HomeOutdoor Living BlogWhy You’ve Heard AZEK vs TimberTech — And What to Know

Why You’ve Heard AZEK vs TimberTech — And What to Know

March 10, 2022
What you need to know about AZEK vs TimberTech

You’ve likely heard of AZEK and TimberTech decking and wondered which was better, or which was right for your home. So, you may be surprised to know that capped polymer AZEK decking is actually a part of the TimberTech decking portfolio. When it comes to comparing AZEK vs TimberTech, it’s a simple matter of exploring your TimberTech decking choices to find the right fit for you. And that’s where we come in.

FAQ: “Is AZEK the Same as TimberTech?”

In a word? Yes. TimberTech is the outdoor living brand of The AZEK Company, so the two are one in the same. TimberTech and AZEK decking lines are both sold under the TimberTech brand, so when choosing AZEK vs TimberTech, it’s really a matter of choosing your favorite TimberTech decking line.

Understanding TimberTech Decking Lines

It’s not AZEK vs TimberTech, it’s AZEK and TimberTech. TimberTech offers three decking lines, including an AZEK decking line. Two of the three decking lines are made from premium capped composite material: TimberTech® PRO® and TimberTech EDGE®. Our third line, TimberTech AZEK®, is made from superior capped polymer — delivering the best performance with the most realistic wood looks.

No matter your material or aesthetic preferences, our portfolio has the right line for you. Choose from a range of colors and realistic wood grain patterns to suit your unique style.

3 Decking Lines, 1 Perfect Fit for You


TimberTech AZEK deck with warm tan Weathered Teak decking

TimberTech AZEK

Capped polymer decking, made entirely of a unique blend of polymers and recycled plastics.

✓ Most realistic wood looks
✓ Premium durability thanks to no wood in the core or cap
✓ Stays up to 30° cooler than competitive decking products*
Lifetime Limited Product Warranty
✓ 50-Year Fade & Stain Limited Warranty

TimberTech PRO deck with light brown Pecan deck boards

TimberTech PRO

4-sided capped composite decking made up of recycled wood flakes and polymers and recycled plastics.

✓ Protective 4-sided polymer cap to lock in rich color and lock out moisture
30-Year Warranties

TimberTech EDGE deck with light tan Coconut Husk decking

TimberTech EDGE

3-sided capped composite decking made up of recycled wood flakes and polymers and recycled plastics.

✓ Protective 3-sided polymer cap to lock in rich color and lock out moisture
25-Year Warranties

*Although TimberTech AZEK decking products are cooler to the touch than many other deck board products, all decking products will get hot in the sun. Additionally, the darker the decking color, the hotter it will feel. For hotter climates, consider choosing a lighter color.

Capped Polymer or Capped Composite?

Get more info on the types of composite decking so you can choose your next deck like a pro.

Now that you know AZEK vs TimberTech is actually an exploration of the TimberTech decking portfolio, how do you know which decking line is right for your build? Learn more about your TimberTech decking options in terms of aesthetics, performance, sustainability, and value to determine which is best for you.

The Most Realistic Wood Looks

Choosing the right composite decking material for your deck has a lot to do with aesthetics. And when it comes to creating the most realistic wood looks, it’s about more than just the primary color of the boards — there’s also that “as beautiful as real wood” look you know you need.

TimberTech decking delivers nature-inspired hues with several grain patterns and finishes so you can find the perfect look for your home.

TimberTech AZEK

Looking for the most realistic wood looks? Choose from our TimberTech AZEK capped polymer decking line. TimberTech AZEK decking collections offer different real wood aesthetics, like:

  • Premium hardwood
  • Character-rich reclaimed wood, and
  • Chic painted wood

So you can find the right decking to suit your unique style.

TimberTech PRO & TimberTech EDGE

Explore more realistic wood looks in our TimberTech PRO and TimberTech EDGE decking lines, which feature options from highly varied artisanal boards to sleek designs with a simple, authentic wood look.

Superior Performance

When it comes to performance, it’s not about AZEK vs TimberTech — all TimberTech decking lines deliver superior performance when compared with traditional wood options. How? It all comes down to the advanced material science in our protective capping.

Capping 101

Capping refers to the protective layer that encapsulates the boards on 3 or 4 sides. The capping on TimberTech boards is made from 100% high-performance polymers that protect the cores against moisture and UV rays. That means you get an enduringly beautiful deck that requires minimal upkeep from you.

The competition can’t say the same thing.

FAQ: “Is AZEK Better Than Trex?”

Exposure to the elements is one of the main culprits for fading and moisture damage in traditional lumber, as well as certain competitor composite decking products that have wood in the cap. That’s because organic material like exposed wood or wood flakes can’t protect against weathering like innovative TimberTech AZEK decking does.

So, we innovate beyond wood and the competition altogether with TimberTech AZEK capped polymer decking — of which there is NO Trex equivalent.

TimberTech vs Trex: No Contest

See how TimberTech AZEK innovates beyond Trex for a superior product with a look you’ll love.

The Best Durable Deck Material

TimberTech AZEK decking is engineered with a unique blend of polymers and features absolutely no wood in the core or cap. That means unbeatable moisture and fade resistance for a long-lasting, enduringly beautiful deck. Plus, it’s protected with the industry’s best warranties, including a Lifetime Limited Product Warranty.

A Commitment to Sustainability

When it comes to sustainability, there is no AZEK vs TimberTech — all TimberTech decking lines are substantially more sustainable than traditional wood options. Our decking is made with sustainable manufacturing processes, features majority recycled material, and can be maintained with environmentally friendly practices.

Recycled Materials

✓ TimberTech PRO and TimberTech EDGE are made of up to 80% recycled material, including 100% recycled wood fibers.
✓ TimberTech AZEK is made of approximately 50% recycled material, including hard-to-recycle plastics.

Sustainable Manufacturing

✓ Nearly 3 million trees saved from being cut down since 2001.
✓ Approximately 500 million lbs. of scrap and waste diverted from landfills in 2021.
✓ Up to 97% of water recycled annually in our closed-loop water filtration system.

Safe Maintenance

Stays richly hued without the use of wood deck stain, which may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, land, and water.
Requires only a periodic scrub and rinse with our biodegradable cleaner, TimberTech DeckCleaner.

Best Long-Term Value

To determine the best long-term value, you need to consider both upfront and long-term costs. While you may think wood is the most affordable choice, the truth is that TimberTech decking lines are actually comparable in upfront costs to traditional wood options within the same budget. And the best part? Choosing TimberTech means you end up with a superior product — with far fewer long-term maintenance costs — for a similar upfront price as wood.

Just compare the upfront and long-term costs of TimberTech AZEK vs TimberTech EDGE and their traditional wood counterparts to see how much you could save:

NOTE: The estimated average cost of capped polymer deck boards, Ipe hardwood, capped composite deck boards, and pressure-treated lumber decking costs are based on the national average for a 16’ x 20’ deck. Meant for visual representation only. Actual costs may vary.

As you can see, traditional wood will actually end up costing you more in the long-run due to costly, time-consuming maintenance like sanding, staining, and sealing.

For better long-term value, choose TimberTech. No matter which you choose between TimberTech AZEK vs TimberTech PRO or EDGE, you’ll get a low-maintenance outdoor living solution and enjoy a beautiful, relaxing retreat worry-free, year after year.

AZEK vs TimberTech? You Can’t Go Wrong With Either

Now that you know AZEK vs TimberTech isn’t a comparison as much as an exploration of your TimberTech decking options, you’re ready to find the right option for you. Order free samples of your favorite colors across our decking portfolio to see your choices up close. For a true sense of the color, be sure to place your samples outside to observe them in different lighting throughout the day — and get a sense for how they perform in your local climate.

See & feel the TimberTech advantage

Our capped PVC and capped composite decking lines combine recycled material with all the beauty of traditional wood.

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