Choosing the Right Material for Your Pool Deck
A pool deck is a multifunctional area around your swimming pool that contributes to safety, cleanliness, and style. Choosing the right material for your pool deck is important for a variety of reasons.
Concrete offers versatility of appearance and is durable against the elements. It is also cooler underfoot and does not collect as much heat as some other materials.
Travertine
Travertine is a natural stone that forms near mineral springs, primarily hot ones. This makes it naturally slip-resistant when wet, and its textured surface adds a nice rustic finish to your pool deck.
It’s also resistant to temperature variations which can be a challenge for other materials such as pavers and concrete. It comes in a wide range of colors and textures and can be customized by your contractor to suit any aesthetic.
Like other natural stones, travertine can stain due to spills and chemicals, but can be wiped down and resealed easily. It’s also susceptible to chipping and cracking, but this is generally minor and can be addressed with a regular maintenance schedule.
Concrete
Concrete is a cost-effective choice and can withstand the constant exposure to sunlight, chlorine, and water that a pool deck must endure. It requires a protective coating to prevent mildew and staining, but it is durable and easy to maintain.
A simple design option is a broom finish, which is slip-resistant and allows stains or dyes to be applied to the surface. Concrete experts can even use exposed aggregate finishes to achieve interesting textures and patterns.
Stenciling is another option to achieve a decorative look in concrete. It uses disposable paper stencils to imprint patterns such as brick, stone, slate or tile in fresh concrete.
Composite
Concrete is a popular material for pool decks because it is durable and inexpensive. It is also slip resistant and comes in a variety of colors to create a unique look. However, it can become hot in direct sunlight and requires regular maintenance to prevent cracking and staining.
Wood is another popular material for pool decks. It looks great and is naturally slip resistant but it needs to be regularly treated for rot and insect infestation. It is also susceptible to water absorption which causes it to swell up. This can be dangerous for people walking on it barefoot as it can lead to splinters. Capped composite decking does not suffer from these issues and it can be used around your swimming pool without any concerns.
Stone
Stone offers a sophisticated and timeless look to any pool deck. From a light-colored limestone that shimmers on a summer day to a natural fieldstone emulating the feel of a woods swimming hole, there are many options. Depending on the style, stone surfaces can be slip-resistant. Surface texture is important: adzed, bush hammered or textured split surfaces like natural cleft bluestone offer more grip than smooth, polished surfaces.
Tile is durable and available in a variety of colors and designs, but it can get hot under direct sunlight. It also requires regular cleaning and maintenance. Modified woods like Kebony are a low-maintenance option that won’t be affected by moisture or the freeze/thaw cycle of colder areas. They’re also attractive and safe to walk on.
Pavers
Pavers are available in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes to create attractive designs. Like concrete, they are durable; chlorine and salt resistant; and offer slip-resistance. But unlike poured concrete, pavers won’t crack from temperature changes.
They also provide a natural feel underfoot and can be installed in many patterns, making them a good choice for creating a design that blends with your landscape. In addition to enhancing the look of your pool deck, they can be used to build raised seat walls and pillars to complement your backyard décor.
Like other paving materials, pavers need to be regularly swept and resealed to prevent water absorption, which can cause unsightly weed growth and degrade the underlying bed. Pavers may shift slightly over time, but can be easily reset without noticeable patchwork.
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