Smart Shade & Surface Tips from Decked Out Tennessee

It’s a beautiful summer day in Tennessee… until you try to walk barefoot across your deck. Sound familiar? Between soaring temperatures and direct sunlight, your deck can feel more like a stovetop than an outdoor oasis.

At Decked Out Tennessee, we build custom decks across Franklin, Brentwood, Nolensville, and surrounding areas designed to perform beautifully—even in the heat. Whether you’re building new or upgrading your existing space, here are some of our favorite ways to keep your deck cooler, more comfortable, and summer-ready.

☀️ 1. Choose Heat-Resistant Decking Materials

Not all deck surfaces are created equal when it comes to heat. Composite decking tends to retain more heat than natural wood, but there are heat-reflective composite options now available from premium brands like Trex®, TimberTech®, and Fiberon®.

Tips:

• Lighter colors (gray, beige, or light brown) reflect more sunlight than dark wood tones

• PVC and capped composite boards often stay cooler than standard composites

• If you love real wood, consider pressure-treated pine or cedar, which stay relatively cool underfoot

🌳 2. Add Built-In Shade Structures

One of the most effective ways to beat the heat is to create your own shade. That can be as simple as a fabric sail or as custom as a full pergola with integrated fans and lighting.

Cooling Shade Features We Recommend:

• Pergolas with slatted or solid covers

• Retractable awnings or motorized sunshades

• Shade sails for modern, tensioned style

• Built-in roof structures for patios or screened decks

Bonus: Shade keeps your furniture cooler and extends the life of your deck finish.

💨 3. Install Ceiling or Wall-Mounted Outdoor Fans

Pairing your covered deck or pergola with fans adds airflow that helps disperse heat and humidity.

Why it works:

• Reduces air temperature by 4–8 degrees

• Keeps insects at bay during summer meals

• Can be paired with lighting and remote-control systems

We install wet-rated outdoor fans in pergolas, porch ceilings, and pavilion-style roofs for style + performance.

💦 4. Use Outdoor Misters or Cooling Sprays

For larger decks or backyard gatherings, misting systems are an underrated cooling solution. They release fine water droplets that cool the air without soaking your guests.

Cooling Add-ons:

• DIY misting lines for pergola edges

• Hose-connected umbrella misters

• Portable patio misting fans with built-in tanks

These are especially popular for homes in Spring Hill or rural backyard builds where shade is limited.

🩴 5. Cover Hot Surfaces with Outdoor Rugs or Modular Deck Tiles

If you’re not ready to renovate, a fast fix is to use UV-resistant outdoor rugs or deck tiles to cover your hottest sections.

They:

• Protect bare feet from burning

• Prevent premature sun damage to boards

• Add comfort and style to seating areas

Look for rugs rated for high-heat environments and mold resistance, especially in Tennessee’s humid climate.

🏡 Build Smarter, Stay Cooler

If your deck isn’t usable during peak heat hours, it’s time to rethink your layout, materials, or shade strategy. At Decked Out Tennessee, we specialize in creating beautiful, livable outdoor spaces that work year-round.

From covered decks with fan systems to multi-level builds with shaded zones, we bring comfort and craftsmanship together in every project.

📞 Ready to beat the heat? Let’s design your summer-perfect deck.