Yes. In full summer sun, composite decking gets hotter than natural wood and holds that heat longer, often enough to be uncomfortable barefoot on a July afternoon. Color makes a big difference: dark composite gets hottest, lighter grays and tans stay noticeably cooler, and some premium composite lines are made to absorb less heat. If your deck faces south or west with no shade, choose a lighter color, consider a heat-mitigating line, and plan some shade.
Louisville summers regularly reach the upper 80s and 90s, and a deck in full afternoon sun takes the brunt of it. If you're choosing between composite and wood, it's a fair question: will I be able to walk on it barefoot in July?
In our experience building decks around Louisville, composite gets hotter than wood and stays hot longer into the evening. The most common surprise we hear from composite owners is how hot a dark board gets on a July afternoon. Color matters a lot too: dark surfaces absorb more sunlight whether they're composite or dark-stained wood, and lighter boards stay noticeably cooler. Some premium composite lines add heat-mitigating technology, which is worth a look for decks in full afternoon sun. Our sister site compares these in composite decking grades compared.
| Deck surface | Heat in full sun |
|---|---|
| Light gray or tan composite | Warm to hot; heat-mitigating lines run cooler |
| Dark brown or charcoal composite | Hot; often uncomfortable barefoot |
| Unstained or lightly stained wood | Warm |
| Dark-stained wood | Hot, though usually cools faster than composite |
| Any deck under a roof or pergola | Coolest |
Treat any single temperature number with caution. Surface readings change a lot with the time of day, the wind, and whether the deck faces south, west or east.
Board samples look different in a showroom than in your backyard. Ask for samples and set them in the sun where the deck will go for an afternoon before you choose.
For most Louisville homeowners, yes. Composite doesn't need staining, doesn't splinter, and typically lasts 25–30+ years. Heat is something to plan for, not a dealbreaker: pick a lighter color or a heat-mitigating line for a sunny deck, and add shade where you'll sit. If you want the lowest upfront cost, wood is still a great option. Our wood vs. composite guide and deck lifespan guide cover the tradeoffs.
You can try different board colors on your own design in our 3D deck designer.
Generally, yes. Composite absorbs and holds heat more than natural wood, especially in darker colors. Dark-stained wood gets hot too, but unstained or lightly stained wood usually stays cooler. Lighter composite colors and heat-mitigating premium lines narrow the gap.
Lighter colors, such as light grays, tans and weathered or driftwood tones, stay cooler than dark browns, charcoals and deep reds. Several manufacturers also offer premium lines with heat-mitigating technology made for decks in full sun.
On hot, sunny afternoons, dark decking can be uncomfortable enough that you'll want shoes. A shaded area, outdoor rugs or a lighter board color make the biggest difference.
Yes. A roof, pergola or shade sail keeps sun off the boards and is the most effective way to keep any deck surface comfortable in summer.
Ruth Fence and Deck is a family-owned deck builder serving Louisville KY and Southern Indiana for 15 years. Every project starts with a free in-person visit.
📞 Call (502) 468-3335 Design Your Deck Online