Does Composite Decking Get Hot in Summer?
Quick Answer: Yes, composite decking can get warm to hot in direct summer sun – this is a real consideration for Illinois homeowners with south or west-facing decks. Dark composite colors in full afternoon sun can reach surface temperatures that are uncomfortable for bare feet, especially children’s and pets’. However, product selection, color choice, and shade planning can significantly reduce this issue. It’s manageable, not a deal-breaker, with the right choices.
How Hot Does Composite Actually Get?
Composite decking surface temperatures in direct Illinois summer sun depend on several factors – but to give you a frame of reference:
- A light gray or tan composite board in partial shade might feel warm but comfortable
- A dark brown or charcoal composite board in full afternoon sun can reach surface temperatures well above air temperature
- Full PVC decking (like Azek) runs warmer than composite due to PVC’s heat absorption properties
Any solid surface in direct Illinois summer sun gets hot. Concrete, stone, and wood all absorb heat too. Composite is not uniquely problematic – it’s in the same general range as other hard surfaces. But it’s worth planning for, especially on pool decks where children and pets walk barefoot.
What Affects How Hot the Deck Gets
Color: This is the single biggest factor. Darker colors absorb significantly more solar radiation than lighter colors. A light gray or sand-colored board will be meaningfully cooler than an espresso or charcoal board under the same conditions. If heat is a concern, this is the most effective lever you have.
Product type: Full PVC (Azek) runs warmer than composite due to PVC’s thermal properties. Some composite products are specifically engineered for lower heat absorption – TimberTech has invested in this with their heat-reduction technology in certain lines.
Sun exposure: A deck that faces south or west, in full afternoon sun, will be hotter than a north-facing or shaded deck. The difference is substantial.
Shade: A pergola or overhead shade structure covering even part of the deck changes the equation dramatically. A board in the shade is far cooler than a board in direct sun, regardless of color.
Air temperature: On a 95-degree July day in Oswego, everything is hotter. The board’s relative performance is consistent, but absolute surface temperatures are higher.
Important Considerations
Pool decks deserve extra attention. Kids running to the pool, wet feet on hot boards, the combination of full sun exposure and bare feet – this is where heat matters most. For pool surrounds, we consistently recommend lighter colors and discuss product selection with heat in mind. What to know about composite pool deck installation.
Morning sun is different from afternoon sun. An east-facing deck that gets morning sun but is shaded by the house in the afternoon will be far more comfortable for late-day use than a west-facing deck.
Shade structures integrate well with decks. A pergola over a deck or portions of it is an elegant solution to summer heat. It also extends the usable hours of the deck into afternoon when full sun is most intense.
Comparing to alternatives: Wood decking in full sun also gets hot. Concrete gets very hot. Natural stone can be very hot. Composite isn’t uniquely prone to this – it’s a property of any solid outdoor surface.
Color and design guidance for composite decks discusses how color selection integrates with heat management.
What to Do Next
If heat is a concern for your deck project, raise it when we meet for the estimate. We’ll discuss color families, shade options, and product selection with this in mind. It’s a consideration we address in the design phase, not an afterthought.
Call DDT Deck Builders at 630-200-3945 for a free estimate. We serve Oswego, Aurora, Montgomery, Yorkville, Plainfield, and Kane and Kendall County.