TimberTech Composite Decking Review

Features and Review of TimberTech Composite Decking

Are you considering building or resurfacing your deck or porch? For existing or new builds, TimberTech composite decking will reduce your maintenance efforts, allowing more time for what matters most.

Building a deck with traditional lumber may be tempting to save time and money, but a wooden deck can quickly become an eyesore, and it’s nearly impossible to maintain a natural, blemish-free wood look long term. Fighting organic growth, such as mold and mildew, is a never-ending money pit. Even when diligently maintained, you can expect deck repairs within 6 to 11 years when using low-cost timbers.

However, there’s an easier way to preserve your backyard paradise without spending a weekend finding and replacing deck wood rot under the blistering sun. The solution is TimberTech composite decking, a hybrid of natural and synthetic materials built to withstand the harshest elements. 100% PVC options are available for longer durability. 

Composite Decking vs. Wood Materials

Composite decking consists of a blend of plastic and wood fibers. Modern premium options include a protective capped polymer layer that coats the board core, locking out moisture. 

The plastic in the boards often comes from post-consumer materials, such as recycled shampoo bottles and other waste, which are shredded and blended with sawdust. The synthetic blend in composite decking is resistant to splintering, warping, and mildew growth, and it typically doesn’t need to be treated or repaired each year.

Some homeowners may be hesitant about the higher upfront cost of composite decking, as it is more than that of a traditional wooden deck. Our deck-building costs vary based on location, deck size, and wood type. However, composite decking and other materials generally cost 3 to 5 times more than treated lumber. However, in the long run, the overall price of composite decking is lower than that of a wooden deck. Composite decking is expected to last twice as long as lumber, reducing the need for annual repairs and restoration. 

According to TimberTech decking estimates, the best composite decking costs less than a third as much to maintain as a wooden deck after installation, which is why it is gaining popularity. One study reported that more than half of the decks in the Northeast are now made with synthetic materials. 

The History of TimberTech 

While TimberTech wasn’t the first to introduce composite decking materials, the company has been a leader in sustainable outdoor living innovation for over 20 years. 

TimberTech launched in 1997 and presented its capped composite deck boards in 2008. The technology caught the attention of AZEK, a leading PVC manufacturer. PVC is a synthetic plastic polymer widely used in construction, electronics, and household products. 

TimberTech was a natural addition to the AZEK brand, and AZEK acquired TimberTech in 2012. Becoming part of a leading brand of synthetic material has enhanced TimberTech’s ability to stay at the forefront of technology. AZEK owns over 100 patents for sustainable outdoor living and building products. 

AZEK’s business model centers around environmentally friendly products. The company claims to have saved three million trees since 2001. It uses 100% recycled plastic for most composite boards. 

TimberTech’s Most Popular Products 

While not the most cost-effective, multi-width decking offers a unique look compared to traditional deck floor designs and is a consideration for those who are looking for a change or addition to the picture frame design.

Legacy, Reserve, Terrain, Prime +, & Prime Collections

TimberTech has changed product lines by consolidating and simplifying decking options, styles, and choices. The Pro and Edge product lines have now been consolidated into one category, renamed composite. Within the composite category are over six color and design collections. Legacy is the most costly of the six. Our most used collection is the Reserve, which strikes the perfect balance between cost and durability while still retaining a natural look.

The Terrain Collection offers two styles, Rugged and Wood Grain, which, in our opinion, are only subtle differences. The last two collections, Prime + and Prime, are the lower-grade composite materials, the ones to avoid.

Differences between each collection, from highest grade to lowest, include the percentages of PVC vs. wood in the mixture and how many sides are fully capped with PVC. Higher grades will be fully capped, while lower grades are only capped on three sides. Warranty terms will also vary between collections.

TimberTech Advanced PVC Collection

Vintage, Landmark, Harvest, and Porch Collections are the company’s premium products. Boards from this collection contain 100% PVC materials. Some have a hand-scraped design, making them appear more wood-like. It has a 50-year warranty and a low risk of premature degradation since it doesn’t contain wood products. 

PVC, Composite, & Metal Railing

Did you know that TimberTech offers railing systems? The choice of metal, composite, or PVC allows you to control costs and provides a look that matches and complements existing surfaces. Composite railing systems appear natural, while metal offers more rigidity and longer durability.

TimberTech Colors

Choosing the right color tones for composite decking is more important than some realize. Not only does color selection completely alter a yard’s overall appearance, but it can also significantly affect maintenance and comfort. 

The darker the deck’s color, the hotter it will get and the higher the risk of fading from constant UV exposure. People in sweltering climates should consider lighter colors for more cooling comfort. Coastline and Whitewash Cedar colors have realistic wire-brushed or hand-scraped finishes that make the panels look like natural wood.

However, darker neutral tones can be ideal for disguising heavy foot traffic and minimizing the time you spend ensuring the space looks clean. Dark Hickory has a low-gloss finish that gives it a realistic wood appearance. 

Suppose you’re looking for a tone that mimics the appearance of a natural wood deck. In that case, Pecan and Antique Leather are neutral tan shades that are crowd favorites, blending nicely with surrounding trees and environments. 

Maintenance, Fails, & the Drawbacks of Composite Lumber

Most are surprised to hear that composite decking isn’t entirely maintenance-free. Maintenance will require regular sweeping and scrubbing to keep the composite decking looking spotless. 

If your pet spends extensive time outdoors, nail friction against synthetic surfaces can also cause permanent scratches and damage to the finish. 

The sun can heat plastic materials faster than wood, increasing the risk of burned bare feet. Additionally, synthetic materials can react to temperature fluctuations in specific environments, causing shrinkage, warping, and sagging. Lastly, moisture can penetrate the natural wood elements when composite decking is not fully capped, leading to mold and decay. 

Recommended Floor Joist Spacing for Composite Decking

Building a composite deck is also a little more complicated than a traditional deck. Wood is more rigid than composite, and the decking could begin to sag if the floor joists are too far apart. When using composite floor decking, we recommend spacing the joists 12” on-center, which costs more to construct as more materials are needed to make the substructure. 

Should You Choose Composite Decking? 

The answer will vary depending on your needs and how you ultimately want to spend your time and money. If you plan to live in the home for only a few years, composite decking may not be worth the higher upfront cost.

However, a composite decking system may be ideal if you have found a forever home and want to spend more time relaxing and lounging on the deck than on maintenance and upkeep.

We are a licensed deck builder in Raleigh, NC. Contact us for your next deck service today!