Does Composite Decking Get Hot?
Yes, composite decking gets hot in direct sunlight. On a 35°C day in full sun, light grey composite boards typically reach 50°C to 55°C at the surface, while dark brown or charcoal boards can exceed 60°C. These temperatures are similar to stained timber and lower than poured concrete or dark pavers.
EVODEK has conducted comparative tests on this. The single biggest factor is colour, not material. A dark charcoal composite board and a dark-stained Merbau board in the same location will reach almost identical peak temperatures. The difference between composite and timber is how quickly each material releases heat, not how much it absorbs.
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How Hot Does Composite Decking Get in Australia?
On a 30°C day in full sun, industry testing found that light grey composite boards reached 55°C to 57°C at the surface, while dark brown boards reached 64°C. The table below summarises results across composite, timber, and paving materials at three air temperatures, converted to Celsius.
| Material and colour | Surface temp at 27°C air | Surface temp at 30°C air | Surface temp at 32°C air |
| Light grey composite | 35°C | 55°C to 57°C | N/A |
| Light brown composite | 34°C | 57°C | N/A |
| Medium brown composite | 37°C | 58°C | N/A |
| Dark brown composite | 38°C | 64°C | N/A |
| Unstained treated timber | 27°C | N/A | N/A |
| Dark stained timber | 33°C | 53°C to 56°C | N/A |
| Poured concrete | N/A | N/A | 48°C |
| Dark pavers | N/A | N/A | 57°C+ |
These readings were taken with boards in direct sunlight for several hours. Actual temperatures on an installed deck may differ because airflow beneath a raised deck helps dissipate heat. On a 40°C day, which is common in western Sydney, Perth, and Adelaide, surface temperatures on dark boards can approach 65°C or higher.
How Does Board Colour Affect Deck Surface Temperature?
Colour is the single largest factor controlling deck surface temperature. Dark boards absorb more solar radiation and reach higher peak temperatures than light boards of the same material. The difference between the lightest and darkest composite boards in the same test conditions was approximately 10°C.
EVODEK capped composite decking is available in several colours. For decks that receive extended direct sunlight, lighter colours absorb less heat and cool faster after the sun moves.
| EVODEK colour | Tone | Relative heat absorption | Best orientation |
| Silver Grey | Light cool grey | Lowest | Ideal for north and west facing decks |
| Silver Birch | Warm mid grey | Low to moderate | Works well in any orientation |
| Teak | Medium warm brown | Moderate | South or east facing, or partially shaded |
| Walnut | Dark rich brown | Higher | Shaded areas or south facing decks |
| Charcoal | Deep grey, near black | Highest | Best for fully shaded or covered decks |
Use the EVODEK Colour Selector to preview these colours before ordering. If surface temperature is a primary concern, order free samples in Silver Grey and your preferred darker colour, then place both in direct sun on your site to compare.
For a full comparison of all EVODEK grey tones, including orientation and architectural style guidance, see which grey composite decking is best for you.
How Does Composite Decking Compare to Timber and Concrete for Heat?
Composite decking of the same colour reaches a similar peak temperature to stained timber. Industry test data shows that light brown composite and light-stained treated pine differ by only 2°C to 3°C under the same conditions. Without an infrared thermometer, most people cannot feel the difference.
The difference between composite and timber is in how heat moves. Composite boards transfer heat to your feet faster on first contact, which makes the initial step feel warmer. Timber transfers heat more slowly at first, but continues heating your feet the longer you stand still. In practice, both materials become uncomfortable for bare feet above approximately 50°C.
Poured concrete and dark brick pavers hold heat longer than composite decking and can reach higher peak temperatures. Light coloured natural stone (such as sandstone or travertine) stays cooler than composite but is significantly more expensive to install as a deck surface.
How to Keep Your Composite Deck Cooler in Summer
Three strategies reduce deck surface temperature by 10°C to 20°C: choosing a light board colour, adding shade, and planning deck orientation. Each can be used alone or combined.
Choose a Light Board Colour
Selecting Silver Grey or Silver Birch instead of Charcoal or Walnut can reduce peak surface temperature by approximately 10°C. This is the simplest and most permanent solution because it requires no ongoing action after installation.
Add Shade with a Pergola, Awning, or Shade Sail
A shade structure blocks direct sunlight, which is the primary driver of surface heat. A pergola can reduce deck surface temperature by 10°C to 20°C, depending on coverage. For a guide on integrating a pergola with your composite deck, see how to remodel your deck pergola. Retractable awnings and shade sails offer flexible coverage that can be adjusted by season.
Consider Deck Orientation During Planning
In Australia, north and west-facing decks receive the most intense afternoon sun and reach the highest surface temperatures. If you are planning a new deck and have flexibility in placement, an east-facing or south-facing orientation will naturally stay cooler. If north or west exposure is unavoidable, combine a light board colour with a shade structure for the best result.
Use Outdoor Rugs and Furniture Strategically
Outdoor rugs rated for composite decking create cooler walking paths between seating areas. Furniture with wide bases also shades the deck beneath it. For more layout ideas, see tips for decorating a composite deck.
Is Composite Decking Safe for Pets and Children in Summer?
All outdoor surfaces can become too hot for bare feet, pet paws, and young children during peak sun hours. Based on veterinary and paediatric safety guidelines, surfaces above approximately 49°C are uncomfortable for bare skin and dog paws. Surfaces above 54°C can cause burns with sustained contact.
On a 35°C day in direct sun, most composite decking colours will exceed 49°C within one to two hours. EVODEK recommends the following precautions during summer:
- Wear footwear on the deck during peak sun (10 am to 4 pm).
- Test the deck surface with the back of your hand before allowing children or pets to walk barefoot.
- Provide a shaded area with a mat or rug where pets can rest.
For decks around swimming pools, where wet bare feet are common, choosing a light coloured board is especially important.
Learn More: How to Build Composite Deck Board Around a Swimming Pool?
Conclusion
Composite decking does get hot in direct summer sunlight, but so does every other outdoor surface material, including timber, concrete, and pavers. Board colour drives the temperature difference more than material choice.
Light grey composite boards typically reach 50°C to 55°C on a 35°C day, while dark boards can exceed 60°C. Choosing a light colour, adding shade, and planning deck orientation are the three proven ways to manage surface temperature.
FAQ
Does composite decking get hotter than timber?
Composite decking of the same colour reaches a similar peak temperature to stained timber. The difference is typically 2°C to 3°C under the same conditions. Composite transfers heat to your feet faster on first contact, while timber heats your feet more gradually but continuously. Both materials become uncomfortable for bare feet above approximately 50°C.
What temperature does composite decking reach in the Australian summer?
On a 35°C day in full sun, light grey composite decking typically reaches 50°C to 55°C at the surface. Dark brown or charcoal boards can exceed 60°C. On extreme heat days above 40°C, which occur regularly in western Sydney, Perth, and Adelaide, surface temperatures on dark boards can approach 65°C or higher.
What is the best composite decking colour for hot climates?
Light grey and light brown are the coolest composite decking colours. EVODEK Silver Grey absorbs the least heat among the available colour options and is the most practical choice for north or west-facing decks in Australia. Silver Birch is a close alternative with a warmer undertone
Can composite decking burn your feet?
Composite decking can become too hot for comfortable bare foot contact during peak sun hours in summer. Most people find surfaces above approximately 46°C to 49°C uncomfortable. EVODEK recommends wearing footwear on any deck between 10 am and 4 pm during summer, regardless of board colour. Testing the surface with the back of your hand before walking barefoot is a simple safety check.
Is composite decking safe for dogs in summer?
Dog paws are sensitive to hot surfaces. Surfaces above approximately 49°C are uncomfortable, and surfaces above 54°C can cause paw burns with sustained contact. Provide a shaded resting area with an outdoor mat or rug, and avoid walking dogs on the deck during the hottest part of the day. Light coloured composite decking reduces the risk compared to dark colours.
Does composite decking cool down quickly after sunset?
Composite decking releases stored heat faster than poured concrete or brick pavers but slightly slower than timber. Most composite boards cool to comfortable temperatures within 30 to 60 minutes after direct sunlight moves off the surface. Elevated decks with airflow underneath cool faster than ground-level platforms.
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