The two largest manufacturers of composite deck material are Timbertech and Trex. Each of these products has its own benefits and drawbacks. Understanding the differences between these two materials will allow you to make an informed decision when selecting the materials to be used on your custom composite deck.
Timbertech
The Timbertech boards are made of composite material that consists of a blend of recycled plastic and sawdust. The planks are covered on all four sides with a polymer to protect the composite material from moisture, excessive heat, and other harsh weather.
Timbertech planks are somewhat resistant to scratching and should be coated with a protective sealer when they are initially installed. This sealer increases durability, helps reduce fading, and helps reduce scratching.
These planks are mold and mildew-resistant. However, they still need to be cleaned at least twice a year with soap and water or a composite material cleaner.
Timbertech has a 25-year warranty on all of its products, with a few of its higher-end materials offering a 30-year warranty. This warrant includes coverage for excessive fading, material defects, splinters, and rotting.
Timbertech offers several different product lines and colors, and styles.
Trex
Trex also manufactures a composite board made from its proprietary blend of recycled plastic and sawdust. The Trex planks, however, are only covered on three sides with a polymer. The bottom of the planks is left open. It is their opinion that moisture will find a way into the boards regardless, and by leaving the bottom open, that moisture will have a way to escape.
The Trex boards perform better than the Timbertech planks when it comes to scratching. Trex offers several different lines of composite planks, and all perform well when it comes to resisting scratches. These boards, however, should still be treated with a sealant when installed for an added layer of protection.
The Trex planks are mold and mildew-resistant. However, it is important to still clean the deck at least twice a year with a composite deck cleaning solution or soap and water. The Trex warranty does cover mold and mildew damage, but only if the deck has been properly maintained.
Trex offers a 25-year limited warranty on all of its composite materials.
Not Sure Which One To Pick? Talk To Royal Deck
Royal Deck is a leading composite deck builder in the Chicagoland area. For over a decade, homeowner's have been relying on Royal Deck for custom composite deck systems for their homes. Royal Deck can help you select the right composite boards for your deck system based on your desired look and environmental conditions. Call our experts today and schedule a free consultation. When you are ready to build a deck, Royal Deck is ready for you.
