Summer heat in Raleigh can turn your deck into an uncomfortable space, but with the right materials and strategies, you can keep it cool and inviting. At Majestic Outdoors, we create decks that stay cooler during the hottest months, ensuring your outdoor area remains a relaxing retreat.
The right decking materials, smart shade solutions, and good airflow will significantly lower your deck’s surface temperature. Here’s how to beat the heat and enjoy your deck all summer.
Why Do Decks Get So Hot in Summer?
In Raleigh, where the summer sun beats down for hours, decks can absorb and trap heat, making them feel much hotter than the surrounding air. This is especially true for decks without proper ventilation or shade.
- Dark Decking Materials: Dark colors absorb more sunlight and trap more heat, causing the deck surface to become uncomfortably hot.
- Lack of Airflow: Without proper ventilation, heat becomes trapped beneath the deck, preventing it from cooling down during the evening.
- Prolonged Sun Exposure: Decks facing the sun for most of the day, especially those facing south or west, are exposed to more direct sunlight and heat.
To keep your deck cool, choosing the right materials and considering shade and ventilation is essential.
Best Decking Materials to Beat the Heat
When selecting decking materials, it’s important to pick ones that resist heat buildup. TimberTech composite decking and TimberTech/AZEK advanced PVC decking are both excellent choices for keeping your deck cool during the summer months.
- TimberTech Composite Decking: TimberTech’s high-performance composite decking is designed to resist heat and moisture while offering durability and minimal maintenance. The lighter colors reflect sunlight, helping keep the surface cooler underfoot.
- TimberTech/AZEK PVC Decking: Made with advanced PVC technology, AZEK decking reflects heat better than traditional composite materials. It’s ideal for keeping your deck cooler and more comfortable during Raleigh’s hottest months.
- Low-Maintenance and Durability: Both TimberTech and AZEK decking options are not only heat-resistant but also durable, ensuring your deck stays cool and looks great for years.
Choosing these materials helps reduce heat buildup and ensures your deck is always ready for relaxation, even during the peak of summer.
Shade Solutions to Keep Your Deck Cool
In addition to choosing the right decking materials, incorporating shade into your deck design is one of the most effective ways to reduce surface temperatures and enhance comfort.
- Covered Deck Roofs: Installing a fixed roof over your deck blocks the sun entirely and keeps the surface cool. It also allows you to add fans or lighting for additional comfort.
- Pergolas: These open-beam structures offer filtered shade while still allowing for airflow. Adding climbing vines or retractable fabrics enhances the cooling effect.
- Louvered Roofs: Adjustable louvered roofs let you control the amount of sunlight and airflow on your deck, providing a personalized cooling experience throughout the day.
- Retractable Awnings: For a flexible solution, retractable awnings provide adjustable shade that can be extended or retracted as needed, depending on the time of day and sun position.
These shade solutions make a big difference in keeping your deck comfortable during the hottest parts of the day.
Maximize Airflow for Extra Cooling
Good airflow plays a vital role in reducing deck heat. Even with shade, moving air helps prevent warm air from getting trapped, ensuring your deck stays cooler.
- Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans installed under a pergola or roof can circulate air, cooling the space effectively.
- Wall Fans: Wall-mounted fans can also be placed in strategic areas to keep air moving and reduce heat buildup.
- Misting Systems: Low-pressure misting systems can cool the air several degrees by releasing a fine mist that evaporates quickly, providing relief on dry days.
Improving airflow around your deck is an easy way to enhance comfort and reduce the heat, especially in the afternoon when the sun is strongest.
Natural Cooling with Greenery
Incorporating plants and greenery into your deck design is a natural way to cool your outdoor space while adding beauty and a sense of tranquility.
- Tall Planters: Place tall plants like ornamental grasses or small shrubs around your deck to block the sun and provide cooling shade.
- Climbing Vines: Trellises with climbing vines such as ivy or grapevines create dense shade and contribute to a cooler deck surface.
- Potted Trees: Trees like Japanese maples or serviceberries in large pots provide movable shade that can be repositioned for optimal coverage.
These green solutions work with your deck’s design to provide additional cooling benefits without relying on electricity.
Protect Your Deck Surface and Your Feet
Even the coolest decking materials can still heat up under intense sunlight. Adding a layer of protection to your deck surface can improve comfort, especially for those barefoot moments.
- Outdoor Rugs: UV-resistant rugs provide a cool surface to walk on, especially in high-traffic areas, reducing heat transfer to your feet.
- Temporary Deck Mats: Modular mats or shade covers can be added to specific areas like the grill or seating zones to protect surfaces and reduce heat exposure.
These simple additions make your deck more comfortable for both you and your guests, ensuring you can enjoy your outdoor space even during the hottest days.
Get a Cooler Deck with Majestic Outdoors
At Majestic Outdoors, we specialize in building decks that stay cool all summer long. With TimberTech composite decking and AZEK PVC decking, combined with our expert shade and airflow solutions, you’ll enjoy a cooler, more comfortable outdoor space in Raleigh, NC. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start planning your ideal deck for the summer!
How to Keep a Deck Cool in Summer FAQs
How do I keep my deck cool in summer?
To keep your deck cool, choose heat-resistant materials like TimberTech composite or AZEK PVC decking. Add shade structures, such as pergolas or retractable awnings, and improve airflow with fans to reduce heat buildup.
What decking material stays coolest in the summer?
TimberTech composite and AZEK PVC decking are both excellent choices for heat resistance. These materials reflect sunlight and reduce heat retention, keeping your deck cooler during the hottest months.
What can I do to shade my deck in summer?
Shade options such as covered roofs, pergolas, and retractable awnings effectively block the sun and help maintain a cooler deck surface. You can also add climbing vines or shade fabric for added comfort.
Do I need to worry about airflow for my deck?
Yes, airflow is crucial. Adding ceiling or wall fans under a pergola or roof helps circulate air, preventing heat from being trapped and keeping your deck cooler.
How can I protect my feet from a hot deck?
Use UV-resistant outdoor rugs or modular mats to protect your feet from hot surfaces. These additions help reduce heat transfer to your feet and create a more comfortable space.