Trex vs Fiberon vs TimberTech

Choosing the right decking material is one of the most important decisions when building an outdoor space. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about durability, safety, and long-term value. With three top-tier composite decking brands—Trex, Fiberon, and TimberTech—each offering impressive features, the decision can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a homeowner looking for a low-maintenance option or someone planning for long-term investment, understanding the strengths and limitations of these brands will help you make the best decision for your home.

What Is Composite Decking?

Composite decking is a low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood decking. It is made from a combination of wood fibers, recycled plastic, and additives designed to enhance durability. The boards are coated with a plastic cap that resists mold, mildew, and scratches, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want a beautiful deck without constant upkeep.

A Quick Overview of the Brands

Trex Composite Decking

My step daughter wanted a beautiful deck but needed to stay within a tight budget. They loved the idea of composite decking but were concerned about costs. After reviewing options, she wanted to install Trex Enhance. It provided an attractive solution and allowed her to stay within budget.  We had warned her that Trex Enhance had issues with getting very hot, but the economic option of Trex Enhance allowed her to afford a composite deck that she normally could not have afforded.  

Trex is one of the most well-known names in composite decking, primarily because they were first to market with composite decking. On average, building a Trex deck costs about $75 per square foot, including materials and labor when installed by a professional. The brand has five product lines, each with different price points and durability levels. Enhance is the most budget-friendly option, starting at $5 per square foot. The Select series is a mid-tier option that ranges from $8 to $12 per square foot. For homeowners who want premium aesthetics and durability, Transcend is a top choice. Additionally, the Lineage and Signature series offer high-end options, with prices exceeding $90 per 12-foot board.

One of the notable aspects of Trex decking is that the boards are only capped on three sides. This design makes them slightly more susceptible to mold and moisture compared to fully capped options. In terms of scratch resistance, Trex offers moderate durability, with higher-tier products offering better protection. The warranty varies by product line, with Transcend offering up to 50 years, Select up to 35 years, and Enhance up to 25 years. Trex is an excellent option for homeowners looking for cost-effective, eco-friendly composite decking with strong warranties. However, due to its three-sided capping, it may require more frequent cleaning to prevent mold and mildew.

Fiberon Composite Decking

Fiberon is another strong contender in the composite decking market, offering a range of options, including both composite and solid PVC decking. Like Trex, Fiberon decks typically cost around $75 per square foot for installation. The brand’s product lines vary in price and durability. The Good Life series is an affordable composite option, with a 12-foot board costing around $45.60. On the premium end, the Promenade series, which is made of PVC, costs approximately $92.40 per 12-foot board.

One of Fiberon’s biggest advantages is its four-sided capping on higher-end options, such as the Promenade and Concordia series, which offer superior resistance to mold and mildew. This makes it a great choice for homeowners in humid or wet climates. Fiberon’s Horizon and ProTect Advantage lines are also among the most scratch-resistant on the market. The brand offers lifetime structural warranties for its high-end models and up to 50 years for stain and fade resistance. If low maintenance and superior mold resistance are a priority, Fiberon is an excellent choice.

Last year, we worked with a homeowner in Accokeek, MD who wanted a deck that could withstand her dogs. They had large dogs and wanted a board that was resistant to scratches. We installed Fiberon Sanctuary which is a durable composite.  Even after nine months of wear and tear, the deck looks like the day we installed it.  

TimberTech Composite Decking

We recently installed Timbertech Terrain on a deck in Waldorf, MD.  The homeowner had a discerning taste and was particular in the look of the deck boards.  Timbertech has a large selection of unique textures and feels.  We found her a Timbertech Terrain deck board that was exactly the look she wanted.  Timbertech provides a very unique texture with a luxury look and feel.  

TimberTech is often regarded as the premium brand in composite decking due to its high-end aesthetics, superior durability, and extensive warranty coverage. The brand offers a range of price points, with materials costing between $9 and $10 per square foot. Its PVC product lines, such as Vintage and Landmark, are among the most expensive, with prices around $90 per 12-foot board. Composite lines like Legacy and Reserve are slightly more affordable, costing approximately $62 per 12-foot board.

One of TimberTech’s standout features is its four-sided capping, which maximizes durability and resistance to moisture. Its PVC options are particularly scratch-resistant, and minor scratches can even be repaired using heat. TimberTech offers a lifetime product warranty for its PVC options and 25 to 30 years for its composite lines. For homeowners looking for premium aesthetics, long-term durability, and strong warranty coverage, TimberTech is an excellent investment.

Slip Resistance: Safety First

Slip resistance is crucial, especially for families with children or elderly members. Here’s how the brands compare:

PVC decking generally offers superior slip resistance, making it a safer choice for pool decks or rainy climates.

Choosing the Right Decking Material

Selecting the right decking material ultimately depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with reliable warranties, Trex Enhance or Select may be the best choice. For homeowners in humid climates who need superior mold resistance, Fiberon’s four-sided capped products provide excellent protection. If aesthetics and long-term durability are your primary concerns, TimberTech’s premium composite and PVC lines are well worth the investment.

At KP Homescapes, we work with Trex, Fiberon, and TimberTech because each brand offers unique benefits. The right material is all part of the Homescaping process. Transformation begins here—If you need more assistance from one of our design consultants, please do not hesitate to click here or call us at 240-266-5900.