Azek is the original all-PVC decking brand. Launched in the early 1990s as a trim board company, they moved into decking before most of their competitors existed. Unlike Trex, Fiberon, and MoistureShield (all of which use wood-plastic composites), Azek boards are solid polymer. No wood fiber. No sawdust. Just PVC through and through. The practical result: they will not absorb water, will not swell in humidity, and will not feed mold. They also feel cooler than composite under bare feet in summer heat.
Last updated: June 2026 — Prices verified against Azek authorized dealers, The Deck Store, and 2026 contractor bid data. Azek, TimberTech, and Vintage are registered trademarks of The Azek Company.
Azek Decking Cost Calculator
Azek Product Line Comparison — Vintage vs Arbor vs Harvest
Azek has three tiers. The core material (PVC) is the same across all lines. What changes is the cap quality, the color selection, and the grain depth:
| Feature | Vintage | Arbor | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price/LF (material) | $11–16 | $9–14 | $8–13 |
| Installed Cost/SF | $30–42 | $26–36 | $22–32 |
| Material Core | Solid PVC (no wood) | Solid PVC (no wood) | Solid PVC (no wood) |
| Colors Available | 10+ (tropical, exotic, driftwood) | 6 (natural wood tones) | 4 (classic browns) |
| Grain Depth | Deep cathedral + wire-brush | Medium emboss | Subtle emboss |
| Board Widths | 5.5" + 7.25" wide plank | 5.5" standard | 5.5" standard |
| Edge Profile | Square + grooved | Square + grooved | Square only |
| Warranty | Lifetime limited + 50 yr fade | Lifetime limited + 50 yr fade | Lifetime limited + 50 yr fade |
| Best For | Premium homes, coastal, full sun | Standard residential, value PVC | Budget PVC, rentals, covered decks |
Which Azek Line Should You Choose?
Vintage — Premium PVC, Best Aesthetics
Vintage is Azek's flagship. The 7.25" wide-plank option transforms the proportions of your deck: fewer seams, wider sightlines, a more architectural feel. Colors like Morado (deep mahogany) and Acacia (warm tropical brown) are exclusive to Vintage. The cathedral grain emboss is molded from scans of actual hardwood planks. At trade shows, contractors consistently pick Vintage as the best-looking PVC board on the market. You pay a premium for it. Cost for a 300 SF deck (materials): $7,260–10,560.
Arbor — Solid PVC, Moderate Price
Arbor bridges Vintage and Harvest. Same PVC core and lifetime warranty. Fewer color choices (6 vs 10+) and a less aggressive grain pattern, but still textured enough to not feel like plastic underfoot. If Azek's moisture resistance and cooler surface temperature appeal to you but Vintage pricing does not, Arbor is the practical choice. Most contractors pair Arbor with Azek's Inspire railing system for a matched build that costs 15–20% less than full Vintage. Cost for a 300 SF deck (materials): $5,940–9,240.
Harvest — PVC at the Lowest Price Point
Harvest is the entry PVC. Four colors, standard 5.5" width, subtle grain. Lifetime warranty still applies. The tradeoff: square-edge boards only (no grooved option), so hidden fasteners are not possible. You will be face-screwing through the top or plugging with Cortex. For a budget deck where you want the Azek name and PVC longevity without premium aesthetics, it works. Most buyers in this range end up moving to Arbor for the hidden-fastener compatibility. Cost for a 300 SF deck (materials): $5,280–8,580.
Azek vs TimberTech vs Trex — Material-Only Cost Comparison
| Brand / Product Line | Material $/LF | Material $/SF | Warranty | Material Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azek Vintage | $11–16 | $22–32 | Lifetime limited | All-polymer PVC |
| TimberTech Advanced PVC | $10–15 | $20–30 | Lifetime limited | All-polymer PVC |
| Trex Transcend | $8–12 | $16–24 | 25 yr limited | Capped composite |
| Fiberon Horizon | $6–10 | $12–20 | 25 yr limited | Capped composite |
| PT Wood — reference | $3–6 | $6–12 | None | Treated pine |
Azek Installation — What You Need to Know Before Buying
Azek PVC installs differently from composite or wood. The boards are lighter, more flexible, and have specific requirements for expansion gaps, fastener types, and joist spacing. Most bad reviews of Azek come from installers who treated it like Trex:
Expansion Gaps — 1/4" Minimum for PVC
PVC expands more than composite in heat. Azek specifies 1/4" minimum end-to-end gap on butt joints when installing below 50°F. Above 80°F during install, 1/8" is sufficient. Side-to-side between boards: 3/16" minimum if installing in cool weather, 1/8" if warm. Skip the gapping and your deck will buckle by August. Boards push against each other until something gives.
Joist Spacing — 12" OC Recommended for PVC
Azek's official spec allows 16" OC for residential, but experienced contractors in Florida and Texas frame at 12" OC. PVC is more flexible than capped composite. At 16" spacing, Azek boards develop a slight bounce that some homeowners dislike. Diagonal installs require 12" OC minimum. The tighter framing adds about $3–5 per square foot in joist cost but eliminates any concern about sagging over time.
PVC-Specific Fasteners — Stainless Steel Required
Azek requires stainless steel fasteners. Not coated deck screws, not galvanized. The tannins in treated lumber react with standard fasteners over time, causing staining and corrosion. Stainless steel screws or Cortex hidden fasteners with stainless collated screws are required. Azek-branded Cortex runs $1.10–1.50 per linear foot of decking. Within 5 miles of salt water, use 316-grade marine stainless steel exclusively. Budget estimate: 300 SF deck = ~660 LF = $725–990 in fasteners.