Types of Pool Decks

A pool deck is an important part of the overall look and feel of your backyard pool. It should be slip resistant and should meet local safety regulations.

There are many different types of materials to choose from. Concrete is a popular choice and can be colored with dry-shake pigments. It also allows for sloped drainage and is easy to maintain compared to pavers or wood.

Concrete

Concrete is often thought of as a utilitarian material, but this decking option is actually quite versatile. It can be colored and textured with coatings that make it fit right into the design aspirations of pool owners. It is also highly durable, which is important for a pool deck.

It can be polished with bonded abrasives for a sleek, high-gloss surface that feels soft and comfortable on bare feet. Concrete is also able to be stained with dyes and water-based solutions that mimic the shades of wood, stone and other materials.

Unlike pavers, which can crack and shift over time, concrete is designed to last. Concrete also holds up well to the wear and tear of many people entering and exiting the pool at the same time, making it an economical choice for a family pool. It is less expensive than pavers, and it requires fewer maintenance services than other options.

Natural Stone

Depending on the type of stone, natural pool decks offer both durability and a timeless, elegant aesthetic. Limestone, for example, is an alluring material that can withstand harsh weather conditions and still remain cool to the touch. However, it requires professional installation and is more costly than other options.

Another natural option is granite, a coarse-grained igneous rock that can resist cracking and fading. It also holds up well to high loads and can be etched or honed to reduce slippage. Granite is often considered expensive, but it’s an excellent choice for people who want a luxurious pool area.

Other popular natural pool deck materials include travertine and slate. These can be mixed and matched to create different colors and patterns for added visual appeal. For instance, you might combine different paver sizes and colors like Dolphin Grey and Slate in a stacked bond pattern or a more complex random pattern to add extra depth to the design.

Brick

Brick pavers offer a classic, rustic look to your pool deck. They are available in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes and can be laid with either mortar or sand. They are durable and slip-resistant, but require regular maintenance to keep them clean. They also can get hot under the sun, so it is important to choose a material that offers heat reflectivity and cool surface temperatures.

Concrete can be stained to create textures that mimic the look of wood, stone, brick, flagstone and more. This adds aesthetics to your pool deck, and it is a cost-effective option that is easy to maintain.

Composite Wood

A wood composite pool deck offers the look and feel of real wood without the maintenance. It is also resistant to fading and splintering.

Composite wood is a mix of several materials with one main component being wood – either through fibres, pieces or residue. It’s a great way to repurpose wood scraps, sawdust and other debris that would otherwise go to waste. This is what makes it eco-friendly.

It is used to make products like MDF, particle board, pegboard and oriented strand lumber (OSB). It is usually combined with resins, plastics or other binding agents that add strength.

Modern capped composites like those offered by NewTechWood are made with recycled materials and provide the look of natural wood with the durability needed for a swimming pool area. They’re designed as a fusion of wood and plastic, with the wood fibres coated in polymers that protect them from moisture. They also withstand scuff marks and stains.

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