When summer arrives in full force, the heat rising from outdoor surfaces can turn a beautiful patio or pool deck into a scorching-hot zone. That’s why choosing pavers that don’t get hot is not just about style; it is also about comfort and functionality.
My colleagues and I have seen firsthand how smart choices in paver material, color, and installation can make all the difference in creating cool, walkable outdoor spaces even under the blazing Florida sun.
So, in this article, we want to share this experience with you and explain what affects surface temperature, which pavers stay cooler, and how to optimize your outdoor project for maximum comfort.
Let’s get right to it: what are the pavers that don’t get hot, after all?
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What is the secret behind the pavers that don’t get hot?
It’s not magic, it’s material science! The reason some pavers get extremely hot while others remain relatively cool lies in a combination of color, density, porosity, and thermal emissivity.
Dark-colored pavers absorb more solar radiation than lighter ones. This means black or dark gray pavers will heat up significantly faster and retain that heat longer. On the other hand, light-colored pavers reflect more sunlight, keeping the surface cooler for longer.
The density of the paver also plays a big role. Dense, non-porous materials trap heat and release it slowly, while porous stones tend to dissipate heat more effectively. Porosity allows micro air pockets within the stone to breathe, acting like a buffer zone for heat distribution.
Thermal emissivity, or the ability of a material to release absorbed heat, varies among natural stones, concrete, and porcelain, and directly influences surface temperature.
Beyond material choice, the design of your space also affects heat retention. Pavers installed without proper ventilation or over solid bases that block airflow will trap more heat. Even the direction of the sun during peak hours and the presence (or absence) of shade can increase the temperature dramatically.
You may also like: Pavers or Concrete Around Pool? Make the Best Choice
4 types of pavers that don’t get hot
Travertine
Travertine is one of the top-performing paver materials when it comes to staying cool – its naturally porous structure and light colors make it a popular choice for pool decks and patios.
Travertine does a great job of reflecting sunlight and allowing air to circulate through its micropores, which keeps it several degrees cooler than concrete or granite.
Limestone
Limestone is another natural stone that excels in heat resistance. Its light tones and slightly chalky texture give it high reflectivity. Limestone surfaces tend to feel softer and cooler underfoot, even during peak summer months. This makes it ideal for courtyards, walkways, and outdoor dining areas.
Porcelain
While not a natural stone, porcelain pavers are engineered for performance. Modern porcelain options for outdoor use often come with high solar reflectance values (SRI), making them great at deflecting heat. They are also incredibly durable, resistant to fading, and available in beautiful light tones that minimize heat absorption.
Read also: Porcelain pavers vs travertine pavers: In-depth guide
Light-colored concrete
Standard concrete isn’t known for staying cool, but newer blends and finishes have improved significantly. Light-colored concrete or concrete with high albedo mixes can reflect more sunlight.
When sealed and maintained properly, these pavers can remain relatively comfortable to the touch, especially when combined with shading and proper drainage.
How design and installation affect surface temperature
Choosing the right material is just one piece of the puzzle. The way your pavers are installed and integrated into the landscape also affects how hot or cool they become!
One important factor is the base material, as I make sure to explain to every new client here. Installing pavers over a well-draining, breathable base like crushed stone allows air circulation underneath, which helps dissipate heat. Solid concrete bases, by contrast, trap heat and radiate it upward.
Spacing between pavers also matters. Wider joints or permeable installations let air flow through and cool the surface. Picking lighter grout or joint filler colors can further reduce heat absorption.
Strategic placement of shade elements, such as pergolas, trees, or shade sails, can dramatically reduce sun exposure on key areas like patios or pool decks. Reflective finishes and techniques can also improve heat resistance.
Finally, don’t overlook maintenance. A buildup of dirt, mold, or dark debris can increase heat absorption. Keeping your pavers clean with a specific solution and regularly resealed can help maintain their reflective qualities and thermal performance, as thoroughly detailed in this other article.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid
Homeowners (and even expert contractors, if you can believe it) sometimes choose materials based purely on appearance, without considering thermal performance. Using black slate, basalt, brick, or dark granite in full-sun areas often leads to hot, uncomfortable surfaces – especially in areas where people walk barefoot, like pool surrounds or garden paths. Without proper planning, even an attractive patio can become unusable in the summer.
Improper base preparation, like using non-permeable concrete without ventilation channels, also increases surface heat. Using dark polymeric sand or joint fillers only compounds this problem by trapping more heat between the stones.
That’s why working with a professional hardscape professional is so important! We don’t just install pavers – we design with comfort in mind.
When a client asks for a surface that stays cool underfoot, for instance, we begin with a full site assessment to evaluate sun exposure, intended use, and surrounding elements. From there, we recommend materials like travertine, limestone, or light-toned porcelain that perform well in the hot Florida climate.
We also customize the installation, of course. This means selecting breathable base layers, using light joint fillers, and creating layouts that favor natural airflow and minimize direct sun exposure. Where possible, we incorporate shade structures or plantings into the design to further reduce surface temperatures.
JS Brick is here to help!
As you can see, the best way to ensure you avoid these mistakes and end up with a fully functional installation of pavers that don’t get hot is to hire the help of a professional near you.
This is essential if you want your outdoor space to be beautiful and comfortable year-round. Materials like travertine, limestone, and porcelain offer excellent thermal properties, especially when installed with the right techniques and design considerations.
With over 20 years of experience in Sarasota, we here at JS Brick understand how brutal the Florida heat can be. That’s why we always match technical performance with aesthetic appeal, so our clients don’t have to compromise comfort for beauty.
So wait no more: if you happen to be around Sarasota County, get in contact today for a free estimate and let us help you build a space that stays cool, looks amazing, and lasts for years to come! Reach out to discuss your project and discover which paver solution is best for your needs.
