Choosing the Right Pavers for Hot Georgia Days

Installing a new patio, walkway, or driveway is a big investment, and choosing the right pavers is critical—especially in Georgia’s hot, humid climate. The materials you select will impact not only how your space looks but also how it feels underfoot during the peak of summer.

At GCO Landscaping, we help homeowners across Sharpsburg and the surrounding areas select and install pavers that look great, last long, and stay comfortable in the heat. Here’s what you should consider when choosing pavers for your Georgia landscape.

Why heat matters when selecting pavers

In Georgia, outdoor surfaces are exposed to intense sun for much of the year. On hot days, the temperature of your patio or walkway can rise far above the air temperature—sometimes making it uncomfortable or even unsafe to use. This is especially true for materials that absorb and retain heat.

Choosing the right type of paver plays a big role in how enjoyable your outdoor space is. A surface that becomes too hot can limit how often you use it, which defeats the purpose of investing in a functional outdoor area.

When designing patios, pool decks, or walkways in Sharpsburg, Peachtree City, and nearby areas, we always consider how the material will perform under full sun exposure. A smart paver choice can mean the difference between a space that feels inviting and one that gets avoided on warm afternoons.

Key characteristics to prioritize include:

• • Heat reflectivity – Light-colored pavers reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it, helping keep surfaces cooler.
  • Surface temperature comfort – Some materials naturally stay cooler to the touch, making them ideal for barefoot areas like pool decks or children’s play zones.
  • UV resistance – Prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade colors or cause cracking over time. UV-stable materials help preserve appearance and performance.
  • Safety and usability – Comfortable surface temperatures are essential if you have pets, kids, or enjoy walking barefoot outdoors.

Ultimately, the right paver enhances your backyard experience by staying cool, looking great, and withstanding Georgia’s demanding summer conditions. It’s not just about looks—it’s about long-term comfort, safety, and satisfaction.

Best types of pavers for hot Georgia climates

Not all pavers perform equally under the intense sun and humidity of a Georgia summer. Surface temperature, texture, and even color can greatly influence how comfortable your outdoor space feels throughout the year. At GCO Landscaping, we help homeowners in Sharpsburg, Peachtree City, and surrounding areas choose pavers that combine function, aesthetics, and heat management.

Below are the top paver options we recommend for hot-weather environments:

1. Concrete pavers

Concrete pavers are one of the most widely used materials for patios, walkways, driveways, and pool decks. They’re known for their versatility, affordability, and range of available colors and textures. However, their performance in heat varies based on specific design choices.

Advantages:

• • • Wide variety of shapes and patterns to match any style
    • Durable under heavy foot traffic and changing weather
    • Compatible with other features like retaining walls and pergolas

What to watch for:

• • • Darker concrete pavers can become uncomfortably hot in full sun
    • Rough or heavily textured finishes may absorb and retain more heat

Pro tip:
Opt for lighter shades like buff, light gray, or cream. These colors reflect sunlight and help keep the surface cooler. A smooth or tumbled finish can also enhance comfort without compromising grip.

Concrete pavers are a great fit for backyard patios, garden walkways, or outdoor dining areas that receive partial shade or can be covered by a gazebo or pergola.

2. Porcelain pavers

Porcelain pavers are quickly becoming a favorite among homeowners looking for a sleek, modern finish—especially in areas where staying cool underfoot is a top priority.

Benefits of porcelain pavers:

• • • Low heat absorption – One of the coolest options for bare feet
    • Non-porous and stain-resistant – Easy to clean and maintain
    • Slip-resistant – Even when wet, making it ideal for pool decks
    • Fade-proof color – Excellent UV stability for long-term beauty

Because of their smooth texture and minimal maintenance needs, porcelain pavers are particularly popular in entertainment areas, outdoor kitchens, and covered patios. They blend effortlessly with landscape lighting and modern hardscape elements.

Keep in mind that professional installation is key—porcelain is thinner and more precise than other materials, so it requires exact leveling and a stable base for long-term durability.

3. Natural stone pavers

If you’re looking for a timeless, elegant look, natural stone is hard to beat. It brings organic texture and tone to your landscape and holds up well in the Georgia climate—particularly when you choose stones that naturally stay cooler underfoot.

Top natural stone options for heat performance:

• • • Travertine – One of the coolest stones available; naturally porous for slip resistance, ideal for pool surrounds and luxury patios
    • Limestone – Light in color, smooth to the touch, and reflective of sunlight
    • Sandstone – Offers warm, earthy tones with moderate heat resistance and great visual appeal

Natural stone is an excellent match for high-end landscaping designs that include custom firepits, water features, and tiered retaining walls. It also pairs beautifully with native plantings, mulch installation, and sod lawns to create a cohesive outdoor environment.

Note: While natural stone has excellent aesthetic value and comfort, it can be more expensive than other materials. However, the investment often pays off in beauty, longevity, and year-round usability.

What to avoid in hot weather

When planning a new patio, walkway, or pool deck for your Georgia home, knowing what not to use is just as important as choosing the right materials. Some paver choices may look good on paper but create real comfort and safety issues during the peak of summer.

Here are common material pitfalls to avoid in hot climates like ours:

Dark-colored pavers

Darker colors naturally absorb and retain more heat from the sun. Pavers in black, charcoal, deep brown, or dark red tones can become extremely hot by midday—making them uncomfortable or even unsafe to walk on barefoot.

• • Problem areas: Pool decks, play spaces, or lounging areas where people may be barefoot
  • Better choice: Opt for light shades like buff, beige, light gray, or cream to reflect sunlight and reduce surface temperature

Even when paired with shade structures like pergolas or gazebos, dark pavers tend to hold residual heat longer into the evening.

Metal accents or edging

Metal landscape elements—such as trim, edging, or decorative inlays—can heat up quickly and reach dangerously high temperatures under full sun.

• • Risk: Can cause burns to children or pets; becomes especially hazardous around pool areas or pathways
  • Alternative: Use natural stone, wood, or composite edging that stays cooler and is safer for high-traffic areas

While metal can be a great aesthetic accent, it should be used sparingly or in shaded areas to avoid creating heat traps in your landscape.

High-friction or heat-retaining coatings

Some pavers come with textured, non-slip finishes to improve safety, especially around pools. However, certain anti-slip coatings can increase heat retention due to their material density or surface treatment.

• • Trade-off: While traction is important, especially when wet, comfort should not be sacrificed
  • Solution: Choose slip-resistant pavers made from naturally cool materials like travertine, porcelain, or light-finish concrete pavers

Our team at GCO Landscaping carefully balances safety and comfort by selecting pavers that meet both criteria.

Not sure what to choose? We can help.
With so many materials, colors, and finishes available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where our expertise comes in. We’ll help you avoid the common pitfalls of hot-weather paving and guide you toward a combination of materials and design that suits your lifestyle, climate, and budget.

Real-world example: Patio upgrade in Senoia

A recent client in Senoia wanted to replace their old brick patio, which had become scorching hot in the summer. We recommended a blend of light-colored concrete pavers with a tumbled finish, combined with shade from a custom pergola. The result was a cooler, more inviting space they now use every weekend for family gatherings—even during peak summer temperatures.

Additional ways to keep pavers cool

Even the best paver choice can benefit from extra comfort-enhancing features. Consider adding:

• • Pergolas or gazebos – Provide shade for patios or seating areas
  • Landscape lighting – Use cooler LEDs to brighten evening entertaining spaces
  • Irrigation systems – Light misting during the day can help reduce surface temperature
  • Proper drainage and grading – Prevents heat-retaining puddles or uneven moisture spots

GCO Landscaping specializes in complete design/build landscaping, so we can help you integrate all of these elements into one cohesive plan.

Proudly serving the South Metro Atlanta region

GCO Landscaping is based in Sharpsburg and proudly serves the following cities and surrounding areas:

• • Peachtree City
  • Sharpsburg
  • Senoia
  • Newnan
  • Tyrone
  • Fayetteville

We bring expert knowledge of Georgia’s climate and soil conditions to every paver installation.

Ready to upgrade your outdoor space?

Let’s build a patio that stays cool and looks great—year-round.
If you're planning to install a new paver patio, pool deck, or walkway, let GCO Landscaping help you choose the right materials for Georgia's hot summers. Our team will guide you through design, material selection, and professional installation from start to finish.

Call today or request your free estimate to get started. We proudly serve Sharpsburg, Peachtree City, Senoia, Newnan, Tyrone, and Fayetteville with premium landscaping and hardscaping services tailored to your property.