I would suggest either wood or tile deck to avoid the inevitable problems of composite decks. And they all have problems.

Trex, Timbertech, and Azek have all been sued, Trex multiple times, for decking failures that contradicted the claims in their advertising of a long lasting, low maintenance decking.

Typical problems include staining, cracking, chalking, discoloration, fading, cracking, ad brittleness. Some composite decking grows mildew like it is a cash crop, a continuing problem for which composite companies have not developed a long-term solution.

For a complete run-down on the issues with composite decking, why they occur, and why they are almost insoluable with current technologies, see The Deck Handbook: Part 4 Wood-Plastic Composite Decks.

There are no maintenance-free decks, but if you are looking for a deck that is maintenance-free as possible, see The Deck Handbook: Part 11 The (Almost) Maintenance Free Deck.

No doubt this response is going to get a lot of push-back from composite decking proponents. Keep in mind that most will be in the business of either manufacturing or installing composite decks, and have an interest in soft-pedaling the materials' many problems.

Good luck.

I realize that your question did not get an direct answer. Sorry. Here it is:

None of Trex, Timbertech, or Azek is a good choice. They all have many issues and have been sued at least once for failing to honor their warranties.

If you are determined to go with a composite decking, try Owens Corning Weardeck. It is made of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) with a fiberglass rather than wood flour filler, thereby avoiding all of the problems of wood dust fillers including swelling, cracking, bleaching and excessive mold and mildew.

It is a little more costly than most WPC decking, but less expensive than premium capstock decking, and well worth the extra cost.

Hope this helps.

Look at Millboard. Fiberglass core. Surface molded from real wood. Only need washing with soap (not sealing or even powerwashing) once or twice a year. I plan to do mine in October. I do hose off the ourside steps when dirt and leaves fall on them. I have had mine for not quite a year. It has a coating when delivered that needs to be washed off if on a covered porch. Outside, rain will wash it off. US distributor is Outlive at Millboard. So far, I am completely satisfied.

@cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)

We tested Millboard a few years ago and were impressed. I did not know it is avail in the U.S. It is a U.K. company if I recall.

1. PVC decking, such as Azek, is more scratch-resistant than Timbertech or Trex. However, almost all decking material can potentially scratch.

2. PVC is better performing in the case of stain and fading resistance. With proper cleaning and maintenance, you can prevent discoloration at its best.

3. PVC material is known for its resistance to fading. However, you can use a UV protector or sealant to resist fading in the long run.

4. A properly installed PVC or composite deck doesn't have any creaking or bounciness.

5. Yes, you can walk barefoot in almost all weather conditions. This kind of material is generally cooler than traditional wood decking.

6. Preference of decking materials can vary on different aspects. PVC has always been one of the top decking materials for homeowners as well as deck builders for its cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and low maintenance.

@ Royal Innovation Deck Builder

That's all very nice. But AZEK has been sued for making similar claims which turned out to be largely false.

According to the complaint in the lawsuit:

"AZEK Building Products claimed certain AZEK decking would not fade, stain, scratch, or discolor. However, the decking did in fact fade, stain, scratch, and discolor and Azek should have warned its customers.

AZEK refused to provide coverage under its "Lifetime Limited Warranty", claiming the warranty covered only defects in “performance,” not aesthetics."

Azek settled the lawsuit in 2019 for many, many dollars without admitting fault.

Since the settlement, the composition of AZEK decking has not changed.

What has changed is that the company has ceased making such extravagant claims for its products.

You should not make them either.

What we know about the wearablity of AZEK vs Timbertech or Trex is that we don't know anything.

None of these products has been tested according to ASTM F510, the U.S. standard abrasion tests for flooring. So, any scratch resistance comparisons are merely anecdotal and without any scientific basis.

AZEK as well as comparable capstock decking from Tumbertech or Trex can get very hot.

Testing has shown that decking products exposed to direct sunlight get between 36° and 72° hotter that the ambient air temperature. On a relatively moderate 80° summer day, this means a deck surface temperature of between 106° and 152° after a mere two hours of exposure.

For comparison, a concrete sidewalk can reach 145° and road asphalt 160°.

According to the National institutes of Health (NIH), at these temperatures 1st and even 2nd degree burns are entirely possible.

Ajitha, did you decide which decking material yet?

tdemonti, we are going to go with the Azek. We are choosing a light color (weathered teak). We saw an outdoor display and felt the darker colors seemed to fade more over time compared to light colors.

How did it turn out? We’re thinking to do the same.

We went with Azek and are happy. Color not fading, no significant scratches, but we are pretty careful about avoiding scratches. We found that there is a little sagging in certain areas between joists, even though we did 12 in spacing. It may be due to sunlight reflection off sliding door that is making a certain area hotter then the rest.