TimberTech Decking [2025] - $30-$40/sq ft - Pro vs Trex

What is TimberTech Decking? (Brand & 2025 Innovations)

TimberTech is the premium decking and railing brand of The AZEK Company, a major U.S. manufacturer of sustainable, low-maintenance building products. They specialize in two main types of boards: traditional wood-plastic composite and advanced PVC (polyvinyl chloride) decking.

A key focus for the brand is sustainability. Many TimberTech decking lines are made from a high percentage of recycled materials - up to 85% - helping you create a beautiful deck that's also eco-conscious.

In 2025, the company continues to expand its portfolio beyond just deck boards, offering integrated solutions like low-voltage deck lighting, various railing systems, and even steel framing. It's also worth noting that in late 2024, building products giant James Hardie announced its intent to acquire The AZEK Company, a move that could influence future product development and support.

TimberTech Product Lines Explained

TimberTech organizes its decking into three distinct tiers, each offering different materials, performance levels, and price points. Understanding these collections is the first step to choosing the right board for your home and budget.

TimberTech AZEK (Advanced PVC)

This is TimberTech's top-of-the-line, best-performing collection. Made entirely of PVC, these boards contain no wood flour, making them exceptionally resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew. They are ideal for poolside decks, docks, and harsh climates.

• Material: 100% PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
• Key Feature: Best strength-to-weight ratio and superior moisture resistance. Features advanced cooling technology to stay up to 30°F cooler than competitive products.
• Warranty: Lifetime Limited Product Warranty & 50-Year Fade & Stain.
• Collections: Vintage®, Landmark, Harvest®

TimberTech PRO (4-Sided Capped Composite)

The PRO series represents the sweet spot for many homeowners, balancing premium aesthetics with a more accessible price than the AZEK line. These are wood-plastic composite boards fully wrapped - or "capped" - on all four sides with a protective polymer shell.

• Material: Wood-Plastic Composite Core with 4-Sided Polymer Cap
• Key Feature: The four-sided cap provides excellent protection against moisture and weathering, even on the underside of the deck.
• Warranty: 30-Year Limited Product Warranty & 30-Year Fade & Stain.
• Collections: Legacy®, Reserve®, Terrain®

TimberTech EDGE (3-Sided Capped Composite)

EDGE is TimberTech's most affordable line, designed to compete with the price of high-end wood decking. These boards have a protective cap on the top and sides but are uncapped on the bottom. The core is often "scalloped" to reduce weight and material cost.

• Material: Wood-Plastic Composite Core with 3-Sided Polymer Cap
• Key Feature: Offers the low-maintenance benefits of composite at a budget-friendly price point.
• Warranty: 25-Year Limited Product Warranty & 25-Year Fade & Stain.
• Collections: Prime+®, Premier®

How Much Does TimberTech Decking Cost in 2025?

The total cost of a TimberTech deck depends heavily on the product line you choose, your location, and whether you hire a professional or DIY the installation.

Average 2025 Cost:

• Materials Only: $10 - $30 per square foot.
• Professionally Installed: $25 - $70+ per square foot.

For a standard 16x20-foot (320 sq. ft.) deck, you can expect the total installed cost to be between $8,000 and $22,400. To get a more accurate estimate based on your specific deck size and design, try our deck cost calculator.

Here is a breakdown of estimated total costs for common deck sizes:

Factors That Influence Final Cost

• Product Line: AZEK PVC decking is the most expensive, followed by PRO and then EDGE.
• Labor: Professional installation adds $15 - $40+ per square foot to the total. Labor rates are higher in major metropolitan areas.
• Substructure: If your existing deck frame is rotted or not up to code, it will need to be replaced, adding significant cost.
• Railing & Stairs: The style and material of your railing (e.g., composite, aluminum, cable) and the number of stairs are major cost drivers.
• Permits: Most new deck projects require a building permit, which can cost several hundred dollars.
• Design Complexity: Curves, multi-level designs, and intricate patterns require more labor and will increase the price.

Design and Installation

Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or hiring a pro, proper installation is key to your deck's longevity. TimberTech decking can be installed using standard framing practices, typically with joists spaced 16 inches on-center.

Hidden Fasteners vs. Face Screws

For a clean, premium look, most homeowners opt for hidden fasteners. TimberTech offers several systems (like CONCEALoc® and FUSIONLoc®) that clip into the grooved edges of the deck boards, leaving a screw-free surface. While this method costs more and takes longer, it provides a superior finish.

Alternatively, you can use color-matched composite deck screws to face-screw the boards directly to the joists. This is faster and less expensive but leaves visible screw heads on the deck surface.

DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor

Installing a deck is a major construction project. While a simple, ground-level deck can be a manageable DIY project for someone with carpentry experience, most homeowners should hire a professional. A certified TimberTech contractor will ensure the deck is built to code, structurally sound, and that the warranty remains valid. You can find more details in our guide to deck installation costs.

Performance and Durability

TimberTech decking is engineered to outperform traditional wood in nearly every category.

• Fade & Stain Resistance: All lines come with a robust fade and stain warranty, ensuring the color you choose is the color you'll have for decades. The protective cap prevents spills from soaking in, allowing for easy cleanup.
• Scratch Resistance: According to independent tests by sources like Consumer Reports, TimberTech's PVC and high-end composite lines offer excellent resistance to scratching from patio furniture and pet claws.
• Heat: A known drawback of composite and PVC decking is heat absorption. Darker colors will get hotter in direct sun. The AZEK line's cooling technology helps mitigate this, making it a better choice for sun-drenched areas.
• Moisture & Mold: The synthetic materials are impervious to rot and moisture damage, making them perfect for any climate.

Cleaning and Maintenance

One of the biggest selling points of TimberTech is its minimal maintenance. Forget annual sanding, staining, or sealing. A simple cleaning once or twice a year is all that's needed.

How to Clean Your TimberTech Deck

1. Sweep: Remove all loose debris, leaves, and dirt from the deck surface with a broom.
2. Wash: Mix a mild soap (like Dawn®) with warm water. Use a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub the deck surface in the direction of the grain.
3. Rinse: Thoroughly rinse the deck with a garden hose to remove all soap residue. Ensure no soap film is left behind, as it can attract dirt.
4. Dry: Allow the deck to air dry completely.

What to Avoid:

• Never use a pressure washer closer than 8 inches from the surface or at a setting above 1500 PSI.
• Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach (on composite lines), or abrasive scouring pads.
• Use plastic, not metal, shovels to remove snow.

TimberTech vs. Trex: Which is Better?

Trex is TimberTech's main competitor in the composite decking space. Both are excellent brands, but they have key differences.

The Bottom Line:

• Choose TimberTech if you want the absolute best performance (AZEK PVC), superior moisture resistance for pools/docks, or the most realistic premium wood aesthetics.
• Choose Trex if you're focused on finding the best value in the mid-range composite market or prioritize the highest possible recycled content.

Learn more about Trex decking options or check out our complete composite decking guide.

Ready to transform your outdoor space? Explore our comprehensive decking guides and resources to learn more about materials, costs, and design options. Compare other top brands, or dive deeper into the differences between composite and PVC decking materials.