As the proud owner of a backyard pool, you no doubt know that more time is spent on the deck than in the water. There are few things more pleasing than lounging at poolside with an “umbrella drink” and a beach book, so of course you want the best possible deck system for your personal oasis.

These days there are so many attractive pool deck possibilities for the backdrop to your pool, it can be hard to decide what to choose, but we’ll offer a few suggestions.

1. Concrete: This is the great-grandfather of all pool decking material. Strong and durable, concrete will give you years of service. Today, concrete can actually be stamped in order to resemble other, more high-end building materials like marble, granite, brick, tile, field stone and more. It can be tinted in every shade imaginable, and even acid-stained to provide an earthy, variegated effect. With the stamping procedure, you can even incorporate fun elements like footprints, flowers, butterflies… whatever your imagination can come up with.
2. Wood: This is another popular material due to its affordability and versatility. For pool decks it is always best to go with pressure-treated wood, and it’s important to make sure that it’s regularly water-sealed. Wood is a great choice for above-ground pools.
3. Composite Wood: This actually isn’t wood – it’s a composite that’s made from materials that are much like plastic. The advantage that composite has over genuine wood is that it will last forever, never fading or rotting. The down-side is that it’s a good deal more expensive than wood.
4. Stone: If your pockets are deep, you might consider stone decking. If your pool or spa is designed to look as if it occurred naturally (think “grotto”), you can’t do better than stone. To create the decking, large stones are embedded in concrete. Stone decking is beautiful and durable, and has the added benefit of being virtually slip-proof.
5. Pavers: Pavers are typically made from brick, travertine or concrete. Like stone, they resist slipping, and they will last for quite some time. The design possibilities and patterns are virtually endless, with a style to suit practically any pool.
6. Tile: The tile used for pool decking is unglazed in order to resist slipping. While square tiles are probably the most common, tiles do come in different shapes. Like stamped concrete, tiles offer finishes that mimic more expensive materials. If you’re a DIY sort of person, many tiles are easy for the homeowner to install without the assistance of a contractor. They can be installed using grout, or laid in concrete.

Now you have some ideas for creating or renovating your pool area. For products and support, contact us today!