Once a Sunbury homeowner decides on composite over wood, the very next question is almost always the same: TimberTech or Trex? They're the two names you'll see most in Central Ohio, both are excellent, and you won't go wrong with either. But they're built a little differently — and in our freeze-thaw climate those differences are worth understanding before you commit.
The quick answer
If you want the widest range of proven capped-composite boards at a friendly price, Trex is hard to beat. If you want the most moisture- and stain-resistant board that also runs coolest underfoot — and you're building in full sun — TimberTech's AZEK PVC lines are the premium pick. Most people land on a mid-tier line from one brand or the other, and choose on color as much as anything.
What's actually different
The key distinction is what the board is made of under its protective cap:
- Trex — capped wood-composite across its mainstream lines (Enhance, Select, Transcend). A recycled wood-and-plastic core wrapped in a hard polymer shell that keeps water and stains out.
- TimberTech PRO — also capped wood-composite, TimberTech's direct answer to Trex's lineup.
- TimberTech AZEK — capped PVC: all-polymer, no wood in the core at all. That makes it the lightest, most moisture-proof, and coolest-running option, and it carries TimberTech's longest warranties.
Side by side for Ohio
| Factor | Trex (mainstream lines) | TimberTech (PRO / AZEK) |
|---|---|---|
| Core material | Capped wood-composite | PRO: wood-composite · AZEK: all-PVC |
| Freeze-thaw resistance | Excellent — capped, won't absorb water | Excellent; AZEK PVC is the most moisture-proof |
| Heat underfoot | Cooler in lighter colors | AZEK PVC runs coolest; color still matters |
| Stain / scratch resistance | Very good (capped) | Very good; AZEK edges ahead on stains |
| Warranty range | ~25–50 yr limited (by line) | ~30–50 yr limited (by line) |
| Color / grain range | Broad, many wood-tone options | Broad; AZEK offers deep multi-tonal looks |
What it costs (typical Central Ohio ranges)
The figures below are general market ranges for Central Ohio — a starting point for planning, not a quote. Installed pricing depends on the board line, deck size and height, railing, and site conditions:
- Entry capped composite (Trex Enhance, TimberTech PRO base): roughly $30–$40/sq ft installed.
- Mid-tier composite (Trex Select, TimberTech PRO higher lines): roughly $38–$50/sq ft installed.
- Premium PVC / flagship (Trex Transcend, TimberTech AZEK): roughly $45–$65/sq ft installed.
For a fuller breakdown of what drives the total on a real project, see how much a deck costs in Sunbury.
How to actually choose
Both brands will outlast a wood deck by decades — see how long composite decks last in Ohio. So don't agonize over the logo. Instead: pick the color and grain you love first, then match it to the tier that fits your budget, and lean toward a PVC line if your deck bakes in full afternoon sun or sits low to damp ground. Get samples in hand and set them on your deck at different times of day before you decide.
A good share of the composite decks we build are replacements for original builder-grade wood, especially in the established neighborhoods around northern Delaware County. If that's your project, see deck installation in Powell or composite deck replacement in Westerville.
Still deciding between boards? We build with both TimberTech and Trex and will bring samples to your Sunbury or Delaware County home, then give you a free written estimate for the exact line and color you like. Start on our composite deck page or request a free estimate.