Composite vs. PVC Decking: TimberTech, AZEK & Trex Compared for Atlanta Homeowners

Choosing the right decking material is one of the most important decisions you will make when investing in your outdoor living space. For homeowners in the Atlanta metro area, that decision is shaped by a climate that demands real performance: intense summer heat, heavy humidity, over 50 inches of annual rainfall, and significant UV exposure from April through October.

If you have been researching composite and PVC decking, you have almost certainly encountered three dominant brands: TimberTech, AZEK (now part of the TimberTech family), and Trex. Each offers compelling benefits, and each approaches the challenge of outdoor durability differently. This guide breaks down what you need to know so you can move forward with confidence.

Understanding the Material: Composite vs. PVC Decking

Before comparing brands, it helps to understand the two core material categories on the market today. Though composite and PVC decking are often grouped together, they are fundamentally different products.

Composite Decking

Composite decking is manufactured from a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic polymers. The wood fibers give the boards a natural weight and feel, while the polymer matrix provides resistance to rot, insects, and weathering. Premium composite boards are wrapped in a protective polymer cap that shields the core from moisture, UV damage, and staining. Trex and TimberTech both produce capped composite lines.

PVC (Capped Polymer) Decking

PVC decking, sometimes referred to as capped polymer decking, contains no organic wood fibers whatsoever. The core and cap are both made entirely from synthetic PVC material. This distinction matters in a humid climate like Atlanta’s, because the absence of wood content means PVC boards have zero capacity to absorb moisture. TimberTech’s Advanced PVC line (formerly branded as AZEK) is the leading product in this category.

Why the Distinction Matters in Atlanta

Atlanta’s combination of heat and humidity creates an environment where moisture-related issues—mold growth, swelling, and warping—are legitimate concerns for any outdoor structure. Composite boards with four-sided capping perform very well in this environment, but PVC boards offer an additional layer of protection because their core material is completely inorganic. For homeowners building decks close to grade level or in low-airflow areas where moisture tends to linger, this difference can be meaningful.

Brand Overview: TimberTech, AZEK & Trex

TimberTech (Composite Lines)

TimberTech’s composite decking is organized into several collections, including Legacy, Reserve, and Terrain. All TimberTech composite boards feature four-sided capping—a detail that sets them apart, as some competitors only cap the top and edges. Made from up to 85% recycled materials, these boards deliver realistic wood grain textures with proprietary multi-tonal color blending. Warranties range from 25 to 30 years depending on the collection, with a 30-year fade and stain warranty on the top-tier Legacy and Reserve lines.

TimberTech Advanced PVC (Formerly AZEK)

When TimberTech and AZEK merged, the AZEK PVC decking lines were brought under the TimberTech brand as TimberTech Advanced PVC. These boards are available in three collections: Vintage (premium wire-brushed hardwood aesthetics), Landmark (crosscut cathedral grain with matte finish), and Harvest (classic cathedral grain in solid color tones). The Advanced PVC line is backed by a Lifetime Limited Product Warranty and a 50-Year Fade & Stain Warranty—the strongest coverage in the industry. These boards stay up to 30 degrees cooler than competitive composite products, offer 40% better traction in wet conditions, and are made from approximately 60% recycled material.

Trex

Trex is the world’s largest manufacturer of composite decking and the brand most homeowners encounter first. Their current lineup includes Enhance (entry-level, 25-year warranty), Select (mid-range, 35-year warranty), Transcend and Transcend Lineage (premium, 50-year warranty), and the new Signature line (ultra-premium with the highest scratch resistance). The Transcend Lineage collection is particularly notable for its SunComfortable™ Technology, which reduces heat buildup by up to 35 degrees compared to standard Trex boards—a significant advantage for Atlanta’s hot summers. Trex boards are made from 95% recycled and reclaimed materials.

Head-to-Head Comparison by Product Line

The following table breaks down each individual product line from all three brands so you can see exactly how they compare. Pricing shown reflects real-world installed cost ranges including typical contractor markup, substructure, and fasteners.

Performance in Atlanta’s Climate

Heat Retention and Barefoot Comfort

Any decking product will get hot in direct Georgia sun. That said, there are meaningful differences in how these boards manage heat. TimberTech Advanced PVC boards are engineered to stay up to 30 degrees cooler than competitive composites, making them noticeably more comfortable underfoot during peak summer months. Trex’s Transcend Lineage collection uses proprietary SunComfortable™ Technology to reduce heat buildup by up to 35 degrees compared to standard Trex boards. Both are strong options for Atlanta. Lighter color selections will always perform better in terms of heat, regardless of brand.

Moisture, Mold & Mildew Resistance

With Atlanta averaging roughly 50 inches of rainfall per year and humidity levels that often exceed 80% in summer, moisture performance is critical. TimberTech Advanced PVC decking has the edge here because its 100% synthetic composition means zero moisture absorption at the core level. TimberTech composite boards with their four-sided capping also perform very well, as the sealed core prevents moisture intrusion from any direction. Trex boards are capped on three sides and incorporate mold and mildew resistance into their shell technology. All three brands are excellent choices, but for decks in particularly humid microclimates—near pools, at ground level, or in heavily shaded areas—PVC offers the highest degree of protection.

UV Fade Resistance

Atlanta’s long summers deliver substantial UV exposure. All three brands engineer their products to resist fading, but warranty coverage tells an important part of the story. TimberTech Advanced PVC carries a 50-year fade and stain warranty. Trex Transcend Lineage also carries a 50-year warranty. TimberTech’s composite Legacy and Reserve collections offer 30-year fade and stain protection. These are among the strongest guarantees in the industry, and they provide real assurance that your investment will hold its color for decades.

Maintenance in Humid Conditions

None of these products require sanding, staining, or sealing—ever. Routine cleaning with soap and water is all that is needed. In Atlanta’s climate, you may want to clean your deck one to two times per year to address pollen buildup (a reality of spring in the Southeast) and to prevent any surface mildew from taking hold. A pressure washer on a low setting or a soft-bristle brush with a recommended deck cleaner will keep any of these products looking their best.

Cost Comparison and Long-Term Value

Upfront cost is always a consideration, but the true value of a decking investment is measured over its full lifespan. The prices below reflect real-world installed costs in the Atlanta market, which include materials, substructure, fasteners, and professional labor.

TimberTech Composite installed costs typically range from $7 to $13 per square foot depending on the collection. The Legacy collection sits at the higher end with its premium hand-scraped aesthetics and 30-year warranty coverage, while the Prime+ line provides an accessible entry point with four-sided capping.

TimberTech Advanced PVC installed costs typically range from $11 to $18 per square foot. This is the premium tier, and the price reflects the Lifetime Product Warranty, 50-year fade and stain coverage, and the superior moisture performance of full PVC construction. The Vintage collection commands the highest price in this category.

Trex offers the broadest range, from approximately $6 per square foot installed for Enhance Basics up to $19 per square foot for the ultra-premium Signature line. This makes Trex the most accessible brand for homeowners across different budget levels, while still offering top-tier options for those seeking the best.

The Real ROI Consideration

Compared to a pressure-treated wood deck that requires staining every two to three years (at a cost of roughly $1,500–$2,000 per cycle for an average-sized deck), composite and PVC decking eliminate those recurring maintenance expenses entirely. Over a 25-year period, the maintenance savings alone can exceed the upfront cost difference between wood and composite. Factor in the significantly longer lifespan—often 25 to 50+ years versus 10 to 15 years for untreated or poorly maintained wood—and the value proposition becomes even stronger.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

TimberTech Composite

• Pro: Four-sided capping on all collections, including entry-level boards
• Pro: Excellent multi-tonal color blending and realistic wood grain textures
• Pro: Up to 85% recycled content
• Con: Standard composite heat retention (lighter colors recommended for hot climates)
• Con: Shorter warranty period compared to PVC lines

TimberTech Advanced PVC (Formerly AZEK)

• Pro: Zero wood content means superior moisture resistance and no mold risk at the core
• Pro: Industry-best Lifetime Product Warranty and 50-Year Fade & Stain Warranty
• Pro: Up to 30° cooler, 40% better traction, and 30% lighter than competing composites
• Pro: Class A Flame Spread Rating on Vintage and Landmark collections
• Con: Highest price point of the three options
• Con: Slightly fewer color options per collection compared to composite lines

Trex

• Pro: Broadest product range from budget-friendly to ultra-premium
• Pro: SunComfortable™ Technology on Lineage reduces heat by up to 35°
• Pro: 95% recycled content—the highest in the industry
• Pro: Widest availability through major home centers and specialty dealers
• Con: Entry-level Enhance line is capped on three sides only (not the underside)
• Con: No PVC product line—composite only (for PVC, look to TimberTech Advanced PVC)

A Note on Installation

Regardless of which brand or material you choose, the quality of your installation is just as important as the quality of the product itself. All three manufacturers require that their products be installed according to specific guidelines in order to maintain warranty coverage. Using a manufacturer-certified contractor is the best way to protect your investment. Certified installers are trained on the specific installation requirements of the products they work with, which means your project is built to the highest standards and your warranties remain fully valid.

At Peachtree Decks & Porches, we hold certifications from Trex, TimberTech, Deckorators, MoistureShield, and Fortress. We have been building luxury outdoor living spaces in the Atlanta area for over 18 years and have completed thousands of projects. Every board, beam, and fastener is installed exactly as the manufacturer intended.

Making Your Decision

There is no single “best” decking product—only the best product for your specific project. If you are looking for the most comprehensive moisture protection and the longest warranty in the industry, TimberTech Advanced PVC is the premium choice. If you want a beautiful, high-performance composite at a strong value, TimberTech’s composite Legacy or Reserve collections deliver exceptional quality. And if you want the widest selection of price points with proven performance and the highest recycled content, Trex offers a lineup that covers every need.

What matters most is that your material selection, design, and installation are all handled with the same level of care and expertise. A methodical process—from initial consultation through design, selections, permitting, and construction—is what separates a project you love from one that falls short.

Ready to explore your options? Schedule a consultation with Peachtree Decks & Porches. We will visit your home, discuss your vision, and help you select the material, color, and design that are right for your space, your lifestyle, and Atlanta’s climate.