Azek is an American brand of cellular PVC and capped composite decking, sold in the UK under the Azek and TimberTech labels. It positions itself at the premium end of the market — alongside Trex Transcend and Millboard — and is priced accordingly. In 2026, Azek decking boards cost £80–£140 per m² in the UK for materials alone, with a fully installed deck typically coming in at £150–£250 per m² depending on complexity, ground level, and local labour rates.
This puts Azek at the upper end of what you would pay for any composite or PVC decking product in the UK market. Whether that premium is justified depends on the performance characteristics you need and how long you plan to keep the deck.
What Is Azek Decking?
Azek decking is not traditional composite (wood fibre + plastic); it is cellular PVC — entirely plastic, with no organic wood fibre content. The TimberTech range (which Azek Group acquired in 2012 and sells alongside the Azek brand in the UK) includes capped composite options that blend PVC and wood content.
Key characteristics:
- No organic content — cannot rot, will not absorb moisture, highly resistant to mould and mildew
- Stain and scratch resistance — the cap layer on capped products is highly durable
- Expansion and contraction — PVC moves more than timber with temperature change; proper gapping (typically 4–6 mm between boards) is essential in UK conditions
- Colour range — available in realistic wood-effect finishes (Weathered Teak, Antique Leather, Pecan) and solid colours
- Warranty — Azek/TimberTech’s premium ranges carry 25–30 year limited warranties in the UK; fade warranties are typically 25 years
Azek Decking Cost Per m²: 2026 Breakdown
| Product tier | Materials only (per m²) | Installed (per m²) |
|---|---|---|
| TimberTech Harvest Collection | £55–£75 | £120–£170 |
| TimberTech Prime+ | £70–£95 | £140–£200 |
| TimberTech PRO Reserve | £90–£120 | £160–£220 |
| Azek Vintage Collection | £100–£140 | £180–£250 |
| Frame and substructure (steel or aluminium, per m²) | £25–£50 | Included above |
| Fixings (hidden clip system, per m²) | £8–£15 | Included above |
Prices above are approximate UK retail/trade prices as of 2026. Azek and TimberTech boards are available through specialist composite decking distributors and some national builders’ merchants.
How Does Azek Compare to Other Decking Options?
| Decking type | Material cost per m² | Installed cost per m² | Expected lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated softwood | £12–£25 | £50–£90 | 10–20 years |
| Hardwood (e.g. Ipe, balau) | £35–£80 | £90–£160 | 25–40 years |
| Entry-level composite | £20–£40 | £70–£120 | 15–25 years |
| Mid-range composite (Trex Select) | £45–£65 | £110–£160 | 25–30 years |
| Premium composite (Trex Transcend) | £70–£100 | £140–£220 | 25–30 years |
| Azek / TimberTech (capped PVC) | £80–£140 | £150–£250 | 25–30 years |
| Millboard (UK-made moulded composite) | £80–£130 | £150–£240 | 25+ years |
Azek sits alongside Millboard and Trex Transcend as a top-tier product. The price gap over entry-level composite is significant — roughly double — but the maintenance saving over pressure-treated timber over 20 years can offset much of this.
Installation Costs and Labour
A specialist decking installer charges £150–£250 per day in most UK regions. A 20 m² deck with a steel subframe will take a crew of two roughly 2–3 days, putting labour at £600–£1,500 for that size. London and South-East rates run 20–30% higher.
For Azek/TimberTech specifically, correct installation matters more than with solid timber:
- Subframe must be steel or aluminium (not timber joists) to maintain the warranty on many product lines
- Hidden fixing clips are mandatory (face-screwing voids the warranty on most Azek/TimberTech products)
- Board gaps must account for thermal expansion per the technical data sheet — typically 4–6 mm at end joints and 5 mm between board sides in summer installation, slightly wider in cold weather installation
Always use an installer who can evidence experience with PVC/composite board installation and who will provide documentation with the warranty transfer.
Running Costs and Maintenance
One of Azek’s main selling points is near-zero maintenance:
- Annual care: sweep clean, occasional wash with soapy water or a composite deck cleaner
- No oiling, staining, or sealing required
- No sanding as the cap layer is integral to the board
Over 25 years, a timber deck needs sanding and treating every 2–3 years (cost: £200–£600 each time), adding roughly £1,500–£4,500 in maintenance versus negligible for Azek.
Does Azek Require Planning Permission?
Decking in a rear garden up to 300 mm above ground level is permitted development in England. Above 300 mm, or in a front garden, or in a conservation area/listed building setting, planning permission may be required. The surface material — timber, composite, or PVC — does not affect the planning rule; what matters is height and location.
Is Azek Decking Available in the UK?
Yes, though the Azek brand itself has limited direct UK distribution. Most UK purchasers buy TimberTech-branded boards (same parent company) through distributors such as Deckstore, Arbor Forest Products, and Outdoor Designs. Lead times vary — standard colours are often available from stock, but premium Azek Vintage boards may need 4–6 weeks to source.
Should You Buy Azek Decking?
Azek/TimberTech is worth the premium if:
- You want a 25+ year deck with very low maintenance
- The deck will be in heavy use or exposed to significant moisture
- Appearance long-term is important (the cap prevents fading well)
- You are prepared to use a specialist installer who understands PVC board requirements
It is harder to justify if you have a modest budget, plan to move within 10 years, or need a deck quickly and cannot source the product locally. In those cases, a mid-range capped composite (Trex Select, Cladco, or a Millboard equivalent) delivers similar performance for 10–30% less.
