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°.

Do Trex boards get 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 composite decking 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.

Does Trex get hot in the summer?

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.

Can Trex decking catch fire?

Trex decking doesn’t catch fire easily. Decks are a potential source for spreading fire to the home, especially in areas at high risk of forest fires. A company called Trex has developed fire-resistant composite decking.

What is the coolest composite decking?

TimberTech capped polymer decking is engineered to be cooler to the touch, even in direct sunlight. TimberTech AZEK decking, our capped polymer decking line, features advanced materials science in its core and cap that makes it more heat resistant than other composite decking products.

What is the coolest decking material?

Composite decking is an excellent building material because it lasts longer than wood and looks great without staining, painting or sanding. Many homeowners complain that composite decking gets too hot, especially in direct sun. That’s why we developed a heat resistant composite decking solution.

How do I keep my composite deck cool?

If you’re choosing plastic and composite decking materials, opt for light and cool shades. It will significantly reduce the temperature during hot seasons. Of course, it also applies to the outside furniture. If you have couches, chairs, and pillows, consider changing their covers to a lighter one.

Is Trex deck hotter than wood?

Direct Sun When it comes to heat retention, wood fares better than Trex, especially when the hot sun is beating down on the deck. While wood gets hot enough to make walking with bare feet uncomfortable, composite decking gets even hotter. … The darker the Trex decking material, the more heat is retained.

Does Trex decking get slippery?

Trex decking is a low-maintenance decking solution that requires a fraction of the work of wood decks and is less likely to get slippery when wet. It still requires occasional attention to keep it looking its best, but you’ll be delighted with the finished results.

Article first time published on

What are the disadvantages of composite decking?

• A pricey alternative to wood. Durability comes at a cost, as composite decking is more expensive than wood. …
• Composites aren’t natural. …
• Composite decks aren’t completely maintenance free. …
• You’ll need to comparison shop.

Does Trex fade in sun?

It Will Fade, Stain and Scratch Modern composite decking has been engineered to stand up to decades of harsh weather, sun and constant foot traffic. Also, Trex composite decking offers a 25-year warranty that protects against fading and staining and warp.

Does composite decking warp in sun?

Your composite deck may not warp, but it can sag and buckle. … Composite decking is fade resistant, but it may fade over time in strong sunlight. Composite decking will get lighter in color tone as it fades.

Can Trex melt?

Polypropylene can start melting at 320° F and PVC at 212° F; Trex itself has stated publicly that their “decking will soften as low as 176 degrees Fahrenheit.”

What is the most fire resistant decking?

Aerated concrete is currently the highest-rated decking material in terms of fire resistance since they are non-combustible. An aerated concrete block is capable of withstanding fire for about 4 hours. This gives you enough time to put off the fire and safeguard your property.

How do you fireproof a deck?

To make an existing deck more fireproof, use a flame retardant spray. You might also add metal sheathing around the base timbers to create more fire-resistant decks. Ask your local home improvement professional for the best recommendation.

How long does a Trex deck last?

Composite decking requires minimal upkeep and can last between 25 and 30 years. On average, plastic decking has a similar lifespan to composite decking and can last nearly 30 years.

Does composite decking get too hot for dogs?

Composite decking will be hotter on your dog’s paws than the grass in your yard. … The temperature of your decking is critical in summer for dogs. If the decking is too hot to walk on, they cannot enjoy being outside on the deck, in summer.

Can you paint Trex decking?

A: You are correct. Vintage Trex decking and other brands of composite decking made of a uniform mixture of wood fibers and plastic can be painted or even stained. … If you have an original-style composite deck and want to paint or stain it, pick a product intended for decks or porches, not walls or trim.

How do you cool a hot deck?

1. Protect Your Feet from the Hot Decking with Rugs.
2. Cool Wood decking by Painting a lighter Cool.
3. Cooling the Deck with Air Movement.
4. Using Fans to Cool Down Your Deck.
5. Cooling Your Deck with Misters.
6. Decorating a Deck to be Cooler.
7. Using Plants and Trees to Cool Your Deck.

Does composite decking increase home value?

Since composite decks require less maintenance and have longer lifespan than the other type of decks, it’s more valuable compared to the others. Building a composite deck costs up to $15,900 and a recoup of $10,800. It means that the added value is up to 68%. Thus, many homeowners build composite decks to their homes.

Does black decking get hot?

Colour of the Deck Boards 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.

Is Trex Select better than Trex Enhance?

Trex Select is also considered slightly more scratch-resistant than Enhance, and the line comes in one more color. Trex Select’s five color options have a bit more range to them, from the warm, reddish Madeira to the rich, cool Winchester Gray.

Does Trex scratch easily?

The short answer is yes. Trex decking features a hard shell that not only resists scratching but is also formulated to withstand long-term exposure to the elements with less maintenance than wood decking.

Is Trex more expensive than wood?

An obstacle for Trex is that composites cost a lot more than natural wooden decking. By Trex’s estimates, for a 16- by 20-foot deck, the materials outlay for its Transcend line are $2,714, almost five times that of regular wood ($577).

How do you keep composite decking from getting hot?

Composite decking boards with a lighter colour finish tend to retain less heat compared to darker coloured materials. Therefore, if you want composite decking that does not get too hot, choose light-coloured composite decking boards with a hollow core.

How do I keep my patio from getting too hot?

1. Spray the pavers with a garden hose to cool them. …
2. Install a patio misting system to spray the patio and pavers throughout the day. …
3. Use fans to circulate the air around the pavers to keep them cool.

Is cedar or composite more expensive?

A redwood or cedar deck will cost between $25 and $30 per square foot. Composite decking is the most expensive at $30 to $45 per square foot, but this is a one-time investment.

Are Trex decks worth it?

Composite decking is worth the money. It costs more upfront, but thanks to minimal maintenance costs and long life, the annual cost for the life of the fence is significantly cheaper for composite materials. If what you have in mind are the Trex decks of 15 years ago, you’d be surprised to see how far they’ve come.

Can you put ice melt on Trex decking?

Since there are no harmful chemicals in its composition, this ice melt is non-corrosive. Nothing is more delicate than your kids and pet. And if it is safe to use around them, then it’s definitely safe for your deck.

Is Trex decking maintenance free?

Demand for environmentally friendly, virtually maintenance-free Trex composite decking grows every year. … Demand for environmentally friendly, virtually maintenance-free Trex composite decking grows every year.