How to Create an Inviting Outdoor Space in Hot & Humid Climates

Living in warmer states like Florida or Georgia may mean you have more time throughout the year to enjoy your outdoor space, but the heat and humidity in those areas also mean that, during the summer, you may struggle to get the most out of your deck due to extreme temperatures.

However, while creating year-round space for humid climates may be challenging, it doesn't have to be impossible. If you're looking for new ways to make your summer getaway more inviting, consider these top ways designer Brian Patrick Flynn created summer-friendly outdoor spaces for the 2024 HGTV® Dream Home — located on Anastasia Island near St. Augustine, Florida.

We took a closer look at the designs and principles that Brian Patrick Flynn incorporated into the 2024 HGTV® Dream Home to combat the top three deterrents to using outdoor spaces in hot and humid outdoor spaces: heat, bugs, and summer storms. Using these ideas, you can easily transform your deck into an all-year-long outdoor paradise.

Your Outdoor Space's Defense Against Summer Swelter

To beat the heat, Flynn took a four-pronged approach to ensure the outdoor spaces remained enjoyable all summer long. This approach focused on the essential elements of staying cool: air flow, shade, and heat reduction for both your body and home. Using these tips, you can make a serious difference in the comfort of your outdoor space — improving its overall value and utility.

1. Incorporate Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans accent the back deck and the upstairs sunset porch. These simple additions keep air moving and provide a necessary reprieve in the afternoon.

2. Create Shade

There are many different ways to incorporate shade into your outdoor space, but some may fit your style and needs better than others.

For example, a large Trex® Pergola could create a shady space for a large seating area, while an umbrella offers personal protection from the sun in the outdoor kitchen. You could also consider making your deck multi-level to completely protect the downstairs area from the sun — just don't forget to add shading elements to your top level as well.

3. Take the Plunge

A classic for any outdoor living space in the south, a plunge pool with subtle water features enhances both the look and enjoyment of your outdoor area. Perfect for a quick dip to cool off, a pool is a must-have for the summer months.

Consider Composite Decking That Mitigates Heat

This last cooling feature is easy to overlook. While composite decking that doesn't get hot may not exist, built-in heat mitigation makes a huge difference in the dog days of summer. The composite decking used in the 2024 HGTV® Dream Home is part of the Trex Transcend® Lineage™ collection and features SunComfortable™ heat-mitigating technology.* This unique decking reflects the sun (and your sense of style) while keeping your deck up to 37 degrees farhenheit cooler compared to our original decking.**

Bug-Proof Your Outdoor Oasis

Movies love to highlight the picturesque views of outdoor living in the South, but conveniently leave little nuisances like gnats, mosquitoes, and palmetto bugs out of the scene.

1. Run a Screen Defense

To avoid being harassed by bugs, consider screening in the back patio area to maintain your view of the outdoors while locking out all manner of insects. This will create a bug-free outdoor living space where you can still enjoy the weather.

2. Illuminating Solutions

To keep the party going all night long, try featuring subtle lights built into the decking, stairways and railings of your front porch and back deck. These simple additions not only offer ambiance but can also draw the attention of gnats, moths and a variety of other unwelcome guests, leaving you and your loved ones free to enjoy the evening pest-free.

Designing for Sunshine and Showers

Another trademark of hot and humid climates is the afternoon showers that crop up almost daily during the summer months. To keep outdoor spaces dry and usable all day long, add a covered roof to your deck and porch areas. These covered areas not only protect you and your belongings from a surprise shower, but they also offer bonus protection on sunny days when a spot of shade isn't enough to escape the heat. 

Create Your Heatproof Hideaway

Using the tips shown by Flynn in the outdoor spaces of the HGTV® Dream Home 2024 on Anastasia Island, you can create inviting and functional outdoor areas that address the challenges of heat, bugs, and summer storms. 

From cooling ceiling fans and innovative heat-mitigating technology to bug-proofing solutions and shelter from sudden showers, adding the right features can transform your space from sweltering to sweet. If you're not sure what the best options are for your outdoor area, check out the Trex blog for design inspiration, expert advice, how-tos, and more.

*Our SunComfortable™ products with heat-mitigating technology are designed to be cooler than most other composite decking products of a similar color. Although engineered to be more comfortable, they can still get hot to the touch when direct sunlight and high temperatures converge for extended periods of time. On such days, care should be taken.

**Based on laboratory testing simulating full summer sun exposure at noon over an extended period. Actual temperature reduction may vary depending on environmental conditions, color and usage

©2023 Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc., or its subsidiaries and affiliates. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.