New Jersey summers can be hot, humid, and intense, especially during late July and August when temperatures frequently reach the mid-90s. These conditions can have a significant impact on outdoor spaces, especially patios, walkways, pool decks, and driveways. So, how do you choose best hardscape materials for hot weather?
Choosing the right hardscape materials is essential for comfort, durability, structural integrity, and long-term maintenance. The wrong materials may trap heat, fade, crack, or become slippery — while the right ones stay cool, resist UV damage, and last for decades.
This guide explores the best materials for hot weather as well as the ones you may want to avoid. Whether you are planning a new hardscape project or considering a material upgrade, this article will help you make an informed choice.
Why Choosing the Right Hardscape Material Matters in Hot Weather
High summer temperatures affect hardscaping in several ways:
- Surfaces become too hot to walk on
- Materials expand and contract
- Sealers break down
- UV rays cause fading
- Poorly chosen materials crack or warp
Some materials are specifically engineered to withstand heat, moisture, and temperature fluctuations — making them ideal for New Jersey summers.
Best Hardscape Materials for Hot Weather
Below are the top materials that perform exceptionally well in high temperatures, providing both beauty and long-term durability.
1. Porcelain Pavers — The Coolest and Most Durable Choice
Porcelain pavers remain the top-rated material for hot climates, and they are increasingly popular across New Jersey.
Why Porcelain Performs Well in Heat
- Extremely low heat absorption
- UV-resistant
- Fade-proof and colorfast
- Slip-resistant
- Requires almost no maintenance
- Resistant to stains, frost, and water
Porcelain is engineered to remain cool even on the hottest days, making it ideal for patios, walkways, and especially pool decks.
Best Uses for Porcelain Pavers
- Modern patios
- Pool areas
- Outdoor kitchens
- Sun decks
- Rooftop terraces
If your priority is comfort, style, and longevity, porcelain is one of the most reliable materials available today.
2. Travertine Stone — A Naturally Cool, High-End Option
Travertine is a natural stone known for:
- Staying cool under direct sunlight
- Anti-slip surface
- Luxurious feel
- Rich, earthy tones
- Exceptional durability
Travertine is especially popular around pools and in upscale backyard designs.
Why Travertine Stays Cool
Its natural pores allow heat to disperse rather than concentrate, making it significantly cooler than concrete or standard pavers.
Ideal Applications
- Pool decks
- Elegant patios
- Mediterranean-style designs
- Walkways
Travertine offers aesthetic depth and remains comfortable even in mid-August heat.
3. Light-Colored Concrete Pavers — A Practical and Affordable Solution
Concrete pavers can perform well in hot weather when chosen correctly.
Choose These Features:
- Light colors (beige, gray, cream)
- Textured surfaces
- Cool surface technology (Belgard, Cambridge, Techo-Bloc options)
Light colors reflect heat rather than absorb it, reducing surface temperature.
Advantages
- Cost-effective
- Versatile design options
- Strong and durable
- Easy to repair
Best Uses
- Driveways
- Walkways
- Patios
- Outdoor seating areas
Concrete pavers are widely used in New Jersey due to their reliability and affordability.
4. Bluestone — A Natural Classic with Heat Challenges
Bluestone is a popular natural stone choice in the Northeast. While beautiful, its performance in hot weather varies depending on the finish and color.
Advantages
- Strong and long-lasting
- Classic Northeast aesthetic
- Works well in traditional and modern landscapes
- Adds property value
Heat Considerations
Bluestone absorbs heat more than natural materials like travertine or porcelain. Darker bluestone gets especially hot during summer afternoons.
Best Applications
- Shaded patios
- Walkways under trees
- Pool coping (when sealed)
- Driveway borders
Bluestone is durable and visually striking, but for full-sun patios, lighter stones may be a better choice.
5. Limestone — Cool Underfoot and Elegant
Limestone offers a refined, high-end aesthetic and stays cooler under direct heat compared to bluestone or dark concrete.
Benefits
- Stays relatively cool
- Elegant colors and texture
- Non-slip surface
- Timeless appeal
Limitations
- Not ideal for areas with heavy salt exposure
- Requires sealing to prevent staining
Limestone is great for patios and pathways where visual appeal and comfort are priorities.
6. Composite Decking — Heat Resistant With Proper Selection
Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech) has improved significantly over the years. Newer generations stay cooler than earlier composites.
Pros
- Low maintenance
- Fade-resistant
- Long lifespan
- Modern design options
Cons
- Dark colors can get hot
- More expensive than wood
- Not ideal around pools unless textured
Composite is a great alternative to wood for elevated decks but should be chosen carefully for sun-heavy areas.
Materials to Avoid in Hot Weather
Certain materials do not perform well in high summer temperatures, especially in New Jersey’s humid climate.
1. Black or Dark Pavers
Dark-colored pavers absorb intense heat, making them uncomfortable to walk on.
Common Issues
- Extremely hot surface temperatures
- Fast fading
- Higher risk of thermal expansion
- More heat retention around pools
Avoid dark pavers for full-sun patios or pool decks.
2. Old-Style Composite Decking
Early-generation composites retain heat and can reach temperatures far above natural materials.
Problems
- Hot underfoot
- Warping
- Fading
- Softening in extreme heat
Choose newer, heat-resistant composite lines instead.
3. Asphalt for Outdoor Living Areas
While great for driveways, asphalt is unsuitable for patios or recreational spaces.
Why to Avoid It
- Extremely hot in summer
- Strong odor during high heat
- Soft and easily damaged
- Lacks aesthetic appeal
Asphalt should not be used for patios, walkways, or recreational surfaces.
4. Unsealed Concrete
Unsealed concrete expands, cracks, and absorbs heat.
Negative Traits
- High maintenance
- Fades quickly
- Hot under the sun
- Poor water resistance
Concrete pavers are a better alternative.
Design Tips to Keep Your Hardscape Cooler During Summer
No matter which material you choose, these design strategies can significantly reduce heat.
1. Choose Light Colors
Light greys, creams, beiges, and whitewashed tones reflect sunlight.
2. Add Shade Structures
- Pergolas
- Shade sails
- Gazebos
- Umbrellas
- Tree canopies
3. Use Mixed Materials
Combining stone, pavers, and porcelain allows for cooler walking surfaces.
4. Incorporate Cooling Water Features
Fountains and waterfalls help reduce radiant heat.
5. Install Heat-Resistant Sealers
Premium sealers protect natural stone from UV damage.
When Is the Best Time to Install These Materials?
While summer installations are common, many homeowners prefer late summer and early fall due to:
- More availability
- Faster project timelines
- Comfortable installation weather
- Preparation for next summer
August and September are excellent times to start a project for completion before the cooler weather arrives.
Work With a Hardscape Expert for Proper Material Selection
The right material depends on:
- Sun exposure
- Usage
- Budget
- Maintenance expectations
- Property layout
- Climate conditions
- Aesthetic goals
Outdoor Hardscape helps homeowners choose the best material for longevity, comfort, and beauty — ensuring your project stays cool and functional for decades.
Final Thoughts
Hardscape material selection plays a major role in how enjoyable your outdoor space feels during the summer. Porcelain, travertine, light-colored pavers, and limestone offer ideal performance in hot weather, while dark pavers, old composites, and unsealed concrete should be approached with caution.
By understanding material behavior in heat, New Jersey homeowners can make informed decisions that keep their patios, pool decks, and walkways beautiful and comfortable all year long.
Get Expert Help Choosing the Right Material
Outdoor Hardscape offers professional guidance on selecting and installing the best materials for your outdoor space.
📞 Call us today for a free consultation
📅 Schedule your late-summer estimate
🌐 Visit OutdoorHardscape.com to explore design options
Also read,
Top 10 Summer Hardscape Upgrades to Transform Your Backyard in 2025