Does composite decking get hot?

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°.

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.

Do composite decks get hotter than wood decks?

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.

Is there composite decking that doesn't get hot?

While first generation composite decking did get hot in the sun, TimberTech has innovated beyond first-gen products. TimberTech capped polymer decking is engineered to be cooler to the touch, even in direct sunlight.

How do I make my composite deck less hot?

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

What is the coolest decking material?

While Ipe is the coolest option, Cedar decking is a close second as it maintains a temperature that is a few degrees cooler than Redwood when exposed to the sun.

Is composite decking 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.

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 Trex decking get too 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.

Is azek cooler than Trex?

Both AZEK and Trex decking gets hot … hotter than wood. AZEK will be slightly cooler, but head outside to enjoy your deck barefoot on a full-sun, 90-degree day, your feet will not know the difference between the 2 brands.

How do you cool a hot deck?

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.

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.

Is composite decking worth the money?

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.

Can you power wash composite decking?

Pressure washing is not usually recommended for composite decking. If done incorrectly, it can be a big mistake. Pressure washing too close or using too much pressure can be ruinous for your deck. Composite decking material is softer than natural wood and therefore can be “etched” more easily.

Is black decking hot?

Just like clothing and other materials, darker colours tend to absorb more heat over time. Therefore, the darker your composite decking, the more heat it will absorb and the warmer it will become. Composite deck boards with a lighter surface tend to retain less heat in comparison to darker finishes.

Is it OK to power wash Trex decking?

Trex does not recommend the use of a pressure washer. The use of a pressure washer on deck surface could damage the decking surface and will void the warranty with respect to any condition caused by the pressure washing.

Does composite decking melt?

Ipe has a class A fire rating which makes it very difficult to burn. Composite decking does not, and in fact, when the plastic melts, it releases very toxic gases. In the backyard, where you might occasionally drop a charcoal briquet, this doesn't sound like a big deal.

Which composite decking is best?

TimberTech AZEK products are perhaps the best (and most expensive) of all the composite decking manufacturers. Its capped polymer boards are covered by a 50-year fade and stain warranty. Additional product lines include TimberTech Pro with 30-year warranties and TimberTech Edge with 25-year warranties.

Is PVC or composite decking cooler?

Almost All of Azek “Stays Cooler” Decking Boards are PVC

A cooler decking material compared to most composite decking. “Up to 30 degrees [17°C] cooler than many competitive composite products.” In the summer sun, that's a big temperature difference.

Is composite decking better than pavers?

Brick pavers may be more upscale, but stamped concrete is low-maintenance and more affordable. Even though composite wood decking costs more money upfront, it's durable, aesthetically pleasing and easy to maintain, so you won't have to pay a lot to take care of it.

Which is better Trex or wood?

The Composite Difference

Unlike treated wood, which is susceptible to warping, rotting, or splintering over time, Trex composite decking doesn't fade, resists damage from the elements, and never needs sealing or painting. It's eco-friendly, too, because it's manufactured from high-quality recycled materials.

Do dogs nails scratch composite decking?

A large dog's claws will easily scratch an uncapped composite decking. Without the cap, the wood fibres will readily soak up the dog's urine and emit a terrible odour in the sun. The only advantage un-capped composite has over cedar decking is fewer splinter.

Does composite decking scratch?

Composite decking is designed to be durable and stand up to any test mother nature can come up with. The reality is that even the best composite decking materials can end up scratched. As your deck ages, you're more and more likely to see scratches simply from standard wear and tear as well.

Does dog urine hurt composite decking?

But if not careful, your pet urine can damage your quality decking board, especially wood deckings. The decking board will absorb urine, causing the material to rot. Apart from that, the odour of the urine can be so irritating that you won't want to spend time on your deck.