Azek vs Timbertech Pros and Cons

gle2011

6 years ago

I am looking to replace my pressure treated lumber deck with a composite flooring and vinyl rail system. Does anyone have a recommendation or comments on the pro's and cons of using Azek or Timbertech materials.

Thanks

Featured Answer

PRO

Kirch Improvements, LLC

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Both are good options, and it depends on the application. They are made by the same company. Timbertech is your leading capped composite product on the market. It's capped on all (4) sides which is important as it won't wick moisture, since the core still has wood fibers (like Trex can as it's not capped on the bottom). Timbertech is much heavier than Azek, and we've found there have been some inconsistencies in the thickness board to board, which can require some extra work on the install to line things up. Azek is much lighter, with the PVC core, so no wood fibers (the core is similar to the core of a golf ball). Between Capped Polymer decking (Azek), it will retain less heat and dissipate heat quicker than Capped Composite (Timbertech). Both options, the darker the color, the more heat absorption, so keep that in mind especially if you have southern exposure. Price point, they are both comparable from line to line. We typically recommend Azek as it's easier to work with. If your deck is shady and lower to the ground, I wouldn't recommend the Timbertech decking (those darn wood fibers again).

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Comments (13)

Terry Royce
6 years ago
Curious as to pros and cons myself. Anyone?
PRO
SolusLumber.com
6 years ago
Just Cons vs. Cons from our perspective, but we are clearly biased wood people....
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we've just had a screen porch built with azek tongue and groove, and a deck above it with azek decking. i do not love the azek tongue and groove. its shifts and sounds like squeaking plastic if you walk on it barefoot. (shoes masks the sound, but this is really semi-indoor living space, so bare feet are the usual way we're walking on it.) in the past we had a fir tongue and groove screen porch ( a previous house) that was painted with porch paint and held up very well. i'm sorry we didnt go with fir again but we were going to be all modern and get with the azek program etc. i'm sorry i didnt walk on one barefoot before we went this route. i can't comment on pine. the azek decking is good, if thats a choice for you rather than tongue and groove, do that. one last thing about azek, water beads up on it and takes longer to dry. we bought a long handled large squeegie for the top deck because we tend to get really heavy dew overnight near the ocean. azek tongue and groove... no spaces between planks azek decking...spaced planks over sleepers and a rubber membrane.
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Aurora Tee (Zone 6a)
5 years ago
Kirch, I am considering Timbertech. Would 18 inches off the ground be a better candidate for the AZEK. Since it is capped on all four sides, wouldn't it be a good choice despite having a wood core?
PRO
Kirch Improvements, LLC
5 years ago
For anything shorter than 24" we would still recommend Azek. Timbertech is capped on all 4 sides, however, the ends of the boards are still the exposed core.
PRO
TimberTech
5 years ago
A composite deck is definitely the way to go if you want low maintenance and a 30 year warranty. Try out our cost calculator on the site, we compare both AZEK and TimberTech options for you! https://timbertech.com/resources/decking-calculator
mersad ramic
5 years ago
If you have low e windows you're screwed dont ever let anyone sell you azek timbertech trex fibron you will have a warped asphalt like deck that gets up to 180degrees during hot days low e windows automatically void your warranty.
millworkman
5 years ago
" low e windows automatically void your warranty."

What?
lscan55
5 years ago
Making a walkway ON the ground. AZEK or TimberTech best for that application?
PRO
Kirch Improvements, LLC
5 years ago
Iscan55, Azek would be the best option for ground level.
PRO
TimberTech
5 years ago
@lscan55 Our AZEK line of decking is better: https://www.timbertech.com/all-products/azek-overview

Would you like to be connected to a local sales rep who can help walk you through our products? Thanks!
HU-892834631
2 years ago
Does TimberTech work well on top of wooden support beams? Trying to decide if we should stick with wood for the deck since the support beams are wood
PRO
Kirch Improvements, LLC
2 years ago
@HU-892834631 yes! Timbertech & Timbertech Azek are most commonly installed to wood frames. Ensure a minimum of 16" on center joist spacing (12" on center joist spacing if being installed on the diagonal).

Azek vs Timbertech Pros and Cons

Kirch Improvements, LLC

Comments (13)

Terry Royce

SolusLumber.com

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