We are resurfacing our deck, and DH really strongly wants to use Trex or a similar composite. I go barefoot nearly 100% of the time in spring, summer, fall. (As long as it's over 40'F, I'm barefoot.) Wood can get pretty hot in the sun, but Trex gets way hotter!

On the hottest days, I spray down my pathway with the hose to cool it down. I think I'd be doing that every day in summer if we used Trex.

I wondered if there were some newer materials out there with less heat retention.

I know I could use an outdoor rug, but between lots of plants and a golden retriever (shedding!), it would probably look pretty bad most of the time. ?

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks!!

Great question! We're also planning to re-do the deck and I had no idea that the composite decking got hotter than wood - hope someone has an answer to your question, Jill. (Our deck is on the south side of the house and I'm also wondering just how well the composite holds up to the more or less constant sun exposure - albeit not as intense here as in other parts of the country.)

build a pergola / patio cover (out of wood or Trex) - or - perhaps a patio shade sail ...

am considering those as we speak over a concrete patio .... I am barefoot almost year round ...

We have both wood deck and Trex path which I avoid walking on barefooted. I am ready to remove both and put in pavers but we deal with moss out that covers cement. I decided to by a pair of croc sandals to save the feet when I have to cross them. Looking forward in other's findings. Glad to hear there are other bare footers here.

Found this, do not have any experience with it.

https://www.moistureshield.com...

RJ, I checked out that site, thanks!

It does seem like there are some "advanced" forms of PVC or composite decking that don't heat up as much. Lighter colors of course will heat up less than dark ones.

I also found this site when googling. https://www.timbertech.com/pro...
Look for the AZEK options.

Half the deck is now somewhat shaded by a crepe myrtle, and the other half will be covered with a new canopy (the old one disintegrated 2 years ago). That helps, but the wood boards are still sometimes too hot for bare feet, and regular composite would be much worse.

It doesn't look like Trex has anything comparable to those other 2 brands that claim to be cooler underfoot. Newer Trex does have a nicer look (woodgrain) than the original product.

Nothing to do with the original question, but I'm moving the old (still very sturdy) canopy frame to the side patio. It no longer has a dome-shape on top, but I think I can put shade cloth just straight across from one side to the other. I'm thinking A.M. Leonard should have something I can use for that, but I'd welcome suggestions.

Thanks!

Thanks for that info, Rj - there's actually a dealer not that far from me

And now I see that a dealer for Timbertech is even closer - thanks, Jill !

Dave, more options! Thank you!

Our deck project was completed a couple weeks ago. We went with Timbertech, and so far there hasn't been a time when it's gotten too hot for bare feet (I do have hobbit feet). Between the canopy and the crepe myrtle, the upper deck is shaded much of the time, but the landing is in full sun. I have some black treads put down on the stairs (less slippery for our dog), and they got super hot, but the uncovered part of the step was fine.

We got the material in "Shoreline," a weathered-wood color that's mostly med-light grey with a bit of brown streaking.

Looks great Jill!

Thanks! The slight tan streaking makes it work really well with our siding color, which I'd describe as coffee with lots and lots of cream. We're delighted.

In theory, the material is recyclable, also, since it's all plastic without any wood fiber. We won't be around when it needs replacing, though.

Congratulations on the new deck, Jill - it looks beautiful!

One thing to know if you're planning to rehab a deck and replace the railings (or if you're building a new deck). The new white vinyl railings that everybody seems to use are VERY THIN along the top rail -- it's not even 4 inches, more like 2 3/4". It comes either flat or curved (like a bannister) on top.

We chose to use the flat top white vinyl rail and then add a 6" (more like 5 1/2") board on top of the white rail. Be sure to use the "square shoulder" boards, not the ones with grooved sides (for "invisible" decking fasteners). I really like the way it looks, and I can use my railing-hugging planter boxes on them, too. We did have to add ADA white handrails along the stairs, because the 6" boards weren't really good for grabbing onto.

Also, the white vinyl railings come either with white balusters (the upright pieces) or with round black aluminum ones. I really like the way the black ones almost disappear to let you enjoy the view.