Best Decking Materials for Hot Climates and Pool Areas: Wood vs. Composite

Trying to choose the right decking material for your pool area and feeling stuck between natural wood and composite?

Worried about heat, fading, or whether it’ll hold up to years of splashing water and sun?

Composite decking gained popularity in the '90s as a low-maintenance alternative to wood. Made from a mix of recycled plastic and wood fibers, it was marketed as durable, long-lasting, and easy to care for. And in a lot of ways, it is. However, in hotter climates, not all composites perform equally well, especially in terms of heat and UV resistance.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about building a deck in a hot, sunny climate, especially near a pool. We’ll compare natural wood, composite lumber, and a third material that’s gaining popularity in modern designs: GFRC concrete.

You’ll see how each one holds up to heat, water, and long-term wear and what they actually cost to install and maintain over time.

What Makes a Decking Material Great for Hot, Sunny, Wet Conditions?

When you’re building a deck around a pool in a hot climate, you’re battling three major factors:
Sun (which causes fading, drying, and cracking)
Surface heat (which makes some materials too hot to walk on)
Water and humidity (which can cause warping, rot, or mold)

So what should you be looking for?

The best pool decking materials in hot climates need to be:

• UV-resistant so they don’t bleach out or degrade over time
• Cool underfoot because who wants to tiptoe across a burning hot surface?
• Water-resistant, especially if it’s exposed to pool water, splash zones, or humidity

A material that looks great but overheats, fades, or becomes slippery when wet will turn into a costly mistake.

Natural Wood or Composite Around Pools: Pros, Cons, and Cost

Natural wood is often chosen for its timeless, warm look, and with the correct type of wood and care, it can work beautifully in outdoor spaces. But how does it hold up in really hot, sunny, wet environments?

Common Types of Wood for Pool Decks

• Ipe, an extremely dense tropical hardwood, his ighly durable and naturally rot-resistant
• Teak is  Oily and water-resistant; it is used on boats for a reason
• Cedar/Redwood Softer, more affordable, but requires frequent maintenance.

Pros of Natural Wood:

• Beautiful, natural appearance that develops character over time
• Often cooler to the touch than composite, especially in lighter colors
• Eco-friendly if sustainably sourced

Cons of Wood Around Pools:

• Needs regular sealing to resist moisture and sun damage
• Can warp, crack, or fade quickly if neglected
• More maintenance over time, especially near water

Cost Range: $65–$85 per square foot installed (premium hardwoods like Ipe are on the high end)
Maintenance Cost: Plan for annual sealing and periodic cleaning

Composite Decking in Hot, Wet Environments: What to Know

Composite decking has gained popularity due to its resistance to rot, minimal maintenance requirements, and a diverse range of styles. But not all composites are created equal, and some aren’t built for intense heat.

What Is Composite Decking Made Of?

• Recycled plastic (HDPE or PVC)
• Wood fibers
• Capped outer layer for UV/stain resistance (in higher-quality boards)

Pros of Composite Decking:

• Moisture- and insect-resistant
• Doesn’t splinter, crack, or require sealing
  Available in many colors and textures
• Some brands offer heat-reducing technology (e.g., TimberTech AZEK)

Cons of Composite Around Pools:

• Can become hot underfoot (especially dark colors or cheaper brands)
• Less natural-looking than real wood
• Early-generation composites had fading issues (new ones are better)

Cost Range: $55–$65 per square foot installed

Maintenance Cost: Very low, usually just occasional rinsing

Pro tip:  Choose lighter-colored composite boards with reflective caps if heat is a concern.

Composite vs. Wood for Pool Decks: Which Performs Better?

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you quickly evaluate what fits your needs:

Composite is best for low maintenance and long-term durability.
Wood is best for a cooler, natural aesthetic,  if you don’t mind the maintenance.

What Is GFRC?

Glass Fiber-Reinforced Concrete is a high-performance concrete mix that utilizes fiberglass strands for enhanced strength. It’s not a decking material, but it shines in vertical or decorative applications.  If your outdoor space includes more than just decking, consider adding built-in benches, vertical walls, or fire features; there's a third material to consider: GFRC concrete.

Benefits of GFRC for Pool Areas:

• Withstands UV and heat without cracking
• Extremely durable, doesn’t rot, rust, or warp
  Can be molded into custom shapes
• Modern, clean appearance
• Pairs well with wood or composite for a blended look
• Built-in seating or retaining walls
  Outdoor kitchens or fire pit surrounds
• Custom planters or edge features

Cost: Custom pricing based on design and application
Maintenance: Very low, often just cleaning

Pro Tip: GFRC is ideal for design-forward pool areas where both function and style are equally important.

Why the Decking Material Is Only Half the Story: Installation Matters

When it comes to building a poolside deck that lasts in a hot, wet climate, the material you choose definitely matters, but what matters as much (and often more) is how it’s installed.

At J Designs, we’ve seen countless projects where homeowners chose a great material only to see it fail early due to poor preparation, inadequate drainage, or weak support framing.

The truth is, your deck’s performance and lifespan will be determined by the foundation it's built on.

Whether you're using composite, hardwood, or even GFRC for vertical features, here’s what often gets overlooked:

Critical (Often Ignored) Installation Factors:

• Drainage planning to prevent standing water that causes wood rot or mold under composites
• Proper framing and elevation, especially on sloped pool areas or uneven terrain
• Step and walkway lighting for safety and usability at night (this is rarely priced in up front)
• Ventilation beneath the deck to prevent trapped moisture and heat buildup
• Fastener selection, hidden clips vs. surface screws, affects both look and durability
• Engineering Plan Consulting with a structural and soil engineer is often overlooked, and it is the primary cause of failed installations.  Proper design and installation guidelines are crucial for maintaining a safe, code-compliant deck, whether you use composite or natural wood.
  
  

In many cases, the support system, framing, and site prep will cost more than the actual decking boards.
That’s not a bad thing; it’s what protects your investment and ensures your deck performs for years to come.

When comparing decking options, don’t just consider the price of the boards. Ask your contractor how they’ll handle the entire system, from ground preparation to flashing to finishing touches.

How Much Does Pool Decking Cost?

Cost depends on material, design complexity, and region, but here’s a breakdown of average installed prices and long-term upkeep:

Pro Tip: Factor in maintenance over a 10–15 year period. Composite may cost more up front, but often wins in total cost of ownership.

Which Decking Material Is Right for Your Pool in a Hot Climate?

You’ve seen the options. You understand the trade-offs. Now it’s time to decide what matters most to you. If you’re looking for the lowest maintenance with excellent moisture protection, opt for a high-quality composite; choose a brand that performs well in high temperatures. If you want a cooler surface and don’t mind a little upkeep, natural hardwoods like Ipe are an excellent long-term investment.  And if you’re building a fully designed outdoor space, don’t overlook GFRC concrete for vertical features that will outlast nearly everything else in your yard.  Since 2008, J Designs has provided deck solutions and installed long-lasting decks made of both wood and composite materials.  Learn more in our next article: Is a Pedestal system an option for your pool deck?