Southern California summers are no joke. Intense UV rays, dry heat, salt air, and a whole lot of backyard foot traffic put outdoor materials to the test. If you’re building or upgrading a deck in SoCal, your material choice isn’t just about design, it’s about how that deck will hold up on a 95-degree afternoon when someone steps onto it barefoot with wet feet and a cold drink.
At Beyond Lumber, we supply premium decking materials built to perform in summer conditions. Here’s what to consider when picking a material that won’t crack, warp, or turn into a frying pan.
A deck in Southern California sees more sun than most of the country does all year. UV exposure breaks down wood fibers, bleaches color, and dries out boards. Heat can cause expansion, which leads to warping or cupping if the material isn’t stable. Add chlorine, saltwater, or even desert dust into the mix and you’re asking a lot from your decking.
That’s why the materials we recommend for summer use all have one thing in common: they can take the heat.
Thermally modified woods, like heat-treated ash, are ideal for high-sun environments. These boards are modified using only heat and steam, so there are no chemicals or toxins involved. The result? A material that barely absorbs moisture, resists rot naturally, and doesn’t warp in the sun.
Because it’s modified to be dimensionally stable, it stays flat and smooth even when temps spike in the San Fernando Valley or Temecula. Plus, it takes oil and stains evenly if you want to preserve its original color.
Some woods just don’t care how hot it gets. Ipe and Cumaru are two of them. These Brazilian hardwoods are naturally dense, tough as nails, and built for brutal conditions. They don’t splinter easily, they’re slip-resistant even when wet, and they laugh in the face of termites and sun exposure.
If you’re working on a deck in Malibu, Laguna, or even the high desert, these materials are as close to indestructible as wood gets. Ipe is darker and more uniform, while Cumaru offers a bit more color variation. Both look incredible with modern stucco homes and clean outdoor lines.
One note: they’ll gray over time unless you oil them. Some clients love the weathered silver look. Others want that deep, rich brown. Either way, it’s your call.
Garapa isn’t as dense as Ipe, but it has one big summer advantage: it stays cooler to the touch. Its golden color reflects more sunlight than darker woods, which means you won’t burn your feet walking across it at noon.
This makes it a solid option for poolside builds or homes in places like Westlake Village, Glendale, or Torrance where summer temperatures spike but the budget might not stretch to Ipe. It still holds up well to moisture, insects, and daily wear, and gives you that natural hardwood look with a bit less upkeep. And for those who are interested in a more budget-friendly alternative to Ipe and Cumaru, Garapa comes with the lower price tag as well.
Some clients want a deck that just works: no oiling, no sanding, no seasonal maintenance. That’s where composite and PVC decking shine. Brands like TimberTech, Trex, and Deckorators make engineered boards designed specifically to resist fading, warping, and mildew.
Modern composite and PVC boards are far better than the ones you might remember from 15 years ago. They stay cooler, they look more like real wood, and they won’t stain from sunscreen or barbecue grease. Deckorators, in particular, has a mineral-based board that holds up well in full-sun exposure and doesn’t absorb heat like traditional composites.
If you’re building in coastal areas like Manhattan Beach or inland zones like Riverside, composites are a smart call for low-maintenance living.
The best decks in Southern California are built with materials that were made for heat, sun, and everyday summer use. At Beyond Lumber, we specialize in supplying long-lasting, high-performance wood and composite decking that’s ready for SoCal weather.
We carry Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, thermally modified options, and the top composite brands in the industry. Our team works closely with contractors, architects, and homeowners to make sure every summer deck is built to last.
Reach out to us or stop by our warehouse in Gardena to see the boards in person. We ship nationwide and offer expert advice to make your deck the one everyone wants to hang out on this summer.
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