going even darker over time. I also have some lessor concern over it checking and splitting with grain rising as it ages. Tiger Wood: The mid tone color when new seems suitable and I sort of like the stripes but I fear it being a little too orange and I've been told that it does not age gracefully. The colors become "blotchy" or "mottled", if you prefer, despite oiling. It also has a greater tendency than other decking woods to move resulting in checking, splitting, warping, bowing, crowning, etc... The tricky thing for me about choosing a wood is the fact that I need to fit a fixed color scheme with an organic element that changes with time despite my intention to oil it regularly. I’m aware that most woods darken and eventually grey but each changes differently. Both the above woods are possibilities. I even wonder about Garape if it is destined to darken sufficiently and appropriately with time. It’s hard for me to know. All the photos I see are of new or recently resuscitated installations but photos of weathered installations would probably be more useful. Advice from parties experienced with how woods change is also valuable. Any further thoughts?
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I like the squares of wood boards pattern ( houssaon ) likes ... as long as you can be sure it will shed water as it should. Like the owl by the steps. Something you might want to consider: With that drop-off beside the steps, have you considered creating a landing one step down with railing around the landing and turning your steps away from that drop-off? If you were considering doing, you'd likely want the same decking material at least for the landing and for new steps as well. While you're at it, you might consider where your steps will be landing (?current or future patio?) and if you want more than just basic steps there and if they could be of the same decking material. A small second deck as the landing, perhaps with railing as seating and interesting steps to ground level. https://jekyllandhydemusical.com/multi-level-decks/ https://foter.com/deck-benches https://www.pinterest.com/pin/224968943863269469/
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PRO
Keystone Custom Decks
7 years ago
Yes timberTech and Azek Have just merged together under the same parent company but are still two separate brands. We have found that the service has stayed relatively the same as they are working through this transition.
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NN
Original Author
7 years ago
Yesterday I talked to an Azek contractor and he says he uses normal squared boards rather than the grooved ones. it can be still hidden fastened, but it's just putting the screws/nail on the side of the board. Will that break the integrity of the board and make it more vulnerable to warp comparing to those 'non-invasive' fastening systems?

Also one thing Fiberon attracts me the most is they have warranty to cover labor cost in the first couple of years, which Azek and TimberTech don't. What do you think about this? Will contractors normally cover the labor cost in case of manufacture defects?
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PRO
Chicago Roof Deck & Garden
7 years ago
The wood pulp products like timber tech and trex will "feel better' under foot. Basically that means it will feel more like a wood deck. The PVC product can feel more like a boat dock. Advantage to PVC is it absorbs less heat and cools more quickly once the heat source is removed.
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