Composite Deck Building in Tempe, AZ

Composite deck building is a popular choice in Tempe, and for good reason: composite does not split, splinter or need staining, and the capped boards made today resist fading far better than early composites did. The trade-off in the desert is heat. Composite holds more heat than most wood, so the color, the orientation of the deck and the shade over it matter as much as the brand.

How hot composite gets

In a side-by-side sun test by a decking seller in Florida, many composite and modified boards reached 140°F or more on the surface. Tempe afternoons are hotter and drier than Florida's: Phoenix logged 70 days at 110°F or above in 2024. Dark grays and browns absorb the most heat. We bring samples to your yard so you can see and touch them where the deck will be, and we recommend lighter tones for any deck in afternoon sun.

Shade makes composite work

A composite deck under a solid cover or the house's own shadow stays comfortable much longer than one in full sun. If your deck will face west or south, we usually suggest planning a pergola or patio cover with it, so footings and posts are designed together. For decks shaded in the afternoon, a broader color range works.

Framing to the manufacturer's rules

Composite is heavier and more flexible than wood, so it depends on the frame below it. Manufacturers set joist spacing by board type and angle, specify gaps between boards and at ends, and require hidden fasteners or screws made for their product. Trex's warranty, for example, excludes damage from improper installation, including improper gapping. Composite also expands and contracts with heat, which in Tempe means wide daily swings, so we follow the gapping rules closely.

Warranties are manufacturer warranties

Composite warranties come from the board maker, not the builder. Trex offers a 25-year residential fade and stain warranty on its Transcend, Enhance and Select decking, with fade limited to 5 Delta E units, as its warranty document reads. It excludes contact with heat sources over 275 degrees and requires proof of purchase for a claim. We keep the product receipts and give you the warranty paperwork for the boards we install.

Maintenance in the desert

Composite does not need sealing, but it still needs rinsing. Monsoon dust collects in board grooves and between boards, and pool water can leave mineral spots. A hose, a soft brush and mild soap handle most of it. Avoid metal shovels, paint and strong solvents, which can void manufacturer warranties.