Does Composite Decking Get Hot in the Sun?

If you’re shopping for decking choices, comfort is definitely one of your major considerations. So, you’re probably going to be asking, “Does composite decking get hot in the sun?”

The quick answer is yes – like everything that’s exposed to the sun, it can get heated. But don’t let that discourage you from picking composite boards. We’ll get into the why below, with suggestions and tactics to help keep your deck cooler.

How Hot Can Composite Decking Get?

In warm, sunny locations, composite lumber decks can be anywhere from 35 to 76 degrees hotter than the ambient air temperature, which can be rather hot if it’s a 90-degree day outside.

Is that hotter than a wood deck? Well, no.

Heat has been called a con for composite decking, but it was more true of older composite materials. Thanks to improvements by many manufacturers, contemporary composite decking is no hotter than wood today. In reality, material is less important than color for temperature with current composites.

In hot weather, you’ll probably want to go for composite decking, as most newer composites are generally more resistant to heat than wood decks. Wood expands and contracts with temperature changes, which can lead to cracking and splintering. Composite decking does not have this problem, making it more durable and lasting longer, especially in temperature extremes.

How does color add to heat?

You’ve definitely heard the suggestion to wear light-colored clothes on hot, bright days—and for good reason. Darker colors absorb and retain more heat than brighter colors, which reflect heat and light.

The same goes for decking. Decking with darker colours, wood or composite, will get hotter in the summer sun than decking in lighter colours. Decks are large, flat surfaces that are usually located in full sun, not shaded locations; thus, this is even worse. That exposure naturally makes them get hotter than the yard around the deck.

How to Make Your Deck Cooler

There are a few things to keep in mind to assist keep your deck cooler.

Color is first, as stated. Opt for lighter colors over darker colors to reflect the heat rather than absorb it. Note that you definitely don’t want to go too light – a dazzling white deck might give you a cooler surface temperature, but it can also become excessively bright and glare on sunny days. Choose grays, soft tans, or light wood tones to attain the right combination of heat absorption and light reflectance.

Also consider the water-absorbing or repelling capabilities of materials. For example, softwoods can absorb a large amount of water in humid or wet weather. That wet wood when the sun is shining might get a lot hotter than a dry material. Composites can assist you in staying cooler because they don’t absorb as much water as lumber.

Another approach to keep a deck cooler is to have the correct airflow. The simplest way to ventilate a deck is to leave it off the ground so air can flow below. Taller decks will be naturally ventilated.  But for decks that are a foot or two off the ground, you’ll want to make sure they’re not hemmed in by borders, shrubs, skirting or other impediments that might block air from flowing underneath.

Finally, you may also think about darkening the deck. Many homeowners don’t want to place permanent shade structures or trees near the deck, as the sun may help dry the surface after it rains. A dry deck can assist in preventing the buildup of mold, mildew, and moss. You can always put up a roll-out canopy or a big umbrella to shade and chill parts of the deck when it gets too hot.

Conclusion

So, does composite decking become hot?  It does. But the bottom line is that all surfaces will grow hot when the sun is shining. Composite decking can help you stay cooler because it is more moisture-resistant and has a larger selection of light neutral tints.

FAQ

How Does Heat Travel?

Interestingly, heat moves faster between your feet and the composite decking material than between your feet and the wood.

This means that your initial steps on composite wood decking will be hotter. However, if you do not move away, your feet will absorb the heat and the composite decking will begin to cool.

The opposite is true for wooden decking. When it’s hot, standing on a wooden deck for an extended period of time causes your feet to heat up.

Is Composite Decking Safe for Pets?

Consider more than just your feet. You should also consider your pets. In general, surfaces exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit can be extremely painful, whereas surfaces over 130 degrees Fahrenheit can cause burns, damage, and scarring.

To be safe, check the deck’s temperature before letting your dog walk on it. Press the back of your hand against the deck surface for at least seven seconds. If your hand feels excessively warm, so will your dog’s paws.

If the surface temperature of the composite decking is higher, and your pet prefers to remain outside. Then you can place a blanket on the deck.