A swimming pool is guaranteed to provide hours of fun for friends and family. But a swimming pool can bring much more than just the fun factor. When handled with care, these materials for swimming pool decks make a beautiful addition to any backyard.
Popular materials like concrete pavers, natural stone, and ceramic tiles are fantastic options for building a beautiful deck. There’s a ton of variety, so here we’ll cover some of the most popular deck options available.
1 – Wood
Wood is a standard for flooring, and it’s not hard to see why. Wood is beautiful, fits an outdoor aesthetic perfectly, and comes in numerous styles. It’s also considerably easier to install than other materials for swimming pool decks.
Wood requires regular maintenance compared to non-organic flooring and needs treatments often to maintain its water resistance. If not taken care of properly, wood can even result in splinters.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Classic rustic look
Cons
- Needs regular maintenance
- Can be expensive
2 – Wood Composite
Wood composite involves a combination of plastics and wood. This decking material gives you the classic look and feel of wood without requiring the same level of upkeep.
Because of its more involved manufacturing, the wood composite costs more than its natural alternative. But due to its easy upkeep, it may save you money in the long run.
Pros
- Lasts longer than wood
- Less upkeep
Cons
- More expensive than standard wood
- Heavier than wood
3 – Ceramic Tiles
Tiles are a popular choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and, of course, pool decks. Many tiles are ideal non-slip surfaces, making them an easy choice for a pool deck.
Tile installation can be exceedingly difficult for DIY installers and requires a flat surface. Combined with the already high material price, tile can be prohibitively expensive.
Pros
- Beautiful
- Non-slip
Cons
- Expensive
- Difficult to install
4 – Natural Stone
Perfectly suited for an outdoor environment, natural stone looks amazing around a pool. For a more robust look that can resist the elements, natural stone is what you’ll want.
Stone prices often vary wildly depending on what your local area has to offer. This fluctuation can be good or bad for you, depending on the kind you want.
Pros
- Natural outdoor aesthetic
- Slip-resistant
Cons
- Often expensive
- May get very hot
5 – Concrete
Concrete is one of the most popular materials for swimming pool decks due to its low cost and low maintenance. While it’s not the most exciting option, it’s hard to argue with the affordability and reliability of concrete.
Watch out, though: concrete tends to crack with temperature fluctuations.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Versatile
- Easy to seal with a durable epoxy coating
Cons
- May crack in severe temperature changes
6 – Brick
For those seeking a rustic look, bricks will never go out of style. As a pre-heated material, brick doesn’t need to dry on-site. This means bricks are easy to clean and stay dry.
However, bricks attract a lot of algae and moss when wet, making the deck slick.
Pros
- Fairly affordable
- Easy to clean
- Slip-resistant
Cons
- Gathers algae and moss
- Slippery when not cleaned
7 – Pavers
Pavers are a great way to add an extra layer of texture to different deck materials. They are cost-efficient, don’t require much upkeep, and look splendid. However you want your deck to look, you can emulate it with concrete, brick, or stone pavers.
With so many gaps, some things often get stuck in between pavers. If you have a paver deck, you may often find yourself with an unwanted plant or two.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lots of choices
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Quick to stain
- Requires level ground to lay
8 – Synthetic
Synthetic decking material is similar to laminate flooring. It holds up exceptionally well against the elements and looks like wood or stone. With negligible upkeep and a simple installation, synthetic materials are an ideal choice for decks.
The main downside of using synthetic pool deck materials is the cost.
Pros
- Environmentally friendly recycled plastic
- Very resistant to the elements
Cons
- Expensive
Protect Your Swimming Pool Deck with an Epoxy Coating
If you want to take the next step in improving your deck, we can help. Our professional team at Epoxy Floor Experts will give your pool deck the extra attention and protection it deserves. Our epoxy coating can give your pool deck a beautiful new look while keeping it safe from the elements.
If you live in central or eastern Pennsylvania, call the Epoxy Floor Experts at (833) 243-8786 for a free quote and speak with one of our professionals about our many epoxy materials for swimming pool decks.
