Do composite decks get hotter than wood?

High-quality modern composite boards don't become hotter than traditional wooden deck boards. In addition, the lighter the color of the composite deck boards that you choose, the cooler they will stay in direct sunlight. Keep reading for answers to more composite deck questions answered by your expert deck builder.

Do composite decks get too hot?

Wood composite decks exposed to direct sunlight can easily become too hot to walk on with bare feet. Unfortunately, hot decking prevents homeowners from fully enjoying their investment and presents a safety risk for children and pets.

How much hotter is composite decking than wood?

While older variations of the material could heat up significantly, newer renditions of composite decking will not get hotter than traditional wood. On average, the surface of composite decking can become 35° – 76° F hotter than the surrounding air.

Does composite decking get hot to walk on?

Both Wood and Composite Decking Are Hot in the Sun to Walk On. All decking will be hot to the touch. Steps can be taken to reduce the decking temperature, but it will still be hot to the touch. Meaning that regardless if your decking is wood or composite, it will be hot in the sun.

How do I make my composite deck less hot?

Composite Decking - Does it Get HOT? Is it HOTTER than WOOD?

How do you cool down a composite deck?

If you're choosing plastic and composite decking materials, opt for light and cool shades. It will significantly reduce the temperature during hot seasons. Of course, it also applies to the outside furniture. If you have couches, chairs, and pillows, consider changing their covers to a lighter one.

What is the coolest composite decking?

TimberTech capped polymer decking is engineered to be cooler to the touch, even in direct sunlight. TimberTech AZEK decking, our capped polymer decking line, features advanced materials science in its core and cap that makes it more heat resistant than other composite decking products.

Is composite decking hot in summer?

But how hot can composite decking get in the sun? One study found that in direct sunlight, composite decks can reach temperatures from 34° to 76° F hotter than the surrounding air. On an 80° day, that could mean a deck surface temperature of more than 150°.

Why is my Trex deck so hot?

Like many other outdoor surfaces, such as concrete, asphalt, beach sand, wood decking, other brands of composite decking, etc., Trex decking can get hot due to weather and sun exposure.

What gets hotter Trex or wood?

So, does composite decking get hot in direct sunlight? While early composite decks were very sensitive to temperature and did get notoriously hot, any new composite decking will be much more resistant to heat. High-quality modern composite boards don't become hotter than traditional wooden deck boards.

Does composite decking get too hot for dogs?

Composite decking will be hotter on your dog's paws than the grass in your yard. But there is composite decking that is not too hot for dogs to walk on. Composite decking that allows your dog to enjoy being on the deck in the summer heat. The temperature of your decking is critical in summer for dogs.

How do you cool a hot deck?

Does a black deck get hot?

Darker colored decks will absorb heat from the hot summer sun, so if your deck is on the south side of your house, a dark colored floor can make it very difficult to use the deck during the afternoon and early evening in summer.

Which is better for decking wood or composite?

While they often cost more than wood, composite materials offer the promise of greater durability and less maintenance. Wood is still the most common choice for deck material,¹ but it doesn't last forever. Composites may be more durable, but they might lack the natural look and color you are looking for.

Is composite decking worth the money?

There is no doubt that composite decking material is more expensive than wood. However, it is valued for its striking resemblance to natural wood and efficiency making it an excellent choice for decking. It is easier to clean and maintain which makes it last long enough to transfer the same value to the next homeowner.

Does composite decking burn?

Composite decking is not fire-resistant. It will burn and become deformed if exposed to high levels of heat. Composite decking is designed to slow flame spread, with most having a class C flame rating, similar to wood decking, but some are rated as high as Class A, equivalent to concrete products.

How do you make a Trex less hot?

Does TimberTech decking get hot?

*Although TimberTech AZEK decking products are cooler to the touch than many other deck board products, all decking products will get hot in the sun. Additionally, the darker the decking color, the hotter it will feel. For hotter climates, consider choosing a lighter color.

What decking does not get hot?

When you're looking for the ultimate wood decking that stays cooler in the summer, there is not a better option than Ipe. Ipe decking packs in a lot of features and is one of our top choices for many reasons. It's a very dense wood which makes it incredibly durable and causes it retains less heat than its counterparts.

Does composite decking get hotter than concrete?

Wood boards or composite plastic decking allow heat to transfer, rather than absorb, much more readily. While concrete won't stay cool in ten hours a day of direct sunlight, it certainly won't fry an egg or burn your feet at the beach.

Does composite decking warp in sun?

Your composite deck may not warp, but it can sag and buckle. Most sagging is caused by improper spacing between the joists when it is installed. Also, thermal expansion, the fluctuation of temperatures, can have a more significant effect on composite decking than on natural wood decking.

How long do composite decks last?

Composite decking requires minimal upkeep and can last between 25 and 30 years. On average, plastic decking has a similar lifespan to composite decking and can last nearly 30 years.

Does PVC deck get hot?

All Decking, PVC, Composite and Wood Will Get Hot in the Sun

All decking will be hot to the touch. Steps can be taken to reduce the decking temperature, but it will still be hot to the touch. Meaning that regardless if your decking is PVC or composite, it will be hot in the sun.

Does composite decking get slippery when wet?

Most composite decking is slippery compared to wood decking when wet. The polymer cap of the decking repelling the water, creating potential slipping hazards. There are some notable composite decking exceptions, that provide excellent traction both when wet and dry.

Should deck be lighter or darker than house?

If your home is yellow, beige, tan, or brown, almost any tan or brown deck board should work. Just watch the undertones and level of contrast. If your home is red, gray, or blue, you could opt for these same colors or go with a gray board.