Composite Decking on Long Island: Trex, TimberTech & What to Know

Why Composite Decking Dominates Long Island New Builds

Walk through any neighborhood in Garden City, Smithtown, or Huntington and you'll notice the same thing: new decks almost universally use composite decking. The shift away from wood happened gradually through the 2010s and accelerated through the 2020s as product quality improved and Long Island homeowners got tired of the annual maintenance grind that comes with wood decks in this climate.

Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fiber and plastic — typically recycled content. The result is a board that looks like wood from a distance, resists moisture and insects, won't splinter or warp, and holds its color far better than natural wood. Most premium composite products carry 25–30 year fade and stain warranties, which is meaningful in a climate where UV exposure and humidity are constants from May through September.

The three brands you'll hear most on Long Island are Trex, TimberTech, and Azek. Each has multiple product lines at different price points and performance levels. Understanding the differences matters because composite products are not all created equal — a budget-tier composite will look and perform very differently than a premium capped composite after 10 years of Long Island weather.

Trex vs TimberTech vs Azek: How They Compare

Trex is the market leader and the name most Long Island homeowners recognize. Their product lines range from Trex Select (entry-level composite) to Trex Transcend (premium capped composite with the most realistic wood grain and the most robust warranty). Trex is widely available through local lumber yards across Nassau and Suffolk County, which keeps lead times manageable. For most homeowners looking for a quality composite at a reasonable price point, Trex Transcend is hard to beat.

TimberTech (owned by Azek Company) offers a strong lineup with excellent color retention and a realistic wood texture. Their Pro PVC line (resin board with a PVC cap) is particularly popular for waterfront properties and pool decks in communities like Massapequa, Merrick, and Wantagh where moisture exposure is high. TimberTech tends to have a slightly softer feel underfoot than Trex, which some homeowners prefer.

Azek (full PVC, no wood fiber) is the top-of-line option. Pure PVC boards have no organic material to absorb moisture or feed mold, making them ideal for Long Island's coastal conditions. Azek is more expensive — often 20–30% above comparable composite — but for a pool deck, beachside property, or homeowner who simply wants the lowest-maintenance option available, it's the best product on the market. Installation cost on Long Island for Azek typically runs $28–$42 per square foot installed.

When comparing quotes from Long Island contractors, make sure you're comparing the same product tier. A low quote may use entry-level composite while a higher quote uses capped composite — very different products with very different lifespans.