Does Composite Decking Get Too Hot in Summer? The Truth About Heat and Composite Decking

One of the most common questions homeowners ask when considering composite decking is:

"Does composite decking get hot in summer?"

The short answer is yes, all decking materials exposed to direct sunlight will heat up, including composite decking, timber, concrete, tiles, and aluminium.

However, the real answer is a little more complicated because not all composite decking products are created equal.

Why Does Composite Decking Get Hot?

Any surface exposed to the Australian summer sun will absorb heat. The amount of heat absorbed depends on several factors:

• Colour of the board
• Density of the material
• Amount of direct sunlight
• Airflow around the deck
• Surface texture
• Material composition

Darker colours generally absorb more heat than lighter colours, regardless of whether the material is timber or composite.

Not All Composite Decking Is the Same

Many people assume all composite decking performs similarly, but there can be significant differences between products.

Some composite boards contain a higher percentage of plastics and fillers (think plastic capped), while others contain a higher proportion of natural wood fibres.

Composite decking with a greater wood-fibre content can often feel more natural underfoot and absorbs and dissipates heat differently compared with heavily plastic-based products.

The quality of the manufacturing process, board design, density, and material blend all influence how hot a board becomes and how comfortable it feels to walk on.

How Does Composite Compare to Timber?

This often surprises people:

Traditional timber decking can become extremely hot in direct summer sun.

Hardwoods such as Merbau and Spotted Gum absorb significant amounts of heat, particularly when stained in darker colours.

The key difference is that timber and composite may feel different underfoot due to their surface textures and material properties, but neither material is immune from Australia's intense summer conditions.

If a deck is exposed to full sun on a 35°C day, both timber and composite decking will become warm.

Factors That Have a Bigger Impact Than Material

In many cases, the following factors affect deck temperature more than the choice between timber and composite:

Colour Selection

Lighter coloured boards generally remain cooler than darker colours.

If heat is a major concern, selecting a lighter board colour can make a noticeable difference.

Shade

Pergolas, roof structures, umbrellas, and surrounding landscaping can dramatically reduce surface temperatures.

A shaded composite deck may feel significantly cooler than an unshaded timber deck.

Ventilation

Proper airflow underneath the deck helps prevent heat build-up and improves comfort.

This is one reason professional installation is important.

The BiForm Difference

BiForm decking is engineered with a carefully balanced blend of recycled materials and natural wood fibres to provide:

• A natural timber appearance
• Excellent durability
• Low maintenance requirements
• UV resistance
• Comfortable everyday performance

Unlike some lower-quality composite products that rely heavily on plastic content, BiForm's composition is designed with 60% recycled timber and 30% recycled plastic, making the plastic content (and heat rentention) less than other composites on the market.

So, Should Heat Stop You Choosing Composite Decking?

In our experience, the answer is no.

When comparing the overall benefits of composite decking, including low maintenance, long-term durability, resistance to rot and termites, and consistent appearance, the occasional heat experienced during peak summer conditions is rarely a deciding factor for homeowners.

The most effective ways to manage deck temperature are:

• Choosing lighter colours
• Incorporating shade into your design
• Ensuring proper deck ventilation
• Selecting a quality composite decking product

Thinking About Composite Decking?

If you're considering composite decking for your home, we can help you compare colours, discuss heat performance, and select the best option for your outdoor space.

Contact the team at Edge Outdoor Living to learn more about our range of composite decking products and see samples for yourself.