With summer right around the corner, what better way to beat the heat than by creating the perfect swimming pool oasis? Whether crafting your own personal backyard escape or enhancing an investment property, an essential consideration in the successful execution of this type of project is the material used for the pool deck.
Thinking of adding or renovating a pool deck? We can help! Blueprint Management knows the importance of making informed decisions and that’s why in this guide, we'll explore popular pool deck materials such as wood, concrete, unglazed tile and natural stone, to help you make an informed decision for your outdoor haven. Since each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, it's important to carefully weigh them to find the perfect fit.
Wooden Decks
The timeless charm of a wooden pool deck is hard to beat. Whether using classic options like cedar, ultra durable options like redwood or accoya, or versatile pressure-treated pine, wood offers a warm, inviting ambiance that seamlessly blends with the natural landscape. Primary advantages of utilizing wood in this space include an aesthetically pleasing appearance, relatively easy installation and moderate price points. Wood also provides a comfortable, slip-resistant surface around the pool. Cons of installing wooden decks can include some requiring regular maintenance to prevent weathering, warping, and rotting, though some options, such as accoya, won’t warp, splinter or crack easily. With proper sealing and staining every 2 or 3 years, a wooden pool deck is a great option that can last for decades.
Concrete Decks
Concrete offers a sleek, clean, modern look and is a popular choice for pool decks. Highly durable and low-maintenance, concrete can be marked, stained, or surfaced to your liking to achieve a variety of decorative finishes. As one of the more cost-effective options, opting for a concrete pool deck is an appealing choice for the budget conscious. On the downside, concrete is a material that can become slippery when wet which poses a potential safety risk around the pool area, however, with proper surface treatments and non-slip additives, this risk could be mitigated. Another con for using concrete in this space is its potential to crack over time.
Unglazed Tile Decks
Unglazed tile makes for a unique and eye-catching pool deck and thus is another favourite in this space. Available in a wide array of colors, patterns and textures, unglazed tile also provides excellent traction, even when wet, making it a safe choice. As this tile is also resistant to fading, it ensures beauty and longevity. In looking at the downside of utilizing unglazed tile, it is more labor-intensive to install and the grout lines can trap dirt and debris which necessitates regular cleaning to maintain beauty. Unglazed tiles are also more susceptible to chipping and cracking, requiring taking care to avoid dropping heavy objects on them.
Natural Stone Decks
Not only are there many natural stone options, but their aesthetic in the pool area is timeless and luxurious. With so many options such as granite, travertine, slate, limestone and flagstone, natural stone pool decks always result in elegant, high-end looks that are exceptionally durable, weather resistant and slip-resistant when properly installed. Natural stone pool decks also maintain a comfortable temperature, even in direct sunlight, making them a great choice for tropical climates. The primary drawbacks of utilizing natural stone in this space are their higher cost and the need to ensure professional installation for proper leveling and drainage. Natural stone can also be prone to staining and discolouration if not sealed and maintained regularly.
Selecting the right material for your pool deck is critical as it impacts the aesthetic of the space and plays a key role in durability and overall safety. Equally as important is the proper installation and regular maintenance of the pool deck which will add to its longevity and enjoyment. Before you begin, be sure to consider your budget and personal style preferences. Let our experts guide you through the entire process, give us a call today to get started on the perfect outdoor oasis that will impress for years to come!