Do Composite Decks Get Hot?

If you’ve ever stepped out onto your deck midday and been met with instant regret (or are thinking about building a new outdoor space), you’ve probably wondered: do composite decks get hot? The short answer: yes, they can. But the real comfort equation is about more than just material…

Material Matters: PVC vs Composite

Not all decking materials handle heat the same. Standard composite boards (wood fiber + plastic) are more dense, so in direct sunlight, they hold more heat (which you’ll feel walking on the surface). PVC decking (like TimberTech’s Advanced PVC) is less dense, which means it doesn’t trap heat the same way. Even medium or darker PVC colors feel up to 30 degrees cooler than similarly colored composite boards in the same conditions.

Color & Sun Exposure Matters (Arguably More)

Looking for composite decking that doesn’t get hot? Let’s put on our Bill Nye hat for a brief physics refresher. Dark boards absorb sunlight and heat up faster. Light boards reflect sunlight and stay cooler. Even though PVC is less dense than composite and holds less heat as a result, any dark board in full sun will still get hot.

When choosing decking, check your deck’s sun exposure throughout the day…

• Full sun? Stick to light composite or PVC and use medium colors sparingly on accents like picture frames.
• Partial sun? Think of the time of day you’ll use it most and how you’ll use it. Barefoot? Or always in shoes and no kids / pets? Generally, light to medium composite or PVC is best in this situation.
• Complete shade? You’ve got a bit more freedom. It’s unlikely your deck will heat up to the point of pain from ambient temps alone, so go wild and choose whatever you like best.

TimberTech Decking Colors