Budget Composite SHOWDOWN Trex vs TimberTech vs Fiberon // DECK SHOP SHORTS
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- čas přidán 29. 06. 2024
- Composite deck boards coming in a wide variety of sizes, colors, textures...and PRICE POINTS. So what do you get in a budget board versus a high end price point?
And what are the differences between the BIG THREE brands' entry level deck boards? In this episode, we have a showdown between Trex , Fiberon , and TimberTech .
Budget Decking: www.tuds.ca/budget-decking
Contact Us: p.tuds.ca/before-you-start
Chapters:
Intro: 0:00
Trex Enhance Basics Review: 0:53
Trex Enhance Naturals Review: 2:34
TimberTech Edge Review: 3:16
Fiberon Good Life: 4:33
Closing Thoughts: 6:07
Be sure to check out our updated Composite Decking Buyers Guide where we go over the best options for every budget! czcams.com/video/WGwchMFP5mo/video.html
This really helps thank you
Great thank you!
Thanks for this! Very helpful, especially when the market options are overwhelming. I’m just designing my framing, and seeing this video at the perfect time…as most published quotes are for the higher end lines, and we’re rather pricey. Again, kudos for helping us out.
Glad it was helpful! Good luck with your project!
Really great information on your programs, subscribed! Can you do one that shows what some of these deck boards look like after 1 year, 5 years spent out in the elements?
Maybe a dumb question, why aren't plugs available for some of the boards?
We don't have test samples set up to show, but I know my Good Life deck which is in year 3-4 still looks brand new.
Plugs aren't available for some scalloped boards because the material isn't thick enough to allow you to drive the screw deep enough to use the plug.
@@TheUltimateDeckShop Thanks, my dad bought a board from Menards to test a few years ago, and it turned WHITE in about 1 year from a DARK BROWN. How is that even possible? How can they sell a product that goes from Brown to White... I never thought I could trust 'fake' deck boards after this.
We replaced a really old deck made of with the cheapest Trex on the market. It had many problems. We now have a Timber tech deluxe deck and the squirrels have chewed on all the outside boards. They never chewed on the Trex decking. I will be contacting Timber Tech. What’s interesting is that our deck has darker brown boards around the edges of the deck and that’s the only ones they have chewed. They don't chew on the light brown ones.
Well that's a first! Haha, strange. Oddly, I've always said that TimberTech SMELLS the best when cut, almost has a "nutty" scent to it, likely almonds almost. Maybe there's something to that!
Excellent comparison on budget deck boards and I wish we would have seen it before we chose Trex, so we are very happy with the color selection of Rocky harbor, enhance Trex boards. Thanks for a great video!
You are very welcome!
Thank you!
You're welcome!
Thanks for the video... we're in the middle of decision on a 600SqFt deck as our wood one is (has) failed. I was interested in the Timbertech grays you showed... it appears the plain was Sea Salt Gray but, what was the other with color in it? Thanks
It's subtle but Sea Salt Gray has a subtle black/dark grey streaking in it.
Great comparison done. I have just purchased the Timbertech edge decking, both grooved boards and using the solid edge for outside picture frame. I purchased the plugs for a single picture frame boards, but you are saying, they can't be used? I realize you need to fastened through the thickest section rather than grooved areas. Thoughts?
Yes you're not supposed to use plugs on the scalloped versions - but if you use the full thickness ones, you can. But on scalloped, yes hit the thick part and you should be okay. But note that TimberTech would not warranty it if you were to have an issue.
Thank you for the random zooms.
Attempts at speaking moistly on you.
@@TheUltimateDeckShop Who tried to speak moist words on me?
Thank you for the video! I am installing in a cold winter and warm summer environment. Lots of snow and we have thawing and freezing a lot in the winters. Concerned about flaking etc and warping from extreme environments. What is your suggestion. Thank you again!
We are in Saskatchewan, Canada... home of hot summers and frigid winters. Flaking and warping isn't a concern. The only good products we have seen issues with due to temp swings is Clubhouse and Fortress Apex. Both expand and contract a lot and can Crack. Obviously lots of issues with low quality imported Chinese made products as well, but if you stick to a good brand, you should be just fine.
Great video. Would you please share your opinion on Trunorth decking ? I would greatly appreciate.
We love that it's Canadian made, and budget priced. We hate the fastening system and groove profile. Aside from that, seems decent.
Hey there,
I installed Cali Vinyl plank boards in my basement and i am really happy with it. Do you have any recommendations or reviews of their decking?
We don't have any real like experience with it. Most reviews we see/hear are not very good at all. But again, no personal experience.
Hey great info, so if I'm most worried about a dog scratching my deck (I have to dogs that love to play and run around and they aren't always the nicest on the deck) which deck board would you recommend?
Depends on your budget, but from a strictly durability to scratching perspective, Trex Transcend or Fiberon Promenade would be good options. They are both premium options however.
I have really big obnoxious dogs so thank you for including that lol
You're welcome!
From the UK where I’ve been selling Trex for 5 years, good and informative film. Had a meeting last week with Fiberon. Seriously considering stocking. What’s your view on the hollow WPC from China? Regards!
RUN! Goodness, please end that exploration now. Fiberon and Trex are fantastic. Don't get duped by the low price of hollow core decking from China.
With kids I need this in my house
Amen!
Do these product require power washing to clean them? We installed one of the early generations of composite decking 17 years ago. It's a light grey and it shows a lot of dirt and mildew so I power wash it every spring. I am wondering if a smother board would be a better option.
Some of them don't like you to use a power washer, but a fan nozzle and a bit of distance and it will be just fine. 17 year old Trex is uncapped...it will stain, fade and have mildew. The new capped products don't have those issues and clean off much easier.
Want to build a large deck in normal, about 900 square feet, o ly 6" of the ground, have a 65lbs dog, sun exposure is only half day, what produ t do you recommend? Will the budget versions work?? Thank you
I’m going to do this myself and am looking at the Trex Enhance Rocky Harbor and am thinking if it will scratch much more than the Trex Transcend Island Mist. It’s a 2nd floor terrace that is 9’ x 16’, and the traffic will be mostly adults walking out and sitting on chairs. Is the Island Mist more resistant because it is thicker coating than the Rocky Harbor, or is the material itself simply harder? When we talk scratches are we talking about cutting through the skin of the board, or just what would happen if you drop a toaster oven on it?
Both...thicker cap and more durable. Trex Transcend is very durable, Enhance for sure scratches easier. But with normal use, the Enhance should be just fine unless you are super obnoxious on it. I've never see a scratch go through the cap.
We just started a deck project, the Edge product is way to hot in full sun. Any deck boards preform in the Florida sun in regards to heat?
Unfortunately all composite boards get hot. Your best bet is to stick to lighter colours as they don't get as hot as the darker colours. All of the brands seem to have some sort of "Cool Technology" and the do seem to be relatively cooler but a hot deck in the sun is still a hot deck in the sun.
Have you had a chance to look at Cali Bamdeck? I have been wanting to get a contractor to do trek, but they are suggesting Cali Bamdeck. It's a bamboo composite. Please let me what you think. I am looking for something that will not swell or shrink and will not mildew. I am seeing horrible videos on composite boards after 3 years installed. Glad I found your channel. I am hoping for your advice on the bamdeck or your 3 ones you speak of in this video.
We don't have enough experience with CaliBamboo to comment. We hear it's a good product. There are many good products that won't give you those issues you mention.
I have Cali and love it. No fade, gorgeous grain.
Hi! I live in Canada so we have some rough winters. I am looking to replace my deck with composite because my deck has high traffic since it leads to my garage and in the winter we need to shovel that area and salt it. Which would you say is the most scratch resistant and durable deck for Canadian winters? Thank you!
Trex Transcend line is one of the most durable. Fiberon Promenade is quite good as well. Trex is going to be a bit slick in those conditions, while Promenade will have a bit better traction.
What is your opinion of Fiberon Armor Guard ,vs. Evergrain decking?
Which board would be a good picture frame board around the Timbertech Maritime gray? I’m thinking Fiberon Beach House or Trex clamshell, is the beach house actually darker than maritime gray? Super informative show, has helped me greatly so far!
Clamshell for sure. Beach house wouldn't provide enough contrast in my opinion. But the graining would not match real well. I think Clam Shell would be the perfect budget option. Other options, but more premium priced...would be Fiberon Graphite or Wolf Onyx.
Hi- What are the colors of the two timbertech samples in this video? Thanks!!!
Sea Salt Gray and Maritime Gray.
Advantage using screws instead of clips? For a south/ west exposure in Toronto. Do you advise clips or screws? Thanks
Camo Edge Clips in the field boards, and screw with Pro Plug or Cortex for the picture frames and stairs. That's the winning combo.
I just installed the Trex enhanced naturals, Home depot delivered the order that took two weeks to get, all the 16' Boards were tipped up on both ends, about 1 1/2", plus all the boards are cupped and holds water, the entire length . witch made it very difficult for a one person installation with the concealed fasteners . is this common with the Home Depots line with Trex. Plus to be on the safe side, I did the floor joist at 12" O.C. very frustrating. (20' X 17') Very heavy Deck.
OK I ordered the Enhanced decking from Trex and I'm using 12" fascia boards. If I don't use the picture frame around the deck how do I cover the ugly ends and grove. Also can you stain or paint the cut ends on the boards going on the stairs to make the ends more pleasant to look at?
You could install the fascia flush to the top of the deck boards. Not a great way to do it, but the only way to hide the cut ends without a picture frame.
@@TheUltimateDeckShop called the lumber yard and reordered the boards from 12' to 20' so there will be no seams and 2 boards without groves in them.
For Trex I like the Stony Harbor but the salesman keeps pointing out how the Transcend Line is so much better so thanks for this video
as we do not have dogs nor expect to drag furniture, etc.
Also, even though it might seem like comparing apples to oranges, I like the the real wood look of the Azek/Timberline Vintage series.
Just need to ponder if Vintage is worth the extra money. Thanks again!
Trex Enhance to Azek Vintage is a huge price gap. Whether it's worth it depends on how elastic your budget is, and whether you appreciate the features that Azek might offer. For someone who believes Trex Enhance will do what they want it to do, I can't imagine a 3x price hope to Vintage would be justifiable.
The wrap does not protect the cut end of the boards. Is there a sealant that can be used safely on the material to "cap" the board ends?
No, it's not necessary, but if you wanted to for aesthetic, you could paint the ends with a colour matches exterior paint.
Just found this video. Thank you. There is one question that no one seems to answer:
How scratch resistant are they? Everyone says Trex Transcend is better than Enhance, but how much better? Is Transcend twice as resistant? 10% more resistant? 50% more resistant? It is hard to make a decision without quantifying how much better. Will Transcend stand up to moving furniture around but Enhance doesn't? Maybe the same question but with large dogs instead of furniture?
Thanks
That's a great question that I don't know how to answer scientifically. I suppose we would have to find out a "hardness" rating of the cap layer.
For us, we just try to scratch them with every day items, and get a feel for it RELATIVE to other options. For example, in your two examples, I would give Trex Enhance a 2/10 for scratch resistance and I would give Transcend an 8/10. That's simply based on the fact that I know a couple more that are more scratch resistance than Transcend, but it's much better than the average. Not scientific, but hopefully helpful.
If the furniture has a sharp bur, both will scratch. If the furniture has felt pads, neither will scratch. Rocks and dog claws may scratch Enhance, and not Transcend in many instances.
Thanks. The 2/10 and 8/10 is what I have been looking for.
Hi! @@TheUltimateDeckShop using this same back of the napkin rating system, with Enhance being 2/10 and Transcend 8/10, where would you put Edge Prime+/Sea Salt? Thank you!!
@@JesseCampbell0 I would likely put TimberTech Edge at about a 5-6/10.
I'm currently building a deck and I'm going to do a picture frame for it. What are the boards called that don't have the groove for the hidden screw down? I'd like to go in and look at these products but can't find a place in my area that has any samples at all. Funny enough, Home Depot next to me nobody even knew where they kept it and they didn't have any samples at all. thanks in advance
They are commonly referred to as "square edge" or "solid edge".
@@TheUltimateDeckShop Appreciate the answer.. although a bit late lol finished the deck and it really looks great!
How do you feel about NewTechWood Decking? Have you ever used it or heard of it? They sell that at the box stores as well so was just wondering. Thanks for the video.
NewTechWood is one of the bigger brands of Chinese manufactured decking. In our opinion, the quality is not as high as the big US made brands. It scratches and peels easily, and has some known issues with mold. I would stick with a better brand.
@@TheUltimateDeckShop Hey I would like to send you some samples of our material let me know your address to send it to. We haven't had any of those issues, unless your talking about the first generation material which those are issues with all brands. Let me know would love for you to look at our new generation of decking/siding.
Trying to decide if it's worth paying double for the premium line of any of these brands. It seems that the only real difference is appearance or am I wrong there? Are the premium lines higher in quality too?
Veranda, Grooved Edge Capped. Any idea on the quality?
Have you had trouble with Edge boards warping? I got a couple two foot long samples and one is not flat or square (both are capped on the bottom though). Maybe it would be different if it was screwed down?
We haven't had issues with warping in the field, but we have also seem the "not perfectly flat" issue you are referring to. It dips where the scallops are. That may have been early stock that was maybe extruded too hot, not sure. Not sure if it's been resolved of just our samples as well.
You say to not go to big box stores but they sell exactly these 3 brands. Are you saying they sell some lesser quality boards compared the same brands at other stores?
Box stores may sell one or more of these brands, and in those cases, it will be the same board as you'd find anywhere else UNLESS they have an exclusive line which then, yes, is usually a cheaper version of the main brand. But even when they stock a good brand, they often do not stock all the available lengths for that brand. In our market, they stock 12' lengths, sometimes 16', but never 20' lengths, rarely fascia, and rarely riser boards. A good lumber yard will have it all available for you. Please local lumber yards are often cheaper, have better service, and you're supporting a local company/family as opposed to a large multi-national.
How hot do they get in direct sunlight? Friend has a composite deck that you can’t stand on without shoes
If it's super hot out and in direct sun, they will all get hot. Lighters colours stay less hot obviously. But none of them have a heat advantage over the others.
Hey can you install this on grass to make a patio or is NewTechWood tiles better ill be making a paver based thank you
Only a handful of products would warranty ground contact: Moistureshield and Deckorators MBC.
You mentioned some using “plugs” or not using them. What does that mean?
I had heard that TimberTech is hard to get a hold of and reluctant to satisfy warranties. Anyone have actual experience to know if this is true or not?
We have certainly started hearing more and more issues over the last couple years.
Which is better for Arizona weather? Meaning the high temperatures, fluctuating temperatures and sun damage?
Of these specific brands at the budget price point, probably Fiberon Cottage or Cabana, or Trex Foggy Wharf. The lighter colours.
I have an elder who uses a walker and leans quite heavily on it. Will these stand up to that
Yes they would. If there are concerns around higher than typical residential loads, frame at 12" on centre instead for a much stronger deck.
Great very informative video, thank you!! Question: you mention don't buy no name brands from box stores but is there a difference from Fiberon Armor Guard from Home depot and Fiberon Good Life from Fiberon?
Generally box store composites are "cheapened" versions of the main brands product...often narrower, less warranty, and more scalloping. I don't have much experience with Armor Guard, sorry.
Does the fact that the grooves on the side and under the board are unprotected effect the durability
thxxx
You're welcome.
How about Duralife? I can only find Trex, veranda and Duralife where I'm in Canada.
Beautiful looking stuff, but don't have much real life experience with it. Some people like it...others say stay away because that brand has failed as a business under other names previously. But I don't have any direct experience to give personal feedback.
@@TheUltimateDeckShop thank you very much for your quick feedback. Great channel!
Having installed the Good Life I have to say I never quite felt comfortable driving the screws deep enough for plugs at the thin parts of the board. Felt like it was just about blowing through. I ended up using color matched heads wherever I couldn't avoid the scalloped area. Am I wrong?
No issues with driving the cortex near the scallops. However, also easy enough to place them at the thick part of the board since they are pretty wide. We haven't ever seen issues with screws blowing through Good Life.
David, I called fiberon and asked this same question. Some of the house brands at the big box stores such as good life have even less material on the back of it than the ones do you shown in this video. Home Depot has a fiberon Walnut that is exclusive to them with a heavy scalloped back. They told me that if you decide to face screw decking with a scalloped back, then you need to use color matched screws and do not use the caps because you have to drive the screws in too far and risk breaking as you were talking about in order to use the caps.
Which of the three is the least slippery? I want to use it around my pool.
None of these budget boards will excel at traction. They'll all be a little slick when wet. It's too close to even give one a nod as being better.
any opinion on the Wolf Perspective line by Fiberon? if so, how does it rank within these examples?
We haven't ever stocked or worked with the Perspective line so we don't have enough experience with it to provide advice. Sorry!
What about the fiberon armourguard they sell at Home Depot? Know anything about that?
It's very similar to their old Protect Advantage line that they discontinued about 5 years ago. Except the Armorguard is all scalloped, not full thickness, and only has 25 year warranty. It's a decent product. Slippery though.
Hi I have 800sq ft of deck that trex is replacing for free due to a manufacturing defect from 2001 version. The issue I'm running into with them is they are willing to comp me about 3600.00 for the enhance basic clam shell product. If I want to "upgrade" to their highest line ( Trex Transcend) and pay the difference it's very expensive. Do you think it's really worth spending 11 grand to upgrade or leave it be and take my chances on the enhance basic line. I know it's more prone to scratching.
Basically what you'll get is a much nicer looking board with the variegated streaking, and much better scratch resistance. If those things aren't worth the difference to you, then skip. They're certainly valuable things, but just depends on your budget.
Trex is JUNK
I've been in the deck business for over 25 years
Tore out all generations of Trex, Timbertech, Fiberon, Veranda, Monarch, Nexwood or the newest greatest ( mostly wood) synthetic deckings that come and go.
Have been installing High Density Polyethelyne for over 20 years now. No issues because theres no wood flour / rice hulls or whatever other garbage the composite manufacturers fill the skin of these products with.
Love how they keep introducing the newest latest greatest version.
In 20 years, the only thing that has changed in the HDPE decking is that fiberglass has been added so that it is now structural
@@dimedog33 what brands do you recommend for HDPE?
Is veranda any good that’s what my big box store carries?
Depends when you're looking. Veranda is a private label Home Depot brand. The contract on who makes it can change from year to year. It's usually Fiberon or UFP. So yes it's a decent board usually, but not as good as the branded Fiberon or UFP/Deckorators boards as they typically cut quality for cost on those boards.
I meant that as question. Which is least likely to heat up?
The lighter colour ones. No brand has a heat advantage. Stick with lighter colours if you're worried about heat.
Any thought or guidance on Veranda by Fibron?
Veranda is an okay board. It's manufactured by Fiberon. It's generally a "cheapened" version of a similar Fiberon product. By cheapened, that usually means scalloped instead of full thickness, sometimes narrower, and sometimes less warranty. So it's not as good as the brand name options, but better than the imported junk you might find next to it on the shelves at a box store.
what a heat? are any of these better for reduced heat in the summer?
No they are all comparable. Choose a lighter colour.
I've read that these composite boards can be slippery. How do these boards compare when wet?
None of the boards in this video shine in the area of traction. I would give them all about a 4-5/10. If you want amazing traction, you'll have to shop for a higher end board like Deckorators Voyage...10/10 or most PVC decking options...8/10.
@@TheUltimateDeckShop Thank you so much for that information. How do you think those Dekorator boards perform in comparison to the ones you tested in your video with those tests. I'm looking to have a deck built for a non profit home for special needs adults. So slipping as well as durability are very important.
Any experience with Armadillo composite decking?
Not too much. The feedback we hear about it is usually "slippery, scratches easy, and cut ends swell." So we haven't explored it much further do to that.
What's wrong with China wpc? why aren't you a fan?
great info thank you
Chinese manufactured boards have a long history of low quality and failures. And it's not something that appears to be improving...still lots of low cost, poor quality Chinese product out there.
How's the heat for hottest part of the world? Looking for option for around a pool without Buring kids feet. Cheers
Stick with lighter colours. No brand performs better than the other when it comes to heat.
In Quebec we have 100% recycled plastic patio boards what do you think of this product compared to Timbertech and Trex.
Can you provide a link or name?
Deckavie
Their name is Deckavie
Excuse me it' s DEKAVIE
any experience with Moistureshield decking?
Yes. The capped lines are good. Stay away from the uncapped line.
@@TheUltimateDeckShop what do you mean by Capped and uncapped lines.
@@BNice619 Composite can come in a variety of ways. Really, "composite" just means "blended". A traditional, early generation composite would be an "uncapped" composite...simply a wood fiber and plastic mix extruded. Because it has no cap, it's porous which results in staining, possible mould, and fades very easily. Capped composites have the same makeup in the core of the board, but they they also have a pure plastic shell around it to protect that wood core, and that shell/cap generally comes with a fade and stain warranty. It also allows for more vibrant colouring and nicer looking embossing.
What do you mean by 'plugs'?
Plugs refer to the screw plug covers made by Fastenermaster Cortex or Starborn Pro Plug. They are a small plug cut from the same material that covers the screw holes. The screw is countersunk, and the plug fills the hole and hides the screw.
What about retaining heat? A salesperson just told us that Trex gets much hotter than Timbertech. Is there any truth to this?
Let me guess... the saleperson sells TimberTech? There's not any truth to that. Between Trex and TimberTech's composite lines, the only major heat factor would be colour. The TimberTech AZEK PVC lines claim to be cooler, but in direct sunlight, they're no different. BUT...the PVC boards will cool off much quicker once out of the sun. That's the only real noticeable difference.
Anybody have experience with Veranda brand composite decking?
Veranda is a Home Depot brand. It's currently manufactured by Fiberon, but this can and does change from time to time depending who gets the contract. They are generally "cheapened" versions of the manufactures lines of decking. So they are generally decent products, but not as good as the manufacture's equivalent.
Any opinion on Ultradeck from Menard's? Specifically the Fusion line?
We've never heard a single good thing about any composite that comes from Menards. But not specifically familiar with the brand.
Timber Tech Azek vs Trex Transcend or Ultra Deck inspire .... Which is better?
Really depends on what you're looking for. Azek of course has multiple lines with different aesthetics. I'm not as familiar with Ultra Deck, so that would be my last choice. Trex Transcend will be more durable to scratching than Azek, but Azek will give you the longer warranty for fading and staining. Azek has better traction as well. So I would say choose the one between Azek and Trex that has the nicer looking option to your eyes.
Have anyone tried neotimer?
Come again?
Price????????
It's market dependent. They will all be similar. In around $2 per lineal USD as this time.
I think it’s hilarious that people are concerned about scratching on outdoor decks.
I think it's a valid concern to a certain extent. But an expectation that it won't scratch at all in unrealistic.
#camolever
♥️
cheapest timber tech that doesn't heat up. Clamshell in trex is nice but looks like it would get hot
TimberTech Maritime Grey
What would you personally use on your deck?
I have Fiberon Good Life Cottage on my deck (with a picture frame of Clubhouse Ironwood). Neither of the other 2 options were released yet when I did my deck. It would be a very tough decision right now. I would go with the colour that worked best.
Do you think the cottage is a good choice for a sunny south facing deck?
Remember when trex was burried in class action lawsuits for garbage products? Whats changed?
The capping of composite was the solution to many of the issues Trex faced with its early generation composites... the scaling, mold, flaking, sun bleaching are all a thing of the past for the most part.