In Ayer, Massachusetts, summers bring intense sunlight, high humidity, and temperatures that make even the most beautiful backyard deck too hot. If you spend time on a pool deck, grilling on a multi-level platform, or sitting under a pergola, controlling heat makes your outdoor living space more comfortable.
This guide outlines the main strategies, materials, and structures that keep decks cooler during New England’s hot summer months. It is based on our experience as Ayer’s, MA, a leading deck builder and contractor.
Why Decks Get Hot
A deck’s temperature depends on the materials used, its exposure to the sun, airflow around and beneath it, and its design. These factors cause surface temperatures to climb:
- Material Absorptivity: Dark colors and dense materials absorb more solar energy.
- Poor Ventilation: Heat and moisture build up when air cannot flow under or around the deck.
- Sun Exposure: South- and west-facing decks get the strongest sunlight in the afternoon.
- Deck Height & Skirting: Low decks with closed skirts trap heat underneath.
On a hot day, dark-stained wood decks with little ventilation can reach surface temperatures exceeding 140°F, making them unsafe and uncomfortable.
Step 1: Choose Decking Materials That Stay Cooler
The choice of decking material determines how hot your deck will get and how long the heat will last after the sun goes down. We specialize in installing decking that reduces heat buildup and provides long-term durability.
Trex Composite Decking
As a certified TrexPro Platinum contractor, we install Trex decking, which uses light colors and a capped composite surface to reflect sunlight and resist heat absorption. Trex is commonly used for pool deck builders and multi-level deck installation projects.
TimberTech/AZEK
TimberTech’s capped polymer boards contain no wood fiber, which lowers moisture retention and heat absorption. Our team offers expert TimberTech deck installation, particularly for curved decks or detailed deck inlays where dimensional stability matters.
MoistureShield with CoolDeck® Technology
CoolDeck® is a cooling additive built into the cap layer of select MoistureShield composite decks. It reduces surface temperatures by up to 35°F, which makes it ideal for spa deck construction and decks with nearby firepits or outdoor fireplaces.
Deckorators Mineral-Based Composite (MBC)
Deckorators use a mineral-based core with air pockets that reduce density and thermal mass. Our Deckorators deck installation keeps surfaces cooler and limits expansion and contraction due to heat.
Step 2: Build Permanent Shade Structures
Permanent shade structures lower the amount of direct sunlight hitting your deck, reducing surface temperatures by 10–20°F.
Pergola Construction and Installation
Our experienced pergola builders design and build pergolas to block the sun while allowing air circulation. Pergolas can be fitted with retractable covers or used with climbing vines for additional cooling.
Covered Porches
Our porch builders install covered porches that shield decks completely from sun and rain. These porches also provide room for ceiling fans and lighting, increasing comfort during hot months.
Gazebo Construction
Freestanding gazebos provide shade for pool decks and larger outdoor spaces without altering your home’s exterior.
Screen Room Installation
We build screen rooms that block insects and reduce sun exposure while keeping air moving. These work well with our DrySpace waterproofing system installation for dry, ventilated underdecks.
Step 3: Improve Airflow Around and Under the Deck
Airflow lowers heat buildup and prevents moisture problems that damage decking materials.
DrySpace Waterproofing System Installation
We install DrySpace systems to divert rainwater and open space beneath upper decks for ventilation, reducing heat and humidity.
Open Skirt Panels and Elevated Deck Foundations
Our deck installers use lattice or vented panels on deck bases to let air flow freely and prevent heat from being trapped under the deck.
Ceiling and Wall Fan Installation
In covered decks, we install fans that circulate air, breaking up hot air layers and increasing comfort.
Step 4: Use Movable Shade Options
When a permanent roof isn’t needed, movable shade provides flexibility.
Retractable Awning Installation
We install retractable awnings on walls to block sun during peak hours and retract when shade isn’t needed.
Cantilever Umbrella Setup
Our deck installers place cantilever umbrellas that rotate and tilt, providing shade without blocking walkways.
Shade Sail Installation
We tension shade sails between posts or walls, creating breathable shade that suits irregular deck shapes and multi-level designs.
Step 5: Use Plants to Cool the Deck Naturally
Plants shade deck surfaces and cool the air by releasing moisture.
Tall Planters and Potted Trees
We design with native trees and tall grasses in large planters placed around decks to create shade and lower temperatures near seating areas.
Trellises with Climbing Vines
Our team installs trellises along decks and pergolas, planting vines like grapevine or clematis for dense, seasonal shade.
Living Privacy Screens
We build modular green walls and planter boxes to block sun and wind and provide privacy in tight yards or near neighbors.
Step 6: Protect Deck Surfaces and Feet
Even with heat-resistant materials, surface protection helps foot comfort.
UV-Stable Outdoor Rugs
We install breathable, mildew-resistant outdoor rugs that reduce heat transfer and protect decking surfaces.
Temporary Shade Mats and Modular Panels
Perfect for grilling areas or children’s play zones, these mats provide localized shade and cooling and can be removed or stored seasonally.
What to Avoid When Building or Renovating a Deck
| Common Issue | Description / Cause | Consequences / Effects |
| 1. Dark Decking Materials Without Shade | Dark wood or composite decking absorbs and retains more heat when exposed to direct sunlight without shade. | Surface temps exceed 140°F, causing discomfort, safety risks for bare feet, and limiting deck use during sunny hours. |
| 2. Enclosed Deck Skirting Blocking Ventilation | Solid or unvented skirting traps hot air and moisture under the deck. | Leads to high humidity, mold growth, wood rot, and faster deck deterioration due to poor airflow. |
| 3. High-Gloss or Oil-Based Sealers | Sealers trap heat in wood fibers and reflect less sunlight. | Results in hotter surfaces, slippery conditions, and prevents natural wood from breathing and cooling. |
| 4. Improper Installation of Heat-Expanding Materials | Composites and PVC expand and contract with temperature changes. | Causes warping, buckling, and visible gaps without proper spacing and fastening. |
| 5. Delaying Shade Structure Installation | Adding pergolas or awnings after deck completion complicates design and increases costs. | Retrofits are more expensive and less seamless than early planning and integration during deck construction. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What decking material stays coolest in direct sunlight?
Mineral-based composite boards act like natural insulators, thanks to tiny air pockets inside. They don’t soak up heat like wood. Capped polymer boards, like TimberTech AZEK, reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it. Choosing light colors helps, too—think of it like wearing white on a hot day instead of black.
Q2: Can shade structures be added to an existing deck, or must they be built simultaneously?
You can add shade structures anytime. Pergolas, awnings, and umbrellas can be installed on your already-established decks. We check the deck’s strength first, like ensuring a shelf can hold your favorite books. Planning shade early is easier, but upgrading later works well too.
Q3: How important is ventilation beneath a deck?
Good airflow under a deck prevents heat and moisture from getting trapped. Without it, your deck turns into a hot, damp box—bad for materials and your comfort. Open skirts or DrySpace systems help air flow, keeping the deck cooler and lasting longer.
Stay Cool with a Custom Deck by Deck It
At Deck It, we are proud to serve Ayer, MA with expert custom deck construction, pergola installation, and complete outdoor living solutions serving Ayer, MA and New England. From custom deck construction and multi-level decks to pergola installation, screen room building, and advanced DrySpace waterproofing system installation, our expert team delivers durable, beautiful, and comfortable outdoor living spaces designed to beat the summer heat.
Ready to enjoy your deck in comfort all summer? Contact us today for a free estimate with experienced builders and installers specializing in heat-resistant, cool deck solutions.
