Trex vs TimberTech vs Fiberon
Trex, TimberTech and Fiberon dominate composite decking, and on the showroom rack they look alike. They are not. Here is how the three brands differ on the things you will live with for 25 years.
By the Calculate My Reno Team / Published
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Composite decking is dominated by three names - Trex, TimberTech (made by AZEK) and Fiberon. All three sell capped boards (a protective shell bonded over the core) that resist fading, staining and scratching far better than the early uncapped composites. The differences are in material, looks, heat, price and range.
At a glance
| Trex | TimberTech | Fiberon | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Capped composite | Capped composite and capped PVC | Capped composite |
| Position | Market leader, value → premium | Premium, most realistic looks | Strong value → premium |
| Heat underfoot | Good (light colours) | Best (PVC lines run cooler) | Good (light colours) |
| Realism | Very good | Excellent (esp. PVC) | Very good |
| Availability | Widest | Wide | Good |
| Warranty | 25–50 yr (by line) | 25–50 yr (by line) | 25–50 yr (by line) |
Lines and specs change - always confirm the current range and warranty for the boards you are pricing.
Trex
The brand most people know, and the easiest to buy. Trex runs a clear good-better-best ladder (entry, mid and premium lines), all capped composite. Strengths: availability, value at the entry level, and a deep colour range. It is the safe default - widely stocked, well supported, with hidden-fastener systems for a clean surface. The premium lines look excellent; the entry lines are where you save.
TimberTech (AZEK)
The premium pick. TimberTech is unusual in offering both capped composite and capped PVC (the AZEK lines). The PVC boards are lighter, cooler underfoot, highly moisture-proof and among the most realistic-looking boards on the market - but they sit at the top of the price range. Choose TimberTech when looks and heat performance matter more than cost.
Fiberon
The value champion of the three. Fiberon’s capped composite lines deliver looks and warranties comparable to the premium competition, often at a lower price per board. It is widely respected for value in the mid-range without feeling like a budget product. Slightly less ubiquitous than Trex, so check local stock.
How to choose
- Best value / easiest to buy: Trex (entry or mid line).
- Highest-end look and coolest underfoot: TimberTech PVC (AZEK).
- Premium feel on a tighter budget: Fiberon.
Whichever brand wins, colour choice drives heat more than the logo - go lighter if barefoot comfort matters.
Then price it properly
Composite boards are sold per board, in set lengths (commonly 12, 16 and 20 ft), so compare brands on the total board count for your deck, not the per-board sticker. Work it out with the Trex decking calculator (set up for composite board widths and joist spacing), then read how many deck boards do I need for the method, and composite vs wood decking if you are still weighing composite against timber.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Trex or TimberTech?
Both are excellent; the difference is emphasis. Trex is the market leader with the widest availability and a strong value-to-premium range of capped composite boards. TimberTech (made by AZEK) offers both capped composite and capped PVC lines - its PVC boards are lighter, cooler underfoot and among the most realistic looking, but usually cost more. Choose Trex for value and availability, TimberTech PVC for the highest-end look and heat performance.
Which composite decking stays coolest in the sun?
Colour matters more than brand - lighter boards stay noticeably cooler than dark ones in any range. Among materials, capped PVC (such as TimberTech AZEK) tends to run cooler than capped composite because it is less dense. If barefoot comfort is a priority, choose a light colour in a PVC or premium capped-composite line.
Is Fiberon cheaper than Trex?
They are broadly competitive, and it varies by line and region. Fiberon is known for strong value in its mid-range capped composite, often undercutting comparable premium boards while still offering good looks and warranties. For an accurate comparison, price the specific lines you are choosing between and work out the full board count first.