Does Trex Decking Get Hot?

During warm weather, we are excited to spend more time outside – and on our deck. One thing we want to avoid is burning our feet and becoming overheated in the sun and hot weather. A deck surface that becomes scorching is definitely no fun. In my years of working with Trex decking, I have a lot of experience in comparing composite decking to wood decking.

Most outdoor surfaces heat up quickly in direct sunlight and hotter temperatures (say above 90°F or 32°C). But will composite decking become hotter than traditional wood? It’s safe to say that Trex will become hotter, but both are relatively easy to cool down.

I’ll compare composite decking materials to other deck surfaces and give you a few tips on how to stay cool on your deck. In fact, there are various solutions you can implement to make your summery day a little cooler and easier on your feet. Some of these start with the deck build.

Trex Decking: Does it Get Hot?

As mentioned before, composite decking can get hotter in the sun, but an advantage is that it cools down rapidly. There are a few things that you can do to mitigate having a hot deck surface. The first thing I recommend is to consider where your deck will be built if you’re installing a new deck. If you’re talking about an existing deck, no worries. We have plenty of suggestions about how to keep your feet out of the heat.

Comparing Heat Retention: Trex vs. Other Materials

Besides composite decking, most decks are built of wood. We will look at these materials and see how they stack up against Trex in the way of heat retention. Sun exposure doesn’t have to be detrimental to you while you enjoy your outdoor space. The kind of material you choose can very well influence the heat that your deck retains.

Pressure Treated Pine

This type of wood decking is one of the most popular choices for deck building. The option is affordable, readily available, and, with proper care, can last a long time. Pine can be stained or painted to protect it from the elements. However, pine only becomes fairly hot when exposed to direct sunlight. The average increase in surface temperature is 35°-40°F or 1.6°C-4.4°C.

Cedar

Cedar is another decking material option. It’s more expensive and harder than pine. Cedar is

 actually less dense than pine, so it tends to have a lower internal temperature. Also, staining and sealing cedar is recommended to protect it from the climate’s elements. On average, the temperature of a cedar deck surface can get to 30°-35°F or -1.1°-1.6°C above the air temperature.

Ipê

Ipê, or Brazilian walnut, also known scientifically as Handroanthus, makes an excellent choice for wood decking. However, it’s a more expensive option. Ipê will not become too hot in direct sunlight but is more dense than other wood materials. Fun fact: ipê will actually sink when submerged in water! This sustainable wood will warm up to the tune of approximately 120-122°F or 48°-50°C in sunny weather.

Redwood

Beautiful redwood is a viable option for deck building. Lots of homeowners like the attractive look of redwood. I recommend painting, sealing, and/or staining redwood decks to protect them from the harsh elements. Often, a red or ruddy stain or a similar color is the preferred hue for this type of wood. In full sun, redwood can get to around 125°F or 52°C.

Bamboo

Another environmentally friendly option is bamboo. Bamboo is actually created from the grass, not wood. Because of its rapid growth, bamboo is a smart option for deck builders. It’s not as easy to attain as some other deck materials. Bamboo tends to remain cooler in direct sunlight; it typically reaches a surface temperature range around 120°F or 49°C.

PVC Decking

PVC decking, or polyvinyl chloride, is an alternative to wood. This sort of deck material is a sustainable option if you’re looking to not use wood. Because of its density, it cools off and heats up faster than Trex or any other wood material, especially with polymer caps. This lightweight decking option will last a long time. Heat on a sunny day will make the surface around 110°-115°F or 43°- 46°C.

Composite Decking

Last but not least, let’s take a look at composite decking. There are a lot of pluses to composite decking. It’s low maintenance, splinter-free, highly durable, and Trex has a comprehensive warranty. Trex tends to get a bit hotter than some of the previous alternatives we’ve listed. How much hotter? It’s not that big of a difference, but worth noting. The good news is we have many ways to help you keep cool!

How to Keep Composite Decking From Getting Too Hot

Fortunately, there are multiple ways to cool off your deck – whether it’s creating shade, water from a hose, or simply protecting your feet. Here are a few methods our customers have utilized to stay comfortable in their outdoor living space consistently.

Refresh with Water

Water is a tried-and-true method for cooling off your deck. It works especially well if your deck is adjacent to a pool. For those without a swimming pool, use a hose to periodically water down your deck surface boards for a few minutes on a hot day. This will keep your deck boards—composite or wood—nice and cool. 

Select a Lighter Color Tone

Remember that old rule in art class? Darker colors absorb light, while lighter colors reflect it. The same is true with the color of your deck. Trex Transcend has a multitude of gorgeous colors with unique lighter shades. Lighter shades will help reflect the light so your deck surface doesn’t heat up as much in direct sun.

Set up a Pergola, Awnings, or Umbrellas for Shade

There is a huge variety of shade implements at your disposal. Try a pergola – and you could even install a retractable awning on the top. Patio umbrellas are a fun way to add shaded spots to your deck. Shade sails are another colorful and effective option to cool you on a sun-filled day.

Lay Down Rugs or Mats

As we’ve addressed the above part, let’s look at the below-your-feet component. A floor mat is an efficient way to keep your deck boards cool. Outdoor rugs are also ideal to protect your feet from burning on the boards. Stay away from rubber rugs, as they can create a mildew buildup on your deck.

Incorporate Greenery for Natural Cooling

A favorite suggestion of mine is to select some big shade-producing plants to place on your deck. Also, by intelligently planting trees and even shrubs near your deck, you will find that this provides shade and keeps your deck much cooler. If you have a pergola, consider incorporating climbing plants.

Some Final Thoughts

Besides a variety of deck materials, including Trex, Timbertech, and traditional woods for building choices, the positioning of your deck will help alleviate the heat on your boards. For a new deck, plan to construct it where it’s less sunny and more shady. Align the trees and neighboring buildings so the sun shines less on your deck boards.

Raised decks are often less hot as more air circulation surrounds them. Ventilation is important for keeping your deck cooler and preserving its life. Stopping moisture (which leads to mold and rot), keeping away insects, cleaning, and maintenance are all easier when you’ve got some space around your deck. Making sure your substructure, fasteners, railings, and connecting boards are all in good shape is paramount to your deck’s longevity, safety, and, ultimately, its “coolness.”