Trex Decking vs. Azek Decking

Have you started the process of exploring your decking options? If so, you may have narrowed down your choices to the two best composite decking products on the market: Trex and Azek. Both of these decking materials offer superior quality and durability. However, which of these two options is the best? Trex decking or Azek decking? In today’s blog, we’ll compare the two options to help you decide which is the best decking choice for your patio.

What Is Composite Decking?

Before we start comparing the two top decking options on the market, what exactly is composite decking? It’s a man-made building product made from recycled plastic and/or wood fibers. Because composite decking is so resistant and impervious to rot, they have a significantly longer lifespan than regular wood decking. They require very little to no maintenance at all! Unlike their wooden counterpart, composite decking doesn’t require:

  • Staining
  • Sanding
  • Sealing

What is Trex Decking?

Trex decking is composed of 95% recycled material, including plastic, sawdust, and reclaimed wood. This material is designed to look and feel like natural wood. Compared to other composite or PVC decking, Trex has an excellent reputation for genuinely looking and feeling like real wood. It was designed to showcase the beauty of wood without all the maintenance. These eco-friendly, high-performance boards can withstand many years of sun, rain, and snow while keeping their color vibrance.

Trex Decking Benefits

  • Looks like natural wood – Trex boards are engineered to mimic the subtle imperfections of wood. Boards have several different colors added to enhance their natural appearance.
  • Durable outer shell – Trex features a durable outer shell that’s scratch resistant. This means that everyday things like dragging a chair and letting your dog run aloof won’t damage your decking.
  • Eco-Friendly – Made from 95% recycled materials, Trex decking is one of the most eco-friendly products on the market.

What is Azek Decking?

Azek decking is composed of cellular PVC material, which is essentially plastic. Thanks to the absence of wooden fibers, it will not absorb moisture or be susceptible to rot. Similar to Trex, its composite core and strong coating will keep the deck looking beautiful by repelling dents, scratches, and even bugs. Azek also features an Alloy Armour shell, which prevents fading from the sun’s harsh rays.

Azek Decking Benefits

  • Durable outer shell – Azek features a scratch-resistant outer coating that will let you perform daily tasks without restraints
  • UV protection – Azek has an Alloy Armour coating that resists fading under the sun
  • Capped polymer decking – Azek is engineered to last longer than any other composite decking

Both Trex and Azek decking offer extraordinary benefits. While they both offer almost identical benefits, there are some points one is stronger than the other. Below we’ll compare both composite decking materials regarding different features:

Trex Decking vs. Azek Decking

Trex vs. Azek – Which is More Scratch Resistant?

While both decking materials are highly scratch-resistant, Treks seems to be slightly more scratch-resistant than Azek.

-> Winner: Trex

Trex vs. Azek – Which is More Durable?

When taking into account the durability of composite decking, you have to look beyond the exterior coating. Trex’s core is composed of 95% recycled material, while Azek is composed of PVC. Plastic lasts significantly longer than natural materials, making it the winner in durability

-> Winner: Azek

Trex vs. Azek – Which One Looks More Like Real Wood?

Out of Trex and Azek, Trex definitely gets the win when it comes to the resemblance of real wood. While Azek also highly resembles wood, Trex has more details that make it appear more like the real thing!

-> Winner: Trex

Trex vs. Azek – Which is More Fade Resistant?

When it comes to fade resistance, Azek’s Alloy Armour coating is going to come in handy. Both composite decking options offer excellent anti-fading benefits, but Azek will fade less over time.

-> Winner: Azek

At the end of the day, both composite decking options are great decking options. The only difference will be a few strong points each excels in. When deciding on the perfect decking for your patio project, be sure to consider your priories and select accordingly. At Deck & Patios, we install both Trex decking and Azek Decking. Regardless of your choice, we can install your preferred decking choice. We’re also more than happy to give you some tips depending on your specific decking plans! Give us a call at (866) 572-0527, or click here for a FREE quote!