Does Composite Decking Get Hot? What Australian Makers Say

Does composite decking get hot?

Yes, in direct sun, and so does timber. What changes is how much, and the biggest lever is colour. Nobody we found publishes a measured surface temperature for an Australian board, so treat every number below as the maker’s own guidance.

What do the makers say?

Maker	What it says about heat
ModWood	Tests showed the Natural Grain surface temperature is similar to timber of similar colour and finish. Dark colours (Black Bean and Jarrah) can get quite hot underfoot, especially when new. The brushed face feels cooler than the smooth face
ModWood fixing sheet	A board in full sun on a warm to hot day is about 20 to 25 degrees warmer than the air
Futurewood	Xtreme heats at a slightly higher rate than timber, and darker colours can run 20 degrees or more above air temperature. The scalloped back is designed to let cooling air move through
Ekodeck	Classic gets marginally hotter than timber. Darker colours absorb more. Don’t go barefoot on hot days if you wouldn’t on timber
Eva-Last (global site)	All its composite can become hot in direct sun, lighter colours absorb less, and the ventilated Infinity profile helps moderate it

How can you keep a composite deck cooler?

Choose a lighter colour and a brushed or textured face, and use shade where you can. ModWood says new boards run hotter, so the first weeks are the worst. Outdoor rugs work: a UK owner who found her boards too hot to sit on at about 26 degrees lays one.

Be sceptical about cooling claims. A US decking retailer tested boards sold as “cool” in real sun and found them no cooler than other boards of the same colour, with light boards clearly cooler than dark ones and still too hot for bare feet in strong heat. It also found a heat lamp at a trade show gave a different impression to real sun.

Can glass reflections damage decking?

Yes. NewTechWood’s installation guide warns that reflections from Low-E glass can cause extreme surface heat that may melt, sag, warp or discolour boards. Futurewood gives the same warning. If your deck sits in front of Low-E windows or doors, ask the maker before you buy, and store boards out of direct sun until you fix them.

Does heat change how you install it?

It does. Boards expand as they warm, so the gaps depend on the temperature at installation. Futurewood says a 5.4 m board grows about 2.5 mm per 10 degrees. The installation guide lists each maker’s temperature limits and end gaps.

Questions

Is composite decking hotter than timber?

Slightly, according to the makers that answer the question. Ekodeck says Classic gets marginally hotter than timber, Futurewood says Xtreme heats at a slightly higher rate, and ModWood says its tests showed a surface temperature similar to timber of a similar colour and finish. Colour matters more than the material.

Can composite decking burn your feet?

On a hot day, in full sun, yes, as can timber. Ekodeck advises not going barefoot on hot days if you wouldn't on timber. A US retailer that tested boards found even pale ones too hot for bare feet in strong heat.

Does composite decking melt from window reflections?

It can be damaged. NewTechWood and Futurewood both warn that reflections from Low-E glass close to a deck can create extreme surface heat that may melt, sag, warp or discolour boards.

Does composite decking get hot?