Deck Ideas to Help You Beat the Heat

While the summer heat waves are coming through Pennsylvania, homeowners are looking for ways to make their outdoor living spaces cooler. A great way to make these spaces cooler is to build a custom deck with Decks R Us, since we know some ways to cool down a deck. From carefully choosing materials to adding a roof to give shade, our team can work with you to design a deck that withstands hot weather. Below, we’ve listed some of our favorite deck ideas to help you beat the heat. 

Use Light-Colored PVC Decking 

At Decks R Us, we often build our decks with TimberTech PVC decking. This material dissipates heat faster than wood or composite decking. Another way to reduce heat on the deck materials is to use a lighter color. Darker deck colors absorb more heat, but lighter colors will reflect sunlight and are more comfortable to walk on. We’ve found that light tan, beige, and gray are great options for Pennsylvania’s heat. If some areas on the deck are particularly hot, add an outdoor rug for more comfort and style. 

Get Partial Shade with a Pergola 

Pegolas are built with a latticed top to provide partial shade for the deck to cool it down. It blocks UV rays and filters sunlight while providing good airflow for the outdoor living space. Since there isn’t as much sunlight in the space, it will be a lot cooler during the day. Pergolas are stunning structures that create an enchanting space, especially if you put hanging vines and plants on the structure. Plants will also provide extra privacy for your deck. You could also add a retractable canopy for more sunlight coverage if needed.

Get Full Shade with a Covered Deck 

Unlike pergolas, covered decks add full shading to your outdoor living space. They provide very efficient shade, blocking the sun’s rays before they get to the deck, significantly lowering the deck’s temperature. Our A-frame, porch, or hip-style roofs protect your deck from direct sunlight, making the surface cooler. To keep air moving, add an outdoor fan under the deck’s ceiling. For a more versatile space, our team can build a partially covered deck so you can get the sun when you want it and shade when you don’t. We can also add screens to the covered deck to keep pests out. Another way to get complete shading benefits on your deck is with a gazebo. 

Build a Pool Deck 

A pool deck gives you a specific place to cool down on a hot summer day in Pennsylvania. A deck around your pool will improve the usability of the space, increasing your home’s value when you look to sell. PVC decking is waterproof, so the pool water won’t ruin the deck while getting in and out of it. A pool deck might not cool down the deck surface, but if your feet get hot, you can dip them in the pool!

Misting Systems

If you don’t have zoning permission to build a pool on your property, you could install misting systems on the deck to still have a water feature. These systems can be put along the perimeter of the deck or attached to a pergola. They can drop temperatures on the deck by up to 20 degrees by spraying fine water droplets that cool the air as they evaporate. A gentle mist will feel great on a hot day, and it’s an easy way to cool down kids and pets so they don’t overheat.

Build a Deck with Decks R Us 

Building a deck with Decks R Us is easy with our skilled craftsmanship and premium materials. Our team can help you thoughtfully design a deck that meets all your needs, especially when you need to beat this summer heat. Check out some of our inspiring projects to find some ideas for your new deck. If you’re ready to get started, contact us today or get an estimate for your deck with our cost calculator.