What Is the Best Deck Material for Full Sun?

After nearly three decades of building and repairing decks, we've seen exactly what works and what doesn't in full sun. Color matters more than brand. Material composition matters. And there's one decision most people get wrong that costs them thousands down the road—fasteners. But we're getting ahead of ourselves.

The truth is, every deck material will get hot in full sun. The difference isn't whether it'll be hot; it's how hot, how fast, and whether your family can actually use it without burning their feet.

TL;DR: The Best Decking Materials for Full Sun

• The best deck material for full sun is Teak (120°F, 40-75 year lifespan)
• The best composite decking for full sun is Trex Transcend Lineage (light colors, 131-140°F, low maintenance)
• The best deck material that stays cool is TimberTech AZEK (PVC, 131-137°F, thermally stable)
• Best wood for direct sunlight is Teak, followed by Ipe and Cumaru (all handle extreme heat/humidity)
• Composite decking that does not get hot: Light colors only—dark composite hits 140-155°F (too hot for barefoot use)
• Deck material that doesn't get dangerously hot: Stick to light colors in any material; hardwoods inherently cooler
• The longest lasting deck material is Teak hardwood (50+ years documented, some installations 70+ years old)
• Use 316 stainless steel decking screws for decks under full sun. Get free samples to test out Eagle Claw SS deck screws before building a deck under direct sunlight.

What's the Best Decking Material for YOU?

• If you've got dogs or small kids who run barefoot on the deck, choose TimberTech AZEK (light colors) or Teak hardwood.
• If you live in a hot/dry climate (Phoenix, Arizona, Southern California, inland Texas), choose Teak hardwood or light-colored TimberTech AZEK.
• If you want something that requires zero maintenance and you're not staying 40+ years, choose Trex Transcend Lineage (light colors) or TimberTech AZEK.
• If you're planning to stay in your house 40+ years (or want to pass the deck to the next owner), choose Teak hardwood.
• If you want the best barefoot comfort AND don't want to maintain anything, choose light-colored TimberTech AZEK.
• If you prioritize aesthetics over summer use, choose dark composite (Trex, TimberTech, Deckorators).
• If you're on a tight budget but want a deck that lasts, choose light-colored Trex Transcend Lineage.
• If you want to know which material lasts longest, choose Teak hardwood (40-75 years). Composite: 25-50 years. PVC: 30-50 years. Pressure-treated: 10-20 years if maintained; 5-10 years if neglected.
• If you live in a humid/rainy climate (Pacific Northwest, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast), choose PVC or premium composite with full capping and 316 stainless fasteners.
• If you live in a coastal climate with salt spray (Northeast, California coast, Hawaii), choose hardwood or PVC with 316 stainless fasteners only.
• If you live in a freeze-thaw climate (Northern US, Canada, high mountain), choose composite or PVC with 316 stainless fasteners spaced 12 inches on center.

The Best Deck Material for Full Sun Is Teak

If you want barefoot-friendly and you've got the budget, tropical hardwoods are the gold standard. We're talking Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, and Teak. These aren't your grandfather's pressure-treated pine—they're dense, naturally rot-resistant, and they'll outlast most people's ownership of their home.

What wood is best for full sun?

The wood that is best for full sun is Teak, followed by Ipe or Cumaru. Garapa is slightly less dense but still excellent and more affordable. 

Here's the heat performance proof. In Florida testing with 87-degree ambient temperatures, Teak came in at just 120°F—that's actually borderline comfortable for barefoot walking. Cumaru and Garapa land around 126°F. Even Ipe maxes out around 138°F. That's significantly cooler than composite decking, which easily hits 140-155°F depending on the color.

Why tropical hardwoods decking stay cooler

Density is everything here. These woods are tight-grained, which means they don't absorb and retain heat the way softer materials do. They have natural oils that provide their own protection—no chemical preservatives needed like pressure-treated wood.

That's why hardwood decks on beachfront properties in the Northeast have been holding up for 50+ years.

The Coney Island Boardwalk? Still standing after 70+ years using tropical hardwoods. That's your proof that these materials work.

The Best Composite Decking for Full Sun Is Trex Transcend Lineage

When you're looking for composite decking that doesn't get dangerously hot, Trex Transcend Lineage in light colors is genuinely the best option. It's made from 95% recycled content, it's reasonably priced, and it stays significantly cooler than dark composites while still looking great.

Here's why Trex Lineage is the best composite decking for direct sunlight: Real heat testing (not marketing heat testing) shows that brand differences between Trex, TimberTech, and Deckorators are tiny—2-3 degrees at most when you match the color.

But compare light gray Trex Lineage with dark brown composite, and you'll see a 10-15 degree gap. Color becomes your make-or-break factor when building a composite deck. So when you're choosing composite decking for full sun, focus on light colors first, brand second.

In direct sunlight testing, light-colored Trex Transcend Lineage comes in around 131-140°F depending on exact color shade. That's uncomfortable but tolerable for short periods. Compare that to dark composites which hit 140-155°F—actually unsafe for barefoot traffic in summer.

Does composite decking get hot in the sun?

Yes. 131-155°F depending on the color of your composite deck. Under direct sunlight, all decking materials get hot. What matters is whether you can still use your deck. Light colors keep it in the tolerable zone. Dark colors push it past the "bare feet are uncomfortable" threshold.

Does composite decking warp in the sun?

Rarely. Composite resists warping better than wood. What composite does is expand/contract with temperature (different thing) and settle/gap (due to thermal cycling). Warping = permanent shape change. Gapping = temporary movement. Don't confuse them.

The Best Deck Material That Stays Cool Is TimberTech AZEK (PVC)

TimberTech AZEK and similar PVC products are basically pure plastic with a cap over wood/plastic blend underneath. They don't have wood content (or minimal amounts), which means zero water absorption, zero rot risk, and superior consistency in full sun conditions.

Here's what the heat testing shows: PVC in light colors comes in around 131-137°F in the same 87-degree conditions where Teak was sitting at 120°F. That might not sound like a huge difference, but it's enough to notice if you've got young kids.

More importantly: PVC doesn't expand and contract like wood or composite. It stays stable. You won't get the quarter-inch gaps that appear after your first winter if you install it wrong.

Does TimberTech get as hot as Trex?

No. PVC-based TimberTech runs 5-10°F cooler than composite Trex in the same colors. Not massive, but noticeable. So if you're comparing light-color TimberTech vs light-color Trex, TimberTech edges out slightly cooler. But if you're comparing light TimberTech vs dark Trex, the difference is 20-25°F.

The real advantage of TimberTech over Trex isn't just heat—it's thermal stability. Trex expands and contracts with temperature changes. TimberTech expands and contracts far less. That means fewer gap problems over 20+ years.

What is the best deck material for families with dogs?

If you've got dogs or small kids—anyone with sensitive feet—light-colored PVC is the answer. It's cooler than composite, it's stable, and it won't splinter.

We had a client with a golden retriever who reported that the dog wouldn't walk on the dark composite deck in summer but ran across the light gray PVC section without hesitation. That's not a small thing if you've got a pup that refuses to come back inside.

What is the least maintenance decking material?

Both PVC and composite are similarly low-maintenance. Clean it when it's dirty, that's it. No sealing, no staining, no annual maintenance routine. For people who bought a deck and immediately regretted the upkeep commitment, this is liberating.

What Decking Material Stays the Coolest?

We've tested this. Professional builders have tested this. YouTube channels have tested this with thermal cameras and infrared guns.

The hierarchy is:

1. Teak hardwood: 120°F
2. Cumaru & Garapa hardwood: 126°F
3. Ipe hardwood: 138°F
4. PVC in light colors (TimberTech): 131-137°F
5. Composite in light colors (Trex, Deckorators): 131-140°F
6. Composite in dark colors: 140-155°F
7. Pressure-treated wood: 110-125°F when bare; 120°F+ when stained

Notice what doesn't make a huge difference? Brand. Trex vs TimberTech vs Deckorators in the same color? 2-3 degrees, tops. That's margin-of-error territory.

What makes a massive difference? Color. So if you're trying to decide between dark TimberTech and light Trex, go with light Trex every time. The color difference matters more than the brand difference.

Best Decking for Full Sun by Climate and Location

Hot/dry climates

Teak hardwood or light-colored TimberTech AZEK is the best decking material for Phoenix, southern California, inland Texas. Composite works but requires shade structure because even light colors get uncomfortably hot. Shade structures aren't optional; they're necessary for usability. Fasteners must be 316 stainless because the thermal cycling is extreme.

What to avoid: Dark composite. It becomes a furniture arrangement instead of a play space—nobody uses it in summer except at 6 PM when the sun is low.

Humid/rainy climates (Pacific Northwest, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast)

PVC or premium composite with full capping is the best decking material for Pacific Northwest, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast). Moisture is your enemy. PVC is 100% waterproof, so mold and rot aren't concerns. Composite is nearly as good if it's fully capped. Hardwood requires annual oiling to prevent grain swelling and mold growth.

Critical: 316 stainless fasteners. Moisture + heat = accelerated fastener corrosion. Standard stainless won't cut it; you need the molybdenum protection of 316.

Coastal climates (Northeast, California coast, Hawaii)

Hardwood or PVC with 316 stainless fasteners is the best decking material for the Northeast, California coast, Hawaii.

Salt spray is brutally corrosive. 304 stainless fails within 5-10 years in coastal environments. 316 is mandatory. Composite can work if it's installed with perfect attention to fastener grade, but it's higher-risk.

Hardwood's natural oils provide their own protection plus you're not relying on material compatibility. PVC is excellent because it's non-porous and doesn't create an electrochemical environment like wood does.

Freeze-thaw climates (Northern US, Canada, high mountain)

Composite or PVC is the best decking material for Northern US, Canada, and the high mountains. Pressure-treated wood undergoes tremendous expansion/contraction stress in freeze-thaw cycling.

Composite and PVC handle this better. Hardwood works but is overkill—you're paying for 75-year durability when you'll never hit that timeframe in this climate due to other factors.

Important: 316 stainless fasteners and proper spacing (12" on center). Thermal cycling is extreme, and fastener stress is high.

The Best Decking for Direct Sunlight Needs 316 Stainless Steel Decking Screws

When your deck sits in full sun all day, the heat doesn't just affect the material—it transforms the corrosion environment around your fasteners. In full sun, your deck board is hotter—which accelerates corrosion rates (doubling roughly every 10°C increase).

What decking screws should you use for full-sun decking?

316 stainless steel deck screws from Eagle Claw are the decking screws you should use decks under direct sunlight . That's the standard for direct sunlight. Not 304, not galvanized, not coated carbon steel. 316.

Under full sun, composite and PVC boards expand and contract violently with daily temperature swings. This thermal cycling creates moisture pockets around fasteners—exactly the conditions that accelerate corrosion.

The hotter the fastener gets, the faster galvanized coatings break down. 316 stainless steel resists this thermal-induced corrosion because of the molybdenum in its composition, which protects against both heat acceleration and moisture penetration.

When you use non-stainless fasteners in full-sun conditions, rust staining from non-stainless fasteners becomes inevitable. It happens because when you drive a galvanized screw into composite, you break the protective coating. Moisture gets trapped under the fastener head. The heat intensifies the corrosion process. Rust bleeds onto the porous composite surface permanently.

Why not just use 304 stainless steel for decks under direct sunlight?

304 stainless performs well in moderate climates, but in full-sun decking with extreme thermal cycling, it's not enough. The constant heat stress and moisture cycles created by full-sun expansion/contraction overwhelm 304's protective capacity. 316 stainless, with its molybdenum content, laughs at this thermal and moisture assault and keeps protecting your board.

Hidden fastener systems in full sun

If you're using hidden fasteners (hidden clips, grooved boards) in a full-sun deck, stainless is absolutely non-negotiable. The corrosion happens inside the groove where you can't see it, can't inspect it, and can't replace it without removing the entire board. By the time you notice failure, you're replacing the board. The heat-accelerated corrosion inside hidden grooves is relentless.

The Best Full-Sun Deck Isn't About Material—It's About Smart Choices

After nearly three decades of building and repairing decks in all climates and all seasons, here's what we've learned: The best deck material for full sun is the one you'll actually use.

The material choice is important. But the decisions you make about that material—color selection, fastener grade, installation timing, shade planning—matter more than the material choice itself.

Get expert guidance before you build. Our deck builders have solved every issue that comes with building a deck under direct sunlight. If you're a pro deck builder, you can get discounts by signing up here.

FAQs

Does Trex decking fade in the sun?

Trex decking does fade in the sun, but not dramatically. Trex products are fade-resistant, which means you'll experience color variation over time rather than massive fading.

Typically, you'll notice some color drift after 3-5 years, then the color stabilizes and remains consistent. This is normal with all composite decking materials, which is why color matching a replacement board to a 10-year-old Trex deck is virtually impossible once the product line is discontinued.

What is the downside of Trex decking?

The downside of Trex decking includes five major factors: (1) heat absorption—dark colors get uncomfortably hot (140-155°F) for barefoot use in summer; (2) expansion/contraction with temperature changes, requiring critical installation timing; (3) fastener corrosion risk if you don't use 316 stainless screws; (4) higher upfront cost compared to pressure-treated wood; and (5) color matching becomes impossible once Trex discontinues a product line, making future repairs impossible to match.

What is the downside of TimberTech decking?

The downside of TimberTech decking involves four considerations: (1) it's pure PVC, which feels harder underfoot than composite (less "natural" walking feel); (2) slightly higher price than composite alternatives; (3) limited color range compared to Trex; and (4) it still expands and contracts with temperature changes, though significantly less than composite decking.

Does TimberTech get as hot as Trex?

No, TimberTech does not get as hot as Trex. PVC-based TimberTech runs 5-10°F cooler than composite Trex when comparing the same colors. The difference isn't massive, but it's noticeable—enough to matter if you have young children or pets with sensitive feet.

What is the coolest material for decking?

The coolest material for decking is Teak hardwood, which stays at just 120°F in full sun.

If budget doesn't allow for Teak, light-colored TimberTech PVC (131°F) is your next best option. If TimberTech is too expensive, light-colored composite decking (131°F) is nearly identical in thermal performance—just 1-2°F warmer and significantly more affordable.

Are Trex decks hotter than wood?

Yes, Trex decks can be hotter than wood, depending on color. Dark Trex (142-155°F) is noticeably hotter than any hardwood option. Light Trex (131-140°F) is slightly hotter than light hardwoods (120-137°F), but the difference is close enough that color choice actually matters more than the material itself.

Choosing light-colored Trex over dark Trex saves 10-15°F, while choosing Trex over hardwood only adds 2-3°F.

What is the new Trex decking that doesn't get hot?

There is no "new Trex decking that doesn't get hot." Trex makes light-colored boards that are cooler than dark options—the Lineage collection in light colors is their most temperature-efficient option.

However, Trex's marketing claim of "up to 30°F cooler" compares their light boards to their darkest boards, not to other brands. When comparing light Trex to light composite from other manufacturers, the difference is only 2-3°F—negligible.

If you want a truly cool deck in full sun, light-colored TimberTech PVC or Teak hardwood outperform all Trex options.