Which Deck Boards Look Most Like Real Wood?

Hudson Rehm
Jul 31
2 min read

One of the most common questions we hear is, “We want composite, but we want it to look like real wood.” Here’s how the major brands stack up when it comes to mimicking the natural look of wood:

1. TimberTech AZEK® (Vintage™) & TimberTech PRO® (Legacy™)

These are some of the most realistic looking boards on the market. The graining is multi-tonal, textured, and varies board to board just like real wood. AZEK is PVC, but you’d never guess it by the look. Legacy boards (in the PRO line) are capped composites with a hand scraped appearance.

Best for: Homeowners who want the warmth and variation of wood without the upkeep.

2. Trex Transcend®

Trex’s top-tier line has a rich, wood-like grain and comes in deep, earthy tones. While slightly less realistic than TimberTech, it still offers a strong balance between durability and aesthetic.

Best for: Those who want a trusted composite brand with a refined, classic wood look.

3. Deckorators Voyage™

Deckorators boards don’t aim to look exactly like wood, but they offer modern wood-inspired variation with a matte finish and beautiful color streaking. They have a sleeker, more contemporary style than traditional wood.

Best for: Homeowners wanting a natural, but modern aesthetic.

4. MoistureShield Vision®

These boards have a subtle wood grain with a more matte finish. They’re not as detailed or hand-scraped looking as others, but they still present a clean, neutral look that works well for minimalist designs.

Best for: High-performance builds where function meets subtle design.

5. WearDeck

WearDeck is designed for industrial strength and marine durability, not wood mimicry. Its boards are smooth and solid-colored with minimal grain—ideal for function, not realism.

Best for: Commercial, coastal, or marine builds where strength and longevity matter most.

If your goal is the most natural look possible without the hassle of real wood, TimberTech’s Legacy and Vintage lines are at the top of the list.

Check out the photos below. Images courtesy of the manufacturers.