The weather in Kansas City can be unpredictable, and it has a direct impact on your deck’s durability. At Heartland Decks, we’ve seen how intense winters and humid summers test every deck we install. That’s why we recommend composite decks. These boards stand up to the Kansas City climate, offering long-lasting performance and low maintenance when installed properly.
Here’s what you need to know about how composite decking handles the challenges of our local weather.
What Makes Composite Decking a Good Fit for Kansas City Weather?
We’ve tested a lot of materials, but TimberTech composite decking remains our house favorite for a reason. Every board is capped on all four sides, making it highly resistant to the elements. In a climate like Kansas City’s—where you can go from snow to sunshine in a matter of days—that kind of protection matters.
Here’s what the all-around capping does:
- Moisture Resistance: Composite boards include a small amount of wood flour in their makeup, which helps bind the material. However, that wood flour can absorb moisture if it’s exposed. With TimberTech, the plastic capping seals off all sides, significantly lowering the chances of water getting in. That means your deck won’t swell, warp, or rot like traditional wood.
- Hail Protection: The KC area isn’t a stranger to hailstorms. One major benefit of composite decks is their resistance to hail damage. Unlike traditional wood, these boards won’t splinter or chip when pelted with ice.
- Heat and Sun Performance: Composite decking does get hot in direct sunlight—just like concrete driveways or wood decks. While it won’t melt or deform, it will expand and contract slightly throughout the day. TimberTech boards are designed to handle this expansion without warping or creating a wave effect between joists.
Winter Conditions: What You Need to Know
Kansas City winters bring snow, sleet, and freezing rain. While composite decks hold up well, there are a few best practices we always share with our customers.
1. Be Careful With Ice Melt
We understand the need to keep your deck safe and slip-free, but we strongly recommend avoiding ice melt products. Here’s why:
- It won’t destroy the board immediately.
- However, if it’s not cleaned off quickly after application, it could cause long-term damage to the surface of your deck.
If you must use ice melt in a pinch, make sure to remove it promptly. Better yet, use a plastic shovel and sweep away snow before it becomes ice.
2. Expect Some Slipperiness
Just like your driveway, composite decking can get slick when covered in snow or ice. The key is to stay on top of clearing your deck early and often. While the material itself won’t absorb moisture or degrade, staying safe during winter means regular maintenance when storms hit.
How Composite Decks Handle Heat and Humidity
Anyone who’s spent a summer in KC knows how hot things can get. You might wonder how that impacts a composite deck. The truth is:
- Yes, composite boards get warm in direct sunlight.
- No, they won’t reach a temperature that causes damage to the structure.
- And no, you won’t see buckling or boards pulling away from the frame.
That’s because TimberTech boards expand and contract naturally with heat, and the design prevents long-term issues like warping. We always install decks with this movement in mind, making sure your joist spacing and fasteners are set up to support seasonal shifts.
Heartland Decks Advantage
We’ve been building outdoor spaces in Kansas City for years, and we know what works—and what doesn’t—in this climate. Our experience with composite decks gives us the edge in making sure your investment lasts. From hailstorms to heat waves, we install TimberTech boards to resist it all.
Our team will walk you through:
- The right product selection for your home and sun exposure.
- Maintenance best practices for all seasons.
- Smart installation that accounts for temperature swings and moisture control.
In Summary
The Kansas City climate throws a lot at your deck—snow, heat, rain, and hail. That’s why choosing composite decks is a smart investment, especially when you partner with a team that understands our local weather. At Heartland Decks, we build decks that last, using top-tier materials like TimberTech to give you peace of mind year-round.
If you’re considering adding or upgrading your outdoor space, contact us to get started on a custom deck that fits your home and handles our ever-changing weather.
