AZEK decking verses TREX decking

3Ts · Jul 26, 2020

KennyG said:
They are probably both very good. I have Azek and it's done quite well for about 8 years now. I pressure wash a couple of times a year and spot clean any stained areas (grease, mold, tree sap). The hidden fastener systems looks good and is reliable. I have a combination of light and dark tones and fading is minimal at this time.

The negatives are heat buildup in the sun and being slippery with snow and frost, but I think that's going to be the case wiht any composite.

KennyG - are you sure you've got Azek for your deck surface? If so, please post a picture.

coobie · Jul 26, 2020

3Ts said:
I'm not aware of any Azek product intended for decking. Azek and Trex are 2 different products intended to be used in different ways. Azek is a PVC board (same as the PVC pipe) it works well as mouldings, and trim and does not need to be painted even in exterior applications. I have it on my cabin and really like it in it's use as trim. It's easy to clean, except where a cut is made and left exposed. When a cut is made a lot of little cells (like honeycomb) are exposed and will collect dirt and be difficult to clean. Those need to be sealed - one way is to use paint another is to sand and then wipe with Acetone, but I've not be especially satisfied with those results. It is not self supporting so spans are limited.

From the Azek website: The Most Trusted Name in Trim, Moulding and Fastening | AZEK Exteriors

Your website is different then mine. AZEK is tied into timbertech products.

3Ts · Jul 26, 2020

coobie said:
Your website is different then mine. AZEK is tied into timbertech products.

Interesting. I wonder how the term "Azek" can be used by two different companies? As for your Azek, I'd look closely at what happens when you have to cut the board (as in cut to length or rip it to fit a narrow space). It talks about 3 and 4 sided caps, but there are 6 sides to a board (including the ends). Does a cut edge have to be sealed? Can a cut edge be left exposed and does it have the same color all the way thru or is it just in the cap?

I am completely unaware of this version of "Azek" so if you go this route be sure to post how the project goes, the stuff sounds interesting.

om21braz · Jul 26, 2020

Here is another good choice:
Explore With Decking Visualizer | Royal Building Products

I do not have a Zuri deck, but I can say that they put in quite a bit of time testing and developing the product. Evaluated for years in various climates prior to sales in either. Their product is cellular PVC, not a conglomeration of plastic and fibers as some other are. Best of luck with finding a product to fit your needs.

KennyG · Jul 26, 2020

Multiple companies can have the same name as long as they are not direct competitors. My Azek is solid and the cuts can be exposed and look fine. However, my design used contrasting edging boards so it has almost no exposed edges. However, I used cut pieces of decking board to top my posts and they look fine.

When I get to the computer with photos on it, I will post some.

Hay Dude · Jul 26, 2020

I have a 20 yr old Trex deck thats held up very well. In fact, my treated lumber framing is rotting and the decking is still fine.

lilranch2001 · Jul 26, 2020

What I never liked about composite back in the day was static, did they cure that?

KennyG · Jul 26, 2020

Here are some photos of my Azek deck. Note the use of contrasting colors at the edges of the steps. I think this has turned out to be a valuable safety feature in the design. The posts are 4 x 4s that are covered with the Azek post covers and topped with a section of decking that was painted black.