Summer's hot temperatures get people thinking about finding comfortable places in their homes. It would be good to go somewhere where it is cool, such as the deck. However, there is a tendency for the deck to be hot as well. We have consulted some construction experts to know how hot a wood deck gets in this humid weather.
Deck temperatures are around 34⁰ to 76⁰ hotter than the surrounding air, depending on the amount of heat energy it absorbs and the energy it reflects. A surface with a darker color will absorb more heat than one with a lighter color, so darker wood colors get hot faster.
If you want to know the finer details of wood deck temperatures, including a comparison between wood and composite decking material, keep reading! We'll delve into these details so you know what works best to keep your deck cool.
Are Composite Decks Hotter than Wood?
Composite decks are more resistant to heat and sunlight. Composite material contains thermoplastic; like polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride. They don’t become as hot as wooden deck boards, especially those with lighter colors.
The deck's temperature depends on how hot the weather is and the decking material's color. For example, if we look at DuraLife's pebble color decking, it can be as hot as 114.2⁰F, while the coastal gray color in comparison would be at 116⁰F.
During a sunny day, when the temperature is at 121⁰F, a TimberT composite colored gray will have a temperature of 117⁰F. A cedar color will have a temperature of 122⁰F, while the gray Twin Finish will be around 125⁰F hot.
A gray composite wood, for example, will reach a temperature of 117⁰F during a sunny day. A DuraLife hardwood can range from 119⁰F to about 128⁰F.
A wood deck with a slate color could be at 124⁰F, versus the one with the mahogany color will have around 127⁰F temperature.
The modern composite boards nowadays are more resistant to high temperatures, even if they stay in direct sunlight during a sunny day. People usually like them because of their modern, upscale look. Composite decking does not rot or mold, so it stays the same, as beautiful as ever, even after many years.
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Is Trex Decking Better than Wood?
Trex lumber is a type of composite lumber that is made up of thermoplastic. Like other composite lumber, Trex is resistant to rot or mold and high temperatures. Unlike wood, Trex is more resistant to damage, so you do not have to repaint it often. Thus, Trex is more cost-effective than wood. Trex lumber is also eco-friendly because it uses high-quality recycled materials.
However, because of its high quality, Trex is about 14% more expensive than wood. If, for example, you build a 15-square-foot deck, using wood will cost you about $9,500 for both labor and material. If you use Trex, however, it will cost you around $10,875 for both labor and material. Wood will cost $5,600, while Trex will cost $6,975, which is about 14% difference in cost.
Trex decking is more expensive than wood. Installing a pressure-treated wood decking will range from $23 to $42 per square foot. Installing a cedar wood deck will cost you at least $30 per square foot. Installing a composite deck will cost you about $30 to $60 per square foot. The higher price of Trex composite deck is due to its more costly price in manufacturing.
Do Decks Add Value to a Home?
Definitely. Decks add value to a home, as it gives you some space for relaxation and spending special time with your family. You can host parties and other events, and it makes your house look elegant and sophisticated. By creating a deck, you build an outdoor living space, adding value to your home.
Building a deck increases your home's value, since you can recoup about 75% in terms of return of investment (or ROI). Thus, it is important to choose a good material for your deck and consider your budget and how much you can afford to build a deck.
Would you rather go for a wood deck or a Trex composite deck? There are even other building materials that you can use, like paving stones for a patio-like deck surface. Unlike decks, patio pavers are made up of natural stones, like clay or marble.
What’s Cheaper: Wood Decks or Pavers?
Pavers are usually less expensive. The price can be as low as $800, depending on the type of stone you choose. The price of pavers range from $10 to $25 per square foot. However, to ensure the quality of the pavers, the price should be at least $16. Prices below $16 are usually low both in quality and installation.
There are different types of pavers:
- Concrete pavers usually cost $3 to $6 per square foot.
- Brick pavers can cost $4 to $8 but can also be as expensive as $15 to $20.
- Stone pavers cost about $7 to $16 per square foot.
Decking, on the other hand, can cost you $9 per square foot. Pavers are definitely less expensive, even if you choose to buy brick pavers that can be costly. However, a composite decking will have a lower maintenance cost than a paver.
In Closing
Building a deck is definitely a good way to enjoy your day with your family. You can choose a wood or composite deck, depending on your budget, the expanse of the area, and the weather condition in your place. Choose the right material for your deck. Build a deck that you will not regret. You can have a perfect place for relaxation right at the comfort of your home.
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