Your pool’s appearance relies heavily on the material used for the surrounding decking. With numerous pool deck material options, finding the right material comes down to aesthetics, cost, pool type, and upkeep. Homeowners who need help choosing the best material for their pools should consider the following advantages and disadvantages of each type of decking to narrow down the options.
Wood
The classic, warm appearance of a wood pool deck remains one of the most popular options for several reasons. With numerous woods to choose from, you can pick a color that pairs well with your home and pool design. Homeowners can build a wooden deck at ground level to surround an in-ground pool. They may also choose to create an elevated deck around an above-ground pool. Wood has one of the lowest costs compared to other decking materials. The only consideration for owners of wooden decks is the necessary sanding and waterproofing to prevent wear and splinters.
Synthetic Decking
Sometimes synthetic decking may go by the name composite wood. This material looks like wood but has a structure made of plastics. It provides the appearance of wood without needing to regularly maintain it. Also, as they can with wood, homeowners can use synthetic decking around both inground and above-ground pools for ground-level or elevated decks. The downside to this material is its higher price compared to wood.
Concrete
Concrete works well for surrounding in-ground pools, but it may not be a viable option for above-ground decks that don’t have the necessary support for holding this heavy material. Large areas will require professional concrete pouring to get a quality job. However, when finished, concrete lasts for a long time and offers a safe, stable surface that never gets slippery, even when wet.
Stone
Stones can vary in price depending on the type of stone used, but regardless of the stone used, with installation and materials cost, it ranks as the most expensive decking material.
While stone does not require any maintenance, it does need a concrete base for support. Therefore, homeowners cannot install stone on an elevated deck around an above-ground pool.
Tile
Tiling around a pool creates an elegant, clean look that can make the pool area feel like another living area of the home. As with stone, homeowners ill likely keed
However, when choosing tile, never use the type of tile found inside homes. The slick ceramic tiles used in bathrooms and kitchens create a dangerous surface around a pool when they become wet. Unglazed tiles offer better slip resistance.
The Best Pool Deck Material
There is not a single material that makes an idea decking around a pool. For above-ground pools, the material must have a sturdy structure to support people walking on it while being lightweight enough for use on a raised deck. In-ground pools have more decking options, but the types of materials can vary in pricing and installation.
To find the best material, homeowners should narrow down options based on the pool type, establish a budget for the project, determine the time required for installation, and decide how much maintenance they can handle. After conducting these aspects of a review for the project, any homeowner should be able to choose the best material for a deck around their pool.
Sources
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/pool-decking/
https://willshapools.com/pool-decking/
https://www.thespruce.com/designing-pool-decks-patios-choosing-materials-4066646
https://www.capitaldeckandstair.com/our-services/pool-decks/
