Which Decks Stay Cool for Bare Feet?

Light-colored, heat-reflective deck surfaces stay coolest for bare feet. Materials like porcelain or stone pavers and the latest PVC/capped composite boards with cooling technology tend to feel the coolest underfoot, whereas dark-colored wood or standard composite decking can become uncomfortably hot. In other words, pick a light, reflective material (or add shade) if you want a barefoot-friendly deck.

Read more: How to Design a deck layout for a small backyard (4m×6m) with steps and seating.

Why Some Decks Stay Cooler (Color, Material & Texture)

Not all decks scorch your feet in summer. The difference comes down to simple physics – color, material density, and surface texture are key factors in deck surface temperature:

• Color is King: Lighter colors reflect more solar energy, while dark colors absorb and hold heat. A dark deck board can easily run 15–20°F hotter than an otherwise identical light-colored board in the same sun. This is quantified by the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI): higher SRI (lighter, more reflective surfaces) means a cooler deck surface. Always gravitate to light, neutral or pastel tones if heat is a concern.

• Material Density & Composition: Different materials react to heat differently:

·         Stone/Paver Decking: Porcelain or vitrified stone pavers in light matte finishes are consistently reported as some of the coolest surfaces underfoot. They also shed heat quickly once in shade.

·         Metal (Aluminum) Decking: Aluminum reflects a lot of sunlight and doesn’t retain heat the way wood or composite do. It also dissipates heat efficiently, meaning even if it warms up, it cools down fast. The result is a deck surface that often stays noticeably cooler to the touch than wood or composite in the same sun.

·         Wood vs. Composite Decking: Plastics and wood-plastic composites tend to absorb and hold heat. Traditional composites (especially in dark colors) often get hotter and stay hot longer than natural wood. However, wood isn’t blameless – a dark-stained wood deck will still get very hot. Wood’s lower thermal conductivity means it might feel slightly less searing than metal, but it can still reach unsafe temps in direct sun. The bottom line: without special technology, standard composites rank among the hottest, wood is mid-range, and stone or aluminum run cooler.

• Modern Cool-Tech Synthetics: New PVC and capped composite boards often include heat-mitigating additives or coatings. Manufacturers claim these advanced boards stay significantly cooler (TimberTech PVC, for example, advertises “up to 30°F cooler” surfaces in comparable conditions. These products can narrow the heat gap, especially in lighter colors, making plastic decks more competitive with wood or stone for barefoot comfort.

• Texture & Finish: A deck board’s finish affects heat feel. Glossy, smooth surfaces can act like a hot plate on your foot, maximizing contact area. In contrast, matte or textured surfaces scatter sunlight and reduce contact, so they often feel cooler even if the actual temperature is similar. A coarse or grainy texture also improves safety by being less slippery (more on that later).

Takeaway: If you want a cooler deck, choose a light color and a material designed to reflect or dissipate heat. Even more, design features like adding shade (pergolas, umbrellas) or ventilation (gaps, open undersides) can dramatically drop surface temps on any deck.

Read more: What deck shape fits an L-shaped house?

Coolest to Hottest: Deck Material Rankings

What deck materials perform best for bare feet? Below is a ranked comparison of popular decking options – from coolest to hottest in summer – including notes on surface temperature, safety, aesthetics, and upkeep for each:

Note: Actual temperatures vary with location and exposure. Light color choices in any material can outperform a dark option – e.g. a light composite can beat a black-painted wood deck. Rankings above assume typical conditions and color choices for each class. Always test a sample in your own sun before you decide!

As the table shows, mineral and metal options (stone, porcelain, aluminum) generally stay coolest, whereas composites and woods get hotter – especially in dark colors or under all-day sun. Let’s dive deeper into each category.

Read more: Tools List for DIY Deck Tiles + Time Estimate for 200 sq ft (Complete 2025 Guide)

Wood Decking in Hot Sun

Wood is a classic decking material, but in a sunbaked climate it has its challenges for bare feet. Does wood stay cool? That depends on the color and species:

• Softwoods (Pressure-Treated Pine, Cedar): In full sun, a standard pressure-treated pine deck can reach ~140°F surface temperature on a 90°F summer day. That’s hot enough to burn feet after prolonged contact. Cedar and redwood may run slightly cooler than pine, but any dark-stained or naturally dark wood will absorb lots of heat. Lighter-colored stains or paints can mitigate this; a light grey or tan painted deck will be much cooler than the same wood in a chocolate brown.

• Hardwoods (Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood): Dense tropical hardwoods have better natural resistance to UV and often feel a bit cooler than softwood in the sun. For example, Ipe might be around 120–130°F in 90°F weather – still hot, but a tad cooler than plastic composites. The very density that gives hardwoods their durability also means they hold heat, so don’t expect miracles; you’ll still want flip-flops on a full-sun afternoon.

• Barefoot Safety: One advantage of wood is its lower thermal conductivity – it doesn’t instantly zap heat into your foot as fast as metal might. However, if the surface is 130°F+, it will be uncomfortable or even cause a burn. Additionally, wood can splinter or develop rough patches if not diligently maintained, which is a serious concern for bare feet and kids’ toes. If you go with wood in a hot climate, commit to sanding and sealing regularly to keep the surface smooth.

• Maintenance & Longevity: Sun and heat are brutal on wood. UV rays degrade lignin in wood, causing fading and surface weakness. High temperatures cause faster drying and cracking. Expect to re-stain or paint every couple of years in high-sun areas to protect the wood. Also, hot, dry weather can cause boards to shrink and warp; humid, sunny weather can lead to mildew and slick spots. In short, wood decks can work for bare feet (especially with light color + some shade), but they demand more care and are still warm at best.

Tip: If you love wood’s look, choose a light-colored semi-transparent stain and incorporate shade (umbrella, pergola) over the key areas where people step. Even a cheap outdoor rug can provide a cooler pathway on an overly hot wood deck.

Read more:  modern deck ideas with low maintenance.

Composite Decking: Hot or Not?

Composite decking (typically made from a mix of wood fibers and plastic) has a reputation for getting very hot in the sun. Is it deserved? Older composites and dark colors, yes. Newer generations with cooling tech, not as much.

• Traditional Composites: Early-generation composite (and even many modern uncapped or dark-colored composites) tend to absorb heat and stay hot. Homeowners in warm regions have reported that standard composite decks become “too hot to walk on barefoot” during summer peak. In fact, one case study found composite boards reaching 34–76°F hotter than the air temperature in direct sun – meaning a 80°F day could yield deck surfaces over 150°F. That’s literally frying-pan territory and can cause burns in seconds. Composites are often denser and less porous than wood, so they radiate heat slowly (staying warm even after the sun goes down).

• Heat vs. Wood: There’s a common question, “Are composites always hotter than wood?” The answer: not always, but often. It depends on color and construction. A light composite can be cooler than a dark wood, for example. Newer composites also outperform old ones. However, if you compare, say, a cedar deck and a Trex deck both in medium-brown, the composite will likely be hotter to the touch at noon. Side-by-side tests by builders often show composites in the upper-middle of the pack for surface temperature – not the absolute worst, but generally a bit hotter than light woods and a bit cooler than black metal or dark stone in the same color. Again, color choice can flip this; color can outweigh material type in temperature impact[30][31].

• Safety and Comfort: On the plus side, composites don’t splinter, which is great for bare feet. They also usually have no visible fasteners on the surface (since they’re often clip-mounted), so you won’t step on metal screw heads (those can heat up too!). But the heat retention is a real concern. At 140°F surface temp, even though the board won’t splinter, it can burn. If you have pets or kids, note that paw pads and small feet are extra sensitive – a composite deck that’s merely “uncomfortable” to an adult might be unsafe for them. Also, some composites can get slippery when hot or when a thin film of water/algae forms, so look for brands that advertise slip-resistance if that’s a concern.

• Fade and Maintenance: Intense UV and heat can fade many composite decks over time, especially older composites without protective caps. A dark brown composite might lighten a few shades after years of summer sun. You can’t easily re-stain composite, so you’re stuck with the faded color. High heat can also cause greater thermal expansion – meaning composites might expand/contract and creak or gap if not installed with proper spacing for your climate. Always follow manufacturer guidelines (e.g. gap requirements) to account for expansion in hot regions. On the whole, composites remain lower maintenance than wood (no annual painting, no rot), but in scorching climates you’ll want to keep them clean (to prevent a hot, dark film of dirt) and perhaps periodically hose down on the hottest days to cool the surface.

Bottom line: Standard composites can be a barefoot annoyance in hot sun unless you choose a lighter color or add some shade. If you love the idea of low-maintenance decking but worry about heat, you should consider the next category – PVC and cool-tech boards – which aim to solve exactly this problem.

Read more: Deck: wood vs composite vs stone—pros, cons, cost, maintenance

PVC and Cool-Tech Composite Decking

One of the biggest innovations in decking has been the development of heat-resistant composite and PVC decking. These are sometimes marketed as “cool deck” or “cool-tech” boards. They’re typically either all-plastic (PVC/vinyl) or high-tech composites with special reflective caps. Here’s how they stack up:

• Advanced PVC Decking: PVC deck boards (such as TimberTech AZEK series) are made from 100% cellular PVC, often with foaming agents to reduce density. They tend to heat up less than earlier composites. TimberTech’s Advanced PVC line, for instance, advertises that its boards stay “up to 30° F cooler” than comparable products in similar colors. In practice, a light-colored PVC board might be only warm (not burning) to the touch in midday sun. On a 90°F day, you might see surface temps around 110–120°F for light PVC vs. 130–140°F for standard composites – a noticeable difference. Keep in mind, PVC is still plastic, so any decking will get hot given enough sun (you won’t have a cold deck at 2pm in July), but these stay on the more comfortable end.

• CoolDeck and Other Heat-Mitigation Technologies: Several composite brands offer proprietary cooling tech. For example, MoistureShield’s CoolDeck® technology claims to reduce heat absorption by up to 35% compared to ordinary capped composites. These lines use special pigments and capstock that reflect more infrared light. Real-world tests do show meaningful reductions in surface temperature – often bringing these boards into the same range as lighter wood or even a tad cooler. If you want composite but live in a broiler climate (Arizona, Vegas, Texas sun), looking for labels like “cool technology” or “heat resistant decking” is wise.

• Drawbacks: No material is perfect. PVC boards can expand/contract quite a bit with temperature swings (more so than wood). If not installed with proper spacing and if your deck spans get extremely hot then cool at night, you could notice the boards moving or hear pops as they expand. Proper installation (adequate gaps, fasteners that allow movement) mitigates this. Also, high-end PVC and cool-tech composites tend to cost more than standard composite or wood – you’re paying a premium for the comfort feature.

• Safety and Feel: These cool-tech boards share the general safety advantages of composites: no splinters, usually a good slip-resistant texture, and often even better traction when wet (some PVC boards boast 40% better wet traction than competitors). They are definitely aimed at barefoot comfort, so if that’s a top priority, allocate budget here if you can. One thing to remember: even the coolest composite will still be warm on a 100°F day – just not dangerously hot. So you may still want an outdoor rug or to spray down the deck with water occasionally to cool it further for a mid-day pool party.

In summary, capped PVC and next-gen composites are closing the gap with stone and aluminum for the coolest decking. If you want low maintenance and plan to use the deck at high noon often, these products are worth the look. Just stick to light colors to maximize the benefit (even the cool-tech can only do so much for a charcoal-black board in Phoenix sun).

Aluminum Decking: Cool and Durable

Aluminum is not a very common decking material in residential projects, but it’s out there – and it’s arguably one of the top performers in the heat. If you’ve stepped on an aluminum dock or boardwalk, you might have noticed it’s relatively comfortable even under the punishing sun. Here’s why aluminum decks shine (literally and figuratively):

• Reflectivity = Cooler Surface: Aluminum reflects sunlight extremely well, especially if it’s a light color or has a light-reflective coating. Unlike wood or composite which absorb sun rays and heat up, aluminum bounces a lot of that energy away. In tests performed by deck manufacturers, aluminum decking stayed cooler than every other material tested. Users have reported that even in full sun, an aluminum deck board can be cool enough to stand on while the adjacent composite board is untouchable.

• Heat Dissipation: Metal is a great conductor of heat. Paradoxically, this helps keep the surface cooler because any heat that is absorbed gets distributed and dissipated quickly through the board (and into the air or substructure). Aluminum doesn’t hold onto heat; it cools down almost as fast as it heats up. The result is a lower steady-state temperature and a surface that cools off rapidly when shade hits it or a cloud passes by.

• Real-world Temps: On a 90° day, an aluminum deck in a light color might be around 95–100°F on the surface – roughly body temperature, which is quite tolerable barefoot. Compare that to 135°F+ for some woods or composites on the same day. That 30–40 degree difference is huge for comfort. In fact, one Maryland deck builder ranks aluminum among the very best options for sun, noting it “reflects heat rather than absorbing it, making it one of the coolest options for bare feet”.

• Safety and Comfort: Aluminum won’t splinter, rot, or warp. It’s usually manufactured with ridges or a textured powder-coat to provide grip. As long as you choose one with a non-slip texture, it can be very barefoot-friendly. Do note, if the metal does get hot, its high conductivity means you will feel it immediately – so you’ll do the “hot foot hustle” pretty fast. The good news is, it rarely gets to that searing point if you stick to light colors. Still, always test a sample. Also, no worries about burns from fasteners – an all-aluminum deck system usually has hidden fasteners or the screws are recessed, so you won’t burn your foot on a sunbaked screw head (a small detail, but important!).

• Looks & Applications: Aesthetically, aluminum has a unique look – typically a powder-coated finish in neutral colors. It can look sleek and modern, but some homeowners feel it lacks the “warmth” of wood or the solid feel of composite. However, new aluminum systems often have a subtle woodgrain embossing to mimic wood looks. Aluminum decking is popular for docks and waterfronts (where its water resistance is a huge plus) and roof decks (where a lightweight, cool material is ideal). You might also consider aluminum for desert climates where wood dries out too fast and composite melts or warps – aluminum can take the extreme heat with ease.

• Maintenance: Here’s a big win – zero maintenance essentially. Aluminum decking doesn’t need sealing, won’t fade appreciably, and isn’t affected by UV like plastics or wood are. It’s also fireproof, an added bonus in wildfire-prone areas. Just clean off debris and enjoy. The only caveat: if you live near saltwater, ensure the product is rated or coated for marine environments to prevent corrosion.

The main downsides of aluminum decking are the higher upfront cost and the somewhat limited availability/styles. But if barefoot comfort and longevity matter more to you than mimicking the look of wood, aluminum is a top-tier choice to consider for a cool deck.

Stone Decking (Porcelain Tiles & Tanzite StoneDecks)

When it comes to keeping feet cool, stone is in its element – literally. Stone, ceramic, and mineral surfaces have been used around pools and patios for ages precisely because they handle sun well. For decks, you can now get porcelain pavers or innovative systems like Tanzite StoneDecks that bring these cool, hard surfaces onto standard deck framing. Here’s why stone-based decking is often the #1 choice for beating the heat:

• Coolest Surface Underfoot: In like-for-like light colors, it’s hard to beat stone. Porcelain pavers in a light, matte finish are often cited as “among the coolest, safest barefoot options”. They simply don’t heat up as much as plastics or wood. If they do warm, they also cool off quickly once shaded. Think about stepping on a stone tile by the pool – it might be warm, but it rarely gets painfully hot, especially if it’s a lighter color. That’s the experience you’re aiming for on a stone deck.

• Tanzite StoneDecks – A Special Case: Tanzite is a brand of engineered stone decking that deserves a shout-out. It’s a system of stone tiles designed to be installed on a standard wood/composite deck frame, giving you a stone deck surface without needing a concrete base. Tanzite boards are made under high heat and pressure (similar to manufacturing man-made diamonds) to create a durable stone material. Key perks for barefoot comfort:

·         “It stays cool under the sun.” Tanzite explicitly markets that their stone deck boards remain comfortable on the feet in hot weather. Unlike composite, it won’t heat up to burning temperatures – stone simply doesn’t absorb heat the same way.

·         Fade-proof: Tanzite boards are UV stable. They carry a fade-free guarantee, so even under intense Arizona or Florida sun, the color will look “amazing in 20 years”. No bleaching out, which is common with some dyed concrete pavers or composite.

·         Slip-resistant: The surface has a gritty texture comparable to medium-grit sandpaper, making it non-slip even when wet – a big plus for poolside decks or rainy climates.

·         No thermal expansion issues: Being stone-based, Tanzite boards don’t expand and contract with heat like plastic does. This means fewer gaps and a more stable feel underfoot in extreme temperature swings.

·         Durability: They are scratch-proof, stain-proof (spilled wine or BBQ grease won’t scorch them), and fireproof[. You get a lot of the benefits of a stone patio (longevity, robustness) in a deck format.

Tanzite stone deck boards (Rainier Collection) being installed on a backyard deck. Stone-based decking offers the look of wood with superior heat resistance – even under intense sun, the surface stays comfortable for bare feet. Tanzite’s system installs on standard framing, making it an upgrade option for existing decks.

• Porcelain and Tile Decking: Even if you don’t go with a brand like Tanzite, porcelain tiles or other stone pavers are excellent for keeping things cool. Many high-end homes in hot climates opt for travertine or light-colored porcelain on patios and pool decks for this reason. On a deck, these usually sit on pedestal systems or special framing systems. If you have a roof deck or a desire for a truly upscale finish, porcelain pavers might be your go-to for both luxury and comfort underfoot.

• Aesthetics: Stone decking exudes a luxury, resort-like feel. You can get tiles that look like anything – from natural slate, travertine, or marble, to those that mimic wood planks (with far superior longevity). Tanzite’s collections, for example, offer both a realistic wood-look finish and more traditional stone textures, so you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. And unlike actual wood, the color stays true without maintenance.

• Maintenance: Very minimal. Stone decks won’t rot, there’s no resanding or staining. No worries about scratches – you’re not going to gouge a stone tile by moving furniture. Cleaning is typically just a hose-down or light pressure wash (and Tanzite notes their product can handle pressure washing without damageZ). Also, insects and moisture are non-issues for stone itself (though your underlying frame is still wood or metal and needs standard protection).

The only considerations with stone surfaces are cost and installation complexity – they tend to be a premium option and a bit heavier. However, given their benefits (cool, long-lasting, gorgeous), many homeowners find it worth the investment, especially for sun-drenched decks or those around pools.

In summary, stone-based decking (whether porcelain pavers or a product like Tanzite) is often the ultimate choice for a cool-to-the-touch deck. If your budget allows and you prize barefoot comfort and longevity, put this at the top of your list.

Real-Life Hot Climate Use Cases (AZ, TX, FL)

It’s important to consider how these materials perform in the real world, especially in some of the hottest parts of the U.S. Let’s look at a few scenarios:

• Arizona Desert (e.g. Phoenix, AZ): With summer highs routinely above 105–110°F, Arizona decks face extreme sun exposure and UV intensity. In such conditions, even composite manufacturers acknowledge their boards can exceed 160°F surface temps – hot enough to cause second-degree burns in seconds on bare skin. For an Arizona home, the coolest options tend to be light-colored porcelain or stone (which naturally reflect sunlight) and aluminum. These materials won’t bake like wood/plastic. Homeowners in Phoenix often opt for travertine tile patios for this reason; a Tanzite stone deck in a pale color would offer similar relief, staying barefoot-friendly even at high noon. If composites are used, it’s critical to choose those with heat mitigation tech and in the lightest color available (and even then, plan on adding an umbrella or misting system for the worst afternoons). Shade is your friend – a simple pergola can drop surface temps dramatically in the desert. And since Arizona is arid (low humidity), there’s less concern about mildew – so focusing purely on heat, stone and metal decks shine in the desert sun.

• Texas Heat (e.g. Dallas or Austin, TX): Texas presents both high heat and, in many regions, high humidity. In places like Dallas, summer sun will punish a deck (100°F days are common), and evenings don’t always cool off. In South Texas or the Hill Country, you have intense sun plus occasional very heavy rains. For Texas homeowners, composite vs. stone vs. aluminum is a common debate. Many builders in Texas recommend aluminum or heat-resistant PVC for full-sun decks, noting that these won’t warp or swell in the heat. Also, Texas gets intense UV, so fade-resistance is key – composites with high fade warranties or stone that won’t fade (like Tanzite) are attractive options. One Texas contractor did a deck temperature test and found aluminum was coolest, followed by cool-tech PVC, then wood, then standard composite. If your heart is set on wood in Texas, choose a hardwood like Ipe which handles heat and sun better (and uses a light oil stain). But be ready for maintenance in the humidity. Also, sudden downpours in Texas mean slippery decks can be hazardous, so favor materials with texture. Overall, to beat Texas sun, pick light colors, high-reflectance materials, and don’t skip the shade structures – an afternoon thunderstorm can cool the air temporarily, but the sun will be back with a vengeance!

• Florida Sun & Humidity (e.g. Orlando or Miami, FL): Florida brings the double whammy of year-round high UV exposure and tropical humidity/rain. Decks here not only get hot, they also face daily afternoon showers in summer and intense UV that fades many materials. For a pool deck in Florida, the consensus is to use light-colored stone or tile – something like a light ivory travertine or a porcelain paver with a matte finish. These remain comfortable to walk on with wet bare feet and are less likely to cause slips. In fact, around pools or spas, slip resistance is just as important as heat, so looking at the DCOF slip rating is wise (aim for ≥0.42 wet DCOF, which is a common safety standard). Tanzite’s stone boards with rough texture could be ideal here – they stay cool and meet the safety criteria for wet areas. Florida’s humidity also means woods can rot and composites can get mildew; a stone deck or aluminum deck sidesteps those issues (stone doesn’t care about moisture, aluminum won’t rot, and both can handle sun). If using composite/PVC in Florida, ensure it’s highly UV-resistant (so it won’t fade in the relentless sun) and has a good mold-resistance warranty. Also, consider white or light-colored railings and trim – those not only stay cooler to the touch (important for handrails) but also reflect heat away from the deck surface. Many Florida homeowners incorporate covered lanais or screen enclosures, which naturally create shade and keep decks cooler (while keeping bugs out). If that’s not your style, a retractable awning or a simple canopy over part of the deck can make a huge difference at midday. In summary, Florida decks favor materials that are cool underfoot, non-slip when wet, and highly resistant to UV and moisture – which is why you see so much tile, stone, and high-end PVC in that region.

No matter where you live, remember that local climate should shape your deck choice. A product that excels in dry heat (like aluminum) might also do great in humid heat – but a product that handles humidity (like certain woods) might suffer in extreme UV. Always match the material to your climate demands. And when in doubt, test a sample in the worst conditions: leave a board in the sun and then walk on it barefoot at 3pm, see if it passes the test!

Cool Decking Buyer’s Checklist

When shopping for a deck that won’t scorch your feet, keep the following checklist in mind:

• ✓ Choose Light Colors: This is rule #1 for a cool deck. Within any product line, the lightest color option will absorb the least heat. Opt for whites, light grays, tans, or bleached wood tones. Avoid dark brown, black, or deep red decks if barefoot comfort is a priority.

• ✓ Look for Heat-Mitigation Tech: If considering composite or PVC, ask about heat-reducing technology. Brands offering cool deck technology (e.g. special caps, reflective additives) will advertise percentages or degree reductions. Those products can give you an edge on comfort. Also, check Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) values if available – higher SRI means cooler surfaces.

• ✓ Texture Matters: Prioritize decks with a matte or textured finish. You want a bit of grip or pattern on the surface – it not only prevents slips but also lessens the “hot skillet” effect on your skin. Glossy = sweaty feet and potentially hotter feel. Many cool deck boards come with woodgrain or ridged textures for this reason.

• ✓ Plan for Shade & Airflow: No material magically stays cold under a brutal sun. If possible, design some shade into your deck – whether a permanent pergola over a section, a retractable awning, or even just a large patio umbrella where people tend to sit or walk. Shade can drop surface temps by 10–20°F or more. Likewise, ensure there’s airflow under and around the deck. An open-underneath deck that lets breezes pass through will cool off faster than a boxed-in platform deck.

• ✓ Consider Barefoot Safety: Heat is one aspect, but also think about splinters, slips, and burns. If you have a pool or frequent rain, look at products with slip-resistant ratings (for tiles, DCOF ≥0.42 is a good guideline). If you go with wood, be prepared to sand periodically to avoid splinters. Ensure any metal pieces (deck trim, fasteners) are either hidden or powder-coated so they don’t become little branding irons in the sun.

• ✓ Check Warranty for UV & Fade: Hot climates hammer decks with UV rays. A reliable cool decking product should come with a fade warranty (many composites offer 25-year fade & stain guarantees). If a manufacturer is confident their board won’t fade or degrade in high sun, that’s a good sign. For instance, stone/PVC products that boast of no fading in 20+ years give peace of mind.

• ✓ Test Samples at Home: Ultimately, do a barefoot test with samples before you buy. Set out samples of different materials and colors in your sun for a few hours and then step on them. It’s a free and easy way to judge comfort. Manufacturers’ claims are helpful, but nothing beats feeling it for yourself on a scorching day.

By running through this checklist, you’ll zero in on a deck surface that fits your climate, lifestyle, and comfort needs. Your feet will thank you!

FAQs

Which deck material stays coolest in summer?

Answer: In comparable light colors, porcelain or stone tile decking is often the coolest choice, closely followed by light, heat-mitigated PVC or capped composite boards. Aluminum is also a top performer. Essentially, anything light-colored and designed to reflect heat will beat out darker, denser materials. On the flip side, dark-colored anything (wood, composite, or even stone) will run hottest.

Are composite decks always hotter than wood decks?

Answer: Not always. It’s a common misconception that composite is automatically much hotter. In reality, color and sun exposure can matter more than the material itself. A new-age light gray composite with cooling tech could feel cooler than an old dark-brown wood deck. That said, traditional composites (especially older or cheaper ones) did tend to get a bit hotter than many woods. Newer PVC/composites have improved. The safest bet for cool feet is to choose a light color and, if composite, pick one of the lines advertised as cooler. And remember, all surfaces get warm in direct sun – composites included – so plan accordingly.

What’s the best decking for around a pool to keep it cool and safe?

Answer: Light-colored stone or porcelain pavers are generally regarded as the optimal choice for pool surrounds. They stay cooler underfoot and can be made very slip-resistant (look for textured “wet area” pavers with a high slip rating). For example, a light porcelain tile with a matte, sandy finish will be gentle on bare feet and reduce the risk of slips on wet footpaths. If you prefer a deck-board style around a pool, consider Tanzite stone decking or textured PVC boards in a very light color – those can also work well. Just avoid carpeting the pool deck in dark composite or dark wood; that’s a recipe for hot feet and slips. And no matter the material, use some shade and maybe a light-colored outdoor rug in spots where people climb in/out of the pool – it’ll make the experience much more pleasant.

How can I make a dark deck more comfortable in the heat?

Answer: If you’re stuck with a dark deck (or just love the look of deep colors), there are a few hacks: add shade, add airflow, and add something on top. A pergola or even a temporary canopy over the deck’s hottest areas can drop the temperature dramatically. Improving under-deck ventilation (if it’s a raised deck) will also help the boards cool off. For immediate relief, use outdoor rugs or runners on key walking areas – a lighter-colored rug can be much cooler to step on than the bare dark boards (just make sure water can drain beneath so you don’t trap heat or moisture). Another trick: keep a garden hose or sprinkler handy and give the deck a quick spray down; the evaporation can cool the surface for a time (just watch for any temporary slipperiness). Ultimately, if you have the option, consider refinishing or replacing super-dark boards – even switching to a medium-tone or adding a reflective coating could reduce heat buildup. But if not, shade and surface coverings will be your best friends.

Do I need to worry about slip ratings or codes for deck surfaces in wet/hot areas?

Answer: If your deck will be near a pool or regularly wet, it’s smart to pay attention to slip resistance. In the U.S., the ANSI standard for dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) suggests ≥0.42 for wet surfaces in areas like pools and patios. Many porcelain or stone deck tiles will advertise if they meet this. Composite and wood can be trickier – generally, more texture = more grip. If barefoot safety is a big concern, lean towards options specifically labeled as “slip-resistant” or those used commercially around pools. Also, be aware that heat itself can make surfaces slick (hot, dry foot on hot deck = sweat = slip). Always use caution and perhaps a spritz of water to cool things if people will be running around. As for building codes: typically residential deck codes don’t dictate surface temperature or slip ratings, but they might for commercial installations. It’s mostly on the homeowner to choose wisely for safety. When in doubt, ask the manufacturer for test data or consult a local decking professional about what works well in your climate.

Stay Cool with Tanzite – Your Barefoot-Friendly Deck Awaits

At the end of the day, the goal is simple: enjoy your deck without tiptoeing around or hopping from foot to foot. The right material choice makes all the difference. We’ve seen that light-colored stone and advanced composites/PVC can create a much cooler, more comfortable outdoor space. Among those, Tanzite StoneDecks stand out as a premium solution – offering the beauty of a stone or wood look with the performance of a high-tech material. Tanzite decks are scratch-proof, fade-proof, fireproof, and yes, they stay cool in the sun. You get to have a gorgeous deck that you can actually use at 2 pm in July.

Ready to upgrade to a cooler deck? Take the next step with Tanzite. Explore our range of stone deck collections, order a sample to feel it yourself, or reach out for a quote on your project. With Tanzite, you can build a deck that beats the heat – so go ahead and plan that summer barbecue without worrying about anyone burning their feet. Your perfect, barefoot-friendly deck is within reach!

Contact Tanzite today to learn more and make your outdoor living space comfortably cool and beautiful for years to come. Enjoy your deck, every hour of the day!