By RN Construction – Trex Platinum Pro Installer & Back-to-Back Stellar Service Award Winner | www.yourcustomdeck.com
If you’re planning a new deck or upgrading an old one, you might be wondering: Which type of deck stays cooler under the hot Michigan summer sun—wood or composite? As trusted deck builders serving the communities in Great Metro Detroit, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners find the right balance between aesthetics, comfort, and durability.
Here’s what you should know about how decking materials behave in Mid-Michigan’s summer heat.
☀️ How Hot Do Decks Get in Michigan?
Michigan summers often bring high humidity and temps in the 80s and 90s. Any deck exposed to full sun—whether in Flint, Owosso, or Howell—will heat up. But how hot it gets underfoot depends on several factors:
– Material type (wood vs. composite)
– Color of the deck boards
– Degree of sun exposure
– Surface finish and heat retention
🌳 Wood Decking: The Temperature Breakdown
Many homeowners in Shiawassee, Genesee, and Ingham counties want to make the best decision for their deck and we feel an educated customer is the best customer. Here’s how wood performs in the heat:
- Unstained or Lightly Stained Wood: These surfaces tend to stay cooler than most decking options.
- Stained or Painted Wood: Dark stains or paints absorb more heat and can exceed 100°F.
- Heat Transfer: Wood may feel cooler initially but will warm your feet over time.
🧱 Composite Decking: What to Expect on Hot Days
As a Trex Pro Platinum Installer in Michigan, we know composite decking is an excellent choice for durability—but what about heat?
- Material Matters: Composite made with wood fibers and plastic heats up in full sun.
- Color Is the Biggest Factor: Lighter colors reflect more light and stay cooler.
- Modern “CoolDeck” Technology: Some Trex lines offer heat-resistant features, like the Trex Transcend Lineage Composite Decking line which incorporates advanced heat-mitigating technology. Learn more at: https://www.trex.com/products/decking/lineage/
- Real-World Feedback: Michigan homeowners find lighter composite decks more comfortable.
🧊 Which Decking Type Stays Coolest?
| Decking Type | Surface Temp (Direct Sun) | Cooler Options | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unstained Wood | 80–90°F | Yes, if light and unfinished | High |
| Stained/Painted Wood | 90–110°F | Lighter stains/paints | Moderate–High |
| Composite | 90–120°F | Light colors, CoolDeck tech | Low |
As you can see, both Wood and Composite will get hotter during the Michigan Summer season. The difference is not significant. The color of a deck is a more driving factor as it pertains to the surface temperature than the material itself.
🔧 Tips for Keeping Your Deck Cool in the Michigan Heat
As your Trex Pro Platinum Installer, here are our top recommendations:
- Choose Light Colors – Reflect more sunlight and stay cooler.
- Install Shade Structures – Pergolas, awnings, or sun sails.
- Upgrade to Cool Technology – Look for heat-mitigating composite decking like Trex Lineage.
- Think About Foot Traffic – Pick the material based on how you’ll use the deck.
✅ RN Construction’s Recommendation
For homeowners in the Mid-Michigan region, if you’re looking for low maintenance with modern comfort, light-colored Trex composite decking with heat-resistant technology—such as the Trex Transcend Lineage—is a great choice.
As a leading deck builder in Michigan and two-time Trex Stellar Service Award winner, we help clients choose materials that not only look beautiful but perform in Michigan’s unique climate.
📞 Call RN Construction or visit www.yourcustomdeck.com to schedule your free consultation with Michigan’s trusted Trex Pro Platinum Installer.
