When the sun’s out, I love spending time on my deck, but stepping on hot boards with bare feet? Not so fun.
If you’ve ever had to hop across your deck like it’s lava, you know what I mean. That’s why finding composite decking that doesn’t get hot is a game-changer.
It keeps your feet cool, your pets comfy, and your outdoor space more enjoyable, even on the hottest days.
I’ve conducted research and found the best options that stay cooler in the sun.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through what makes some composite decking materials better than others when it comes to heat.
You’ll also learn which brands use special technology to keep things cool.
So if you’re planning a new deck or upgrading an old one, this guide will help you make a smart, summer-friendly choice.
Why Heat-Resistant Decking Matters
On a hot summer day, your deck can feel like it’s baking under the sun.
Some materials soak up that heat, making it painful to walk across, especially if you’re barefoot or have pets running around.
That’s where heat-resistant decking comes in. It stays cooler, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space without constantly moving from one shady spot to another.
If you have kids, you don’t want them burning their feet while playing. And if you love relaxing outside like I do, a cooler deck makes all the difference.
It’s safer, more comfortable, and makes your space more fun to use.
If you’re hosting a barbecue or simply relaxing with a book, heat-resistant decking allows you to enjoy your time without worrying about hot surfaces.
It’s a smart choice, especially if your deck gets full sun most of the day.
What Makes Composite Decking Stay Cool?
When I was selecting decking, I had one big question: why do some boards feel cooler than others? It turns out, not all composite decking is made the same. Let me break it down for you.
Material Composition: Some composite boards have more plastic and less wood. Others are made with minerals or even fiberglass. These materials don’t hold onto heat as much, which helps keep the surface cooler.
Surface Color: Just like wearing a white shirt feels cooler than black on a sunny day, lighter-colored decking reflects more sunlight. That means less heat gets trapped, and your deck stays more comfortable.
Cooling Technologies: Some brands use special technology, like CoolDeck® or heat-reflective coatings, that are designed to lower surface temperatures. These extras can make a big difference on super hot days.
I didn’t want to tiptoe across my deck all summer, so learning this stuff really helped. Now I know what to look for, and so do you!
Top Composite Decking Brands That Stay Cool
When I first started shopping for decking, I had no idea that some brands are way better at staying cool than others. Below, I’ve listed the top brands that people trust to stay cool underfoot, even on the hottest days.
1. TimberTech® Advanced PVC
TimberTech is known for its high-end look and smart performance. Their Advanced PVC line is made from 100% plastic, which means it doesn’t soak up heat like wood-based products.
What really stands out is their Alloy Armour Technology™, which helps the surface stay cooler and resist fading.
It’s also super durable and comes in several light, stylish colors that reflect the sun.
If you’re looking for something low-maintenance and great for hot climates, TimberTech PVC is one of the best out there.
It’s perfect for pool decks or anywhere you like to walk barefoot.
2. MoistureShield® with CoolDeck® Technology
MoistureShield makes a strong case for being the coolest decking, literally.
Their CoolDeck® Technology is built right into the boards and can reduce heat absorption by up to 35%.
That means the surface stays way more comfortable under the sun.
Even better, MoistureShield decking can be installed on the ground, in the ground, or underwater, making it super versatile.
Their Vision® and Elevate® lines with CoolDeck® are popular choices for sunny yards and patios. If you live somewhere hot, this is a smart pick to keep your feet happy.
3. Trex® Transcend® Lineage™
Trex is a well-known name in composite decking, and their Lineage™ collection is designed with heat in mind.
It uses special technology that reflects sunlight and helps the boards stay cooler than their older lines.
Trex doesn’t give exact numbers on temperature drop, but users report a noticeable difference.
It’s also a great option if you want eco-friendly decking. Trex is made from 95% recycled materials.
Additionally, the Lineage collection features some of the lightest shades they offer, which further helps mitigate heat.
4. Deckorators® Mineral-Based Composite (MBC)
Deckorators uses a unique mix of minerals and plastic instead of wood fibers. This Mineral-Based Composite (MBC) is lighter, stronger, and stays cooler in the sun.
Their Voyage and Vault lines are especially popular for people who want a cooler, tougher deck.
This decking also resists water damage and won’t warp easily, which is great if you’re in a hot and humid area.
It comes in subtle, modern colors that help reflect heat and look good with most outdoor designs.
5. Owens Corning WearDeck™
WearDeck is made with fiberglass-reinforced plastic, which is strong and built to handle high heat.
It doesn’t absorb much heat, and it also resists sagging, splintering, and fading.
This makes it great for places that get a lot of direct sun, like docks, pool areas, or rooftop decks.
You can get WearDeck in several light shades, like Barefoot Grey and Sand, which help keep it even cooler.
If you want decking that stays tough and cool for years, WearDeck is a solid pick.
6. Fiberon®
Fiberon offers high-quality composite decking that’s specially engineered to resist heat absorption, making it a smart choice for hot, sunny climates.
Their boards are built with durability in mind, combining strong materials and thoughtful design to hold up well against constant sun exposure.
Fiberon decking stays cooler than many traditional wood alternatives and is ideal for spaces like patios, pool decks, or balconies that get a lot of direct sunlight.
7. Envision®
Envision specializes in composite decking that combines a high-end look with strong performance.
Their boards feature rich colors and deep textures that resemble real wood, making them a stylish choice for outdoor spaces.
Built using a compression molding process, Envision decking is durable and resistant to heat, cracking, and warping.
This makes it a solid option for areas with intense sun exposure.
The boards hold up well in hot climates and stay comfortable underfoot, especially when paired with lighter shades.
If you want a deck that’s both beautiful and tough against heat, Envision is worth considering.
Quick Comparison Table
| Brand | Key Technology or Material | Cool Features | Great For |
|---|---|---|---|
| TimberTech® Advanced PVC | Alloy Armour Technology™, 100% PVC | Stays up to 30°F cooler, fade-resistant, light colors | Pools, hot climates, and bare feet |
| MoistureShield® | CoolDeck® Technology | Reduces heat absorption by up to 35%, ground & underwater rated | Patios, hot yards, and moisture-prone spots |
| Trex® Lineage™ | Heat-mitigating tech + recycled content | Reflects sunlight, eco-friendly, very light shades | Eco-conscious homes, sunny decks |
| Deckorators® MBC | Mineral-Based Composite | Lighter weight, cooler surface, tough in heat and humidity | Modern looks, high-sun areas |
| WearDeck™ | Fiberglass-reinforced HDPE | Built for high heat, resists sagging & splintering | Docks, rooftop decks, full sun |
| Fiberon® | Engineered composite | Heat-resistant, fade-proof, rot-proof | General use in hot, sunny yards |
| Envision® | Wood-plastic composite with deep emboss | Strong, stylish, handles heat well | Elevated decks, stylish outdoor areas |
If you’re redoing an old deck or building a new one, picking a cooler material means you’ll actually want to spend time outside. I ended up choosing one of these for my own yard, and trust me, it feels great under bare feet!
Tips to Keep Your Deck Cooler
Even with the right decking, a few smart choices can help your outdoor space stay even more comfortable on hot days. I’ve picked up some easy tricks over time that really make a difference.
- Pick Lighter Colors: Lighter shades reflect sunlight instead of soaking it in. Choose decking in colors like gray, tan, or white to help keep surface temperatures down.
- Add Shade: Use pergolas, umbrellas, canopies, or shade sails to block direct sun. Even a little shade can make a big difference on hot afternoons.
- Place Outdoor Rugs: A UV-resistant outdoor rug gives you a cooler place to walk and helps protect the deck from extra heat.
- Water It Down: Spray your deck with a hose in the morning or before use. A light mist cools things down quickly and adds comfort.
- Use Plants or Vertical Screens: Big potted plants, shrubs, or trellis walls not only add beauty but also provide natural shade and reduce heat reflection.
- Allow Airflow: Make sure there’s good ventilation underneath your deck. This helps hot air escape instead of building up under the boards.
- Install Fans or Misters: Ceiling fans or misting systems can cool the air around your deck, especially in covered or enclosed outdoor areas.
Keeping your deck cooler doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. With just a few changes, you can create a space that feels great, even when the sun is blazing.
Conclusion
Choosing the right decking and using a few smart tricks can make a big difference when it comes to staying cool outside.
You don’t have to suffer through hot surfaces or avoid your deck on sunny days.
With heat-resistant composite brands like TimberTech, MoistureShield, and Trex, you get comfort, style, and durability all in one.
Add some shade, pick light colors, and keep airflow moving, and your deck becomes a space you’ll love all summer long.
I know because I’ve tried it myself, and the difference is amazing.
So if you’re building a new deck or just making a few updates, these ideas can help you enjoy every sunny day without burning your feet.
Take your time, review your options, and select what works best for your space.