You have a lot of choices when it comes to building a pool deck. Whether you choose a manmade material like pavers or concrete or a premium natural material like wood or stone, each option comes with its own advantages and disadvantages to consider. Here’s a look at the many materials you can choose for your pool deck and what each has to offer.
Concrete Pool Decks
Concrete is one of the most affordable and popular materials for a pool deck with endless customization options. Unlike most materials, concrete is versatile enough that it can be made to look like something completely different with stains, dyes, integral color, stamping techniques, etching, and more.
There’s lots of good reasons to choose concrete for a pool deck:
- Can be stamped and stained to resemble stone, wood, or pavers at a fraction of the cost
- Most affordable pool deck material
- Can be colored with a range of natural hues or vibrant colors that can be mixed and matched
- Long-lasting and easy to maintain
There are some drawbacks to keep in mind, however. In areas like Fort Wayne, cycles of thawing and freezing can accelerate cracks and damage to the concrete over time. All concrete will eventually crack and need repairs, no matter how it’s installed.
Wood Pool Decks
Along with concrete, wood is an affordable pool decking material that’s easy to install. A wood deck adds natural beauty to your pool scape and it can be stained to give you the look you’re going for and to complement your landscape.
Homeowners like wood pool decks because:
- Wood can be built above ground for oddly shaped landscapes or above-ground pools
- It’s affordable and easy to install
- It adds natural beauty
The major drawback to wood? It’s hard to maintain. A wood pool deck needs to be sealed and stained regularly to guard against color loss and preventable damage. Wood will also rot, develop splinters, and may attract pests. Over time, the surface will become very smooth and slippery as well.
If you like the look of wood but don’t want the maintenance, stamped concrete may be a better option as it can last decades and give you the same look and texture with the durability and low maintenance requirements of concrete. A composite wood pool deck is another compromise that may work for you.
Composite Wood Pool Decks
Composite wood is a good choice if you want the appearance of wood without the staining, sealing, and upkeep. This material resembles wood but it’s made from plastic-like synthetic materials which don’t require much if any care. A composite wood pool deck won’t splinter, fade, or rot and it can look a lot like wood. You can even find composite wood that mimics many types of wood types and colors.
The major drawback of composite wood decking is it can be quite expensive.
Natural Stone Pool Decks
Stone is a long-lasting and beautiful addition to your pool and works well in all climates. Unlike concrete, you don’t have to worry about stone cracking with freeze-thaw cycles and it comes in a huge array of colors, shapes, and sizes to get just the look you’re going for. With a stone pool deck, you can enjoy a timeless and natural style that complements any home style and can even improve your home’s value.
Natural stone makes a great choice for a pool deck for many reasons:
- Huge array of style options
- Natural slip-resistant surface for improved safety
- Requires very little upkeep
- Variety of stone options like travertine and flagstone
- Can also be used for integrated waterfalls and structures around the pool
The drawback is stone is one of the most expensive options you can choose for your pool deck. A more cost-effective alternative is stained, stamped concrete which can be made to look like any style and type of natural stone.
Paver Pool Decks
Pavers are brick, stone, or concrete bricks that can be installed in an interlocking pattern to create a beautiful and intricate pool deck surface. Pavers are set in a sand or stone base to avoid movement and offer a timeless and beautiful look that can be as simple or ornate as you like.
You may appreciate these benefits of paver pool decks in Fort Wayne:
- Huge variety of patterns like running bond, herringbone, and basketweave
- Easy to repair and maintain. When a paver cracks, it can be removed and replaced in minutes.
- Elegant and timeless style that can boost your home’s value
- Skid-resistant, safe surface
Pavers can be very expensive when used as a pool deck, however. Much of this cost comes from labor, especially if you want a detailed or complex pattern. Stamped concrete can give you the look and feel of pavers at a lower cost — especially with ornate patterns.