Deck material selection

10 years ago

Hi we're to build a new deck and in need of some advice regarding which brand to go with.

Fiberon Horizon, Azek Harvest , Azek Arbor and TimberTech Legacy are the 4 options we're looking at. We went to 2 local lumber dealers and got some samples of Azek and TimberTech. and it looks like all of them can be easily scratched using keys -> not really visible from stand point but definitely mark is left on the surface. Also tried to pour some oil and ketchup on them, all can be cleaned fairly easily.

One contractor recommended Fiberon and it looks like their warranty is better as it covers labor as well for the first 5 years.

Now comes the questions:

a) Which of the four is more fade resistant and less contract/expansion/warping as the deck will be facing the south. The deck will be 5-6' off the ground, so moisture is less a concern.

b) what's the difference between Azek Harvest and Arbor collection from quality/material perspective? on the sample, it looks like that the wrap on Harvest is difference between the surface and the back, but the same for Arbor -> not sure whether this makes any difference.

c) I heard TimberTech just came out with Alloy Armor technology, is that good or just market gimmick?

I did some google search but couldn't find too many recent reviews so please help me here ~~~ thank you

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Comments (5)

PRO
Keystone Custom Decks
10 years ago
Hello,

As a decking contractor we have had plenty of experience working with All three brands you have mentioned, however one stands out to us as the best product. TimberTech legacy is by far our most popular decking that we install and is one of our favorite collections to recommend to people. The Color lasts and we have yet to have any issues using it. We would also recommend NOT using Azek as PVC decking does fade and it doesn't feel as sturdy as a capped composite decking when installed.

Also if there is any issues with your decking down the line TimberTech does a great job at standing behind there warranty on all of there products!
NN
Original Author
10 years ago
thank you for your comments! Am I right here that timber tech and azek just merged ? Not sure whether their services are better now or worse .
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PRO
Keystone Custom Decks
10 years ago
Yes timberTech and Azek Have just merged together under the same parent company but are still two separate brands. We have found that the service has stayed relatively the same as they are working through this transition.
NN
Original Author
10 years ago
Yesterday I talked to an Azek contractor and he says he uses normal squared boards rather than the grooved ones. it can be still hidden fastened, but it's just putting the screws/nail on the side of the board. Will that break the integrity of the board and make it more vulnerable to warp comparing to those 'non-invasive' fastening systems?

Also one thing Fiberon attracts me the most is they have warranty to cover labor cost in the first couple of years, which Azek and TimberTech don't. What do you think about this? Will contractors normally cover the labor cost in case of manufacture defects?
PRO
Chicago Roof Deck & Garden
10 years ago
The wood pulp products like timber tech and trex will "feel better' under foot. Basically that means it will feel more like a wood deck. The PVC product can feel more like a boat dock. Advantage to PVC is it absorbs less heat and cools more quickly once the heat source is removed.