Does Composite Decking Get Hot?

Type Of Decking Used

Water and ice accumulation can make any deck surface a potential slip hazard though. While traditional wooden timber decks have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years, as composite decking is weather, insect and rot resistant, it can last anywhere between 25 and 30 years, if not longer. The cheapest poorest performing composite boards tend to have thin walled products that have a rectangular hollow. To overcome this a compromise between wall strength and expansion needs to be achieved. The best design on the market are boards with round hollows in them. Like an arch of a bridge, the round holes allow for the event distribution of loads, creating a stronger board, like stronger bridges. The holes will also allow for the reduction in expansion and contraction, taking any expansion within its own voids.

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• While standing up to the increased footfall solid boards do have issues.
• Well solid boards are available and quite often offered as the premium or most expensive versions of a composite decking range.
• This goes back to temperature changes a factor we experience to the greatest agree in the UK.
• By reducing the material used in manufacture, will reduce cost and weight, but this is at a cost which is strength.
• Solid boards are often marketed for more commercial use, for use in areas with higher pedestrian traffic.

Composite Prime

As composite decking is highly resistant to rot and insects it is a more suitable choice for ground contact. Although not commonly used indoors, composite decking is suitable for interior flooring solutions, but would require a solid base. Hardwood fibres like the actual wood itself has a low water absorption property.

Fibre-cement mats are useful for protecting your deck from the heat of a fire. We have recently created a test on whether you can paint composite decking, please see our blog post here. Composite decking cannot be laid straight onto grass, it needs a solid support system underneath in the form of either a concrete base with composite joists, or a solid timber frame. For more information on installing our composite decking please see our installation guide. Another element that will determine the spacing requirements is the framing.

Even though the summer season may not be long enough, and you want to enjoy the sun whilst it’s out, you are most likely stepping indoors once it gets too hot outside. Nonetheless, if you want to extend your time on your composite decking outdoors, there are options and solutions to keep your composite decking cool. One way is to plant trees that will create a shade over your composite decking —although the trees might take years to grow. Another alternative is to build a canopy over a portion of your composite decking, but if you want a less costly solution, you can simply add a patio umbrella to minimise direct exposure to sunlight.

Can Composite Decking Be Used Indoors?

In the long run many owners have found the relative low maintenance of composite decking a major benefit (in time and cost!). A deck can extend your home into the garden and create a space that you can entertain, relax or sit out in and enjoy the warm summer nights. In our guest blog from Eva-Last® Infinity™, they’re here to let you know the benefits of composite decking vs traditional wood. With its textured finishes, composite decking is more slip resistant than wood with smooth spots, which tend to be slippery when wet.

The lighter your boards are in terms of weight and density, the less heat that will be absorbed and retained. Aside from the material of choice, the colour also contributes to a cooler garden decking.

Products

Composite decking nowadays comes in a myriad of compositions, and they vary from one manufacturer to another. These variations in composition can result in slight differences in the degree of expansion and contraction, so never assume certain recommendations apply to a different composite decking product. Whether doing the installation yourself or hiring a professional, these instructions should be followed. There is no clear-cut answer to who makes the best composite decking. Read our latest decking material reviews for help choosing your next decking project’s material.

Does Composite Decking Get Hot In The Summer?

For any garden space, we recommend a composite decking area to maximise the potential of your outdoor space. Some composite boards can be painted if the right care to clean and prepare the boards is taken, though capped composite boards will definitely not be able to take any paint. That is what you need to ask yourself when you are looking at which is the best value for you. While our review system is tailored to help you better make your decisions about your composite decking, you will make the final judgement. We can’t suggest a singular brand, unfortunately – they all have their pros and cons. Our top-reviewed composite boards, however, are our personal choices for best value and quality. Just while we’re on the subject of burning, another point often overlooked is that timber decking burns far more quickly than composite decking.