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Does Composite Decking Get Hot?
Low-maintenance composite decking is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. So, when the hot summer months arrive, does a composite deck become too hot for you to stay in your outdoor living space?? Will it become hotter than a patio or wooden deck?
We fully understand your concerns. After all, you’ll be spending many hours on your deck throughout the long summer days. If the composite decking becomes too heated, you will be unable to utilize your outdoor deck. Today, we’ll address those questions and demonstrate how to keep your deck cool while it’s scorching outdoors.
1. How Hot Is Composite Decking?
The temperature of your deck is mostly affected by the color of your composite decking boards and whether or not it is exposed to direct sunlight. We conducted a study on this, testing different temperature changes between composite decking, various kinds of wood, and decking materials.
1.1 Pressure-treated Wood and Composite Decking at 80°F
The first test involved four various colors of composite decking and two pieces of pressure-treated timber being exposed to 80° F sunshine for many hours. The test findings are as follows.
Composite Decking Boards:
- Light Brown: 93°F
- Medium Brown: 98°F
- Dark Brown: 101°F
- Medium Gray: 95°F
PT Wood:
- Unstained: 81°F
- Dark Stain: 91°F
It is important to note that these deck boards were tested on cool grass. As a result, their temperature may differ from that of a deck. Because there is greater airflow above the deck, the deck boards will stay cooler.
1.2: Composite Deck & Painted Wood in 86° F
The second test examines a variety of decking materials. But we’ll focus on light brown composite wood decking and painted wood boards, which are extremely similar in color.
- Painted wood decking: 108°F
- Composite Decking: 111°F
1.3: Testing Paver, Stained Wood, and Composite Decking at 86°F
For our third test, we kept composite decking, IPE hardwood, treated yellow pine, and paving stones at 86°F for the whole day. The majority of the time, the weather was sunny and bright. Temperatures for various decking materials are listed below.
Composite Decking Boards:
- Light brown: 135°F
- Medium brown: 137°F
- Medium gray: 135°F
- Dark brown: 148°F
- Dark reddish brown: 147°F
Stained IPE Hardwood:
The temperature range for all hues is 136°F to 137°F.
Stained and Treated Yellow Pine:
- Clear: 119°F
- Cedar: 122°F
- Redwood: 125°F
- Golden: 128°F
- California cedar: 130°F
- Russet is 132°F
- Walnut Brown: 133°F
- Slate Gray: 121°F
Paving Stones:
The temperature range for pavers is between 119°F and 126°F.
Now that we’ve seen how hot wood and composite decks can become, how about concrete and pavers?
1.4: Different Deck Pavers at 90°F
varying varieties of pavers will maintain varying temperatures in the sun. If you want to know what these pavers’ temperature will be while they are outside at 90°F, compare them to the two experiments above.
- Concrete: 119°F
- Slate: 112°F
- Travertine: 108°F
- Shell Stone: 94°F
Concrete pavers are often colder than poured solid concrete. On hot summer days, exposed poured concrete may reach temperatures of 135°F or more. In Arizona, Nevada, and other colder regions, temperatures can exceed 175 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, any block constructed of brick, clay, or other ceramics absorbs and holds heat for a longer period of time than other materials. On a bright day with an ambient temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, light-colored pavers may reach temperatures as high as 150 degrees Fahrenheit, while dark-colored pavers can go much higher.
2. Will Composite Decking Materials Become Hotter than Wood or Decking?
2.1 Wood vs Composite Decking Boards
These experiments show that unstained or extremely light-colored wood will stay cooler in hot temperatures. However, the temperature might vary depending on the density of the wood.
The distinction between polished or painted timber (which is commonly seen on wood decks) and composite decking planks of the same color is not as significant. Typically, the average temperature of the wood remains slightly lower, but the color you select will have a substantial influence. You may not be able to detect these temperature variations without using an infrared thermometer.
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2.2 Comparison between Paving Stones, Concrete, and Composite Decking
Brick, clay, and poured concrete are the most popular decking materials. Their maximum temperatures are far greater than those of composite decking materials.
Slate, travertine, and shellstone, on the other hand, are around the same temperature as wood or composite decking. They may also get hotter or cooler depending on the circumstances.
2.3 Pro Tip: Test Your Own Samples
If you performed your own temperature testing on these decking materials. You may notice that each test produces different findings. This is because the placement of the decking materials and the length of time they are exposed to the sun can have a significant influence on the temperature of the boards.
Look for boards with samples of the color or material you intend to use. They were tested outdoors on a hot, sunny day. Then, depending on your regular outdoor activities, walk on them barefoot or with socks. Finally, hold an umbrella over the samples and repeat the test.
3. The Best Way to Prevent Composite Decking from Overheating
There are several techniques to keep composite decking cool during the warmest months of summer.
3.1 Choose a Light-colored Deck
EVODEK and other firms provide composite decking in a variety of tints and colors. If you are concerned about the deck being too hot, select composite decking planks in light gray or light brown. These lighter colors will not hold as much heat as darker decks.
3.2 Adding a Deck Pergola
You may cover all or part of your deck with a pergola constructed of wood, vinyl, fiberglass, or steel. The lattice-like ceiling may be utilized to hang shade cloths or vining plants, as well as to provide shade.
3.3 Use of Parasols and Awnings
One advantage of retractable sunshades is that they may be moved around the deck as needed. Umbrellas can be purchased independently or as part of a larger outdoor table set.
To extend the life of an awning, connect it to the side of your home. Awnings may be permanent or retractable. If the weather in your location varies regularly, we typically recommend a moveable awning.
3.4 Building a Deck in a Shaded
If you have yet to determine where to build your deck, think about whether it will be shaded by trees or buildings throughout the day. If not, plant a beautiful new tree!
We understand that there are usually just a few sites to create a deck. However, you should keep an open mind and explore all available possibilities.
4. Conclusion
On a hot summer day, composite decking can get scorching. However, wood decking and other deck materials can become heated. In other words, regardless of the decking material, if it is exposed to the scorching summer sun all day, it will most certainly become too hot to walk on with your feet.
While some paving stones and light-stained wood decks may be somewhat cooler than composite decking, the temperature differential between them is not significant. The basic fact is that the color you pick for your deck is what truly makes it hot. Because composite wood decking is preferable in so many ways, we’ll take the minor heat differential any day.
5. Other Common Problems
5.1 Can Composite Decking Get Too Hot to Walk on?
The first type of composite decking created became quite heated, and most people found it difficult to walk on. However, composite decking has advanced significantly over the previous decade and is now considerably less heat-sensitive.
However, even contemporary composite decking boards can get too hot to walk on without socks or shoes. The same thing can happen with any type of wood board or decking material.
The real question is how quickly this occurs. When speaking with a large number of people, it typically depends on the individual and the weather. However, it is commonly considered that wearing shoes or socks will not pose an issue. Many people hit their limit when they walk barefoot between 110°F and 115°F. However, if you have sensitive feet or tiny children, you should exercise particular caution.
5.2 How Can Heat Travel?
Interestingly, heat moves quicker between your feet and the composite decking material than between your feet and the wood.
This implies 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 reverse is true for wooden decks. When it’s hot, standing on a wooden deck for an extended period of time causes your feet to heat up.
5.3 Is Composite Decking Safe For Pets?
Consider more than just your feet. You should also consider your pets. Generally, surfaces over 120 degrees Fahrenheit can be painful to the skin. 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 may place a blanket on the terrace.
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