Which Composite Decking is Best for Full Sun?
The deck is an ideal spot for family relaxation and gatherings with friends. However, the deck exposed to full sun can become extremely hot, significantly impacting the user experience. Decking may also suffer from issues like fading due to prolonged sun exposure. Composite wood decking offers durability and low maintenance. For full-sun environments, light-colored products are recommended. Additionally, factors such as composite deck types and joist spacing must also be considered.
This piece will help you choose the best composite decking for full sun by looking at things like color, material, and structure. It will help you handle the problems that come with direct sunlight better. Your composite deck will become a comfortable area usable year-round.
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Table of Contents
Choose Light-Colored Composite Decking
Color has the most direct and important effect on the warmth of the deck surface. More sunlight is turned into heat energy by darker colors. Because lighter colors reflect more sunshine, they keep the surface from getting too hot. Choose light-colored composite deck boards for the best performance in places with full sun. Some of its main benefits are:
Reduced Surface Temperature
This is the main reason why light-colored composite deck materials are better. Light gray, beige, or light brown decking can be 20°C to 30°C cooler on the surface than darker options when they are in the same amount of direct sunshine. In the same way that we choose light-colored clothes to stay cool in the summer, you should choose a light-colored deck for full sun.
Fade Resistance
Sunlight’s ultraviolet rays are the main cause of material fading and aging. All deck colors will fade to some extent after being out in the sun for a long time. But decks that are light in color have a clear edge in this case.
To begin, lighter shades naturally reflect more UV light. Second, dark boards show aging more clearly. On light boards, it’s hard to tell if there is even a little fading. Because of this, light-colored composite decks look newer for longer.
Easy Maintenance and Cleaning
The light color of the decking successfully hides common dirt like dust, pollen, and leaf litter that builds up over time. High-quality composite decks don’t stain or mildew easily. Your deck will always look great as long as you clean it every once in a while with soapy water.
Spatial Aesthetics
From an aesthetic point of view, light tones make things look new, bright, and up to date. They help make the outdoors a calm and nice place to be. Additionally, light colors make places look bigger, which makes small decks look airier and bigger. Decking that is a light color also goes well with homes and gardens.
Light gray and brown are neutral colors that look good with modern, simple exteriors and make lines that are clean and crisp. Pale yellow and light brown add warmth and comfort to outdoor places, making them great for family get-togethers. Composite decking brands like Trex and EVODEK usually have a lot of different styles and colors to choose from. You are free to choose based on the style of your home and your own tastes.
Ideal for Pool Areas
Poolside areas see the most barefoot traffic. They demand exceptional coolness and slip resistance from decking. Light-colored composite wood decking not only ensures comfortable footing but also features slip-resistant textures. It creates a cool, safe space for relaxation.
Weather-Resistant Capped Composite Decking
The different levels of UV resistance, heat resistance, moisture resistance, and stain resistance of composite decks depend on what it is made of and how it was made. Capped composite decks are usually the better choice for places that get a lot of sun.
Capped composite decking is the most popular high-end product on the market right now. Its core layer is made up of plastic and wood fibers, which give it power and stability. Co-extrusion technology adds a polymer-protected shell on top of this core layer. This shell has very good UV inhibitors and protectors built in, which greatly slow down the fading and aging processes of the core material.
Capped composite decks are also better at resisting stains and keeping water out. Its non-porous surface keeps juice, oil spots, mold, and other germs from getting inside, so it’s easy to clean by just rinsing it off. At the same time, it fully blocks moisture, so mold doesn’t grow, and wood doesn’t swell or warp from absorbing moisture.
Using Smaller Joist Spacing
A durable deck relies not only on the surface boards but also on its underlying support structure. Joist spacing critically impacts the deck’s long-term performance and stability. In full sun exposure, smaller joist spacing is recommended. This offers the following benefits:
- Prevents Sagging: When exposed to full sun, the surfaces heat up and expand. If there is too much space between the joists, heat and weight can cause the floor to bend or sag over time. When the spaces between the boards are smaller, there are more support points for each board.
- Enhanced Safety: More support points keep the deck panels from swaying when people walk on them. This makes the deck feel more solid and stable.
- Follow Manufacturer Recommendations: Different types and kinds of composite decking have different rules about how far apart the joists can be. In places with full sun, installation must strictly follow or even go beyond the manufacturer’s instructions. This makes sure that the decks will work well for a long time.
Additional Considerations for Composite Decking in Full Sun Environments
Once you’ve chosen the right decking, regular care can make it last even longer and keep it in great shape. Keep the following points in mind:
- Regular Cleaning: Clean quarterly using soapy water and a soft-bristle brush. Remove organic matter to prevent stain buildup. Avoid metal brushes and highly corrosive cleaners.
- Increase Shade: Composite decking is UV-resistant, but you could also use a pergola, an awning, or a big outdoor cover. These buildings cut down on the time and area that are directly exposed to sunlight. Not only do they lower the temperature on the deck even more, but they also make places to sit more comfortable.
- Use Protective Mats: Place outdoor rugs in high-traffic areas. A lot of people also put protection mats under the legs of their furniture to keep them from getting worn down or scratched.
- Plan Outdoor Activities Wisely: Any surface will get hot if it is exposed to high temperatures and full sun for a long time. So, even if the composite decking is a light color, you should use the back of your hand to check the surface temperature when it’s hot outside. Before letting family members or pets walk around barefoot, make sure the temperature is just right.
Conclusion
A safe and comfortable composite lumber deck is key to decades of quality outdoor living. You can use your deck even in the summer if you choose the colors and types of your composite deck with science in mind. If you have any further questions about composite decking, please don’t hesitate to contact us. EVODEK provides premium composite decking products and answers your inquiries.
FAQ
Are Light-colored Composite Decks Prone to Showing Dirt?
Composite wood decking is naturally very resistant to stains. Light tones are more like regular dirt in color, and when paired with textured surfaces, this makes them more resistant to dirt. You won’t have to clean it very often—just wipe up spots when you see them.
Can I Use Dark Colors in Full Sun Exposure if I Prefer Them?
Absolutely. If you favor the aesthetic appeal of dark tones, consider these strategies:
- Create Shade: You can use movable awnings, pergolas, or big outdoor umbrellas. These structures cut down on the deck’s direct sun exposure area and time, which makes the surface cooler and less exposed to UV light.
- Zone Usage: In main activity areas like eating or lounge areas, use light-colored decking. Use dark decking along the sides or for decoration. This looks good and keeps people comfortable in areas where they can walk barefoot.
Will Composite Decking Remain Completely Colorfast Under Full Sun?
No decking material remains entirely colorfast after decades of UV exposure. High-quality composite decking, especially capped composite, exhibits only minimal fading. Furthermore, composite wood decking features uniform color throughout. Even slight fading won’t compromise its overall appearance.
What Else Should be Considered When Installing Composite Decking in Full Sun Exposure?
The space between the boards is another important element. Composite decking grows and shrinks with temperature changes, just like other materials. To leave the right gaps, installation must strictly follow the manufacturer’s directions.
If the gaps between the boards are too small, the hot summer weather can make them grow and press against each other, which can cause them to warp. In the worst cases, this can make the surface less smooth or even damage the boards.
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