Next to your swimming pool itself, your choice of decking in the area surrounding your pool might be the most significant aspect of your outdoor living space. Not only will it help create the aesthetic that you’re after, but it will also provide a framework, quite literally, for many other aspects of your little hint of paradise! In Part 1, we looked at the first 2 steps: looking at legalities and then limiting your options. Once you’ve taken those initial steps, you’ll be ready to continue on with the process and consider the pros and cons related to various popular decking choices. We’ll work through these options, one by one, in no particular order below.
Consider Your Decking Options: Wood
You can’t get a more natural decking product than wood. Organic, welcoming, and inexpensive compared to most other decking options, natural wood pool decking is comparatively inexpensive and comes with plenty of possibilities, from species of wood to plank length and width to design and even stain color. Even if you do want to DIY your wood decking, it’s best to leave the support systems to professionals before you add to the build. On the down side, wood decking can be expensive to remove and will quickly require replacement if it isn’t properly maintained. Even highly durable, low-maintenance options such as premium Ipe decking will still require some regular maintenance, such as staining, refinishing, and sealing. And even with regular maintenance, premium decking will show some age over time.
Consider Your Decking Options: Composite Wood
Composite Wood can be an alternative to natural wood; it will be more pricey at the outset and will require professional installation, but it will help you retain visual consistency without the need for regular maintenance. Of course, you’ll have your choice of color as well as a slip-resistant surface. On the downside, composite decking is not biodegradable. It can also get hot to the touch, and if it does become compromised in some way, it can be almost impossible to match.
Consider Your Decking Options: Concrete
Today’s concrete isn’t as boring as what you might be envisioning — which is one of the many reasons it’s so popular. So get that sidewalk look out of your head and envision just about any shape, color, and texture you desire. From stamped designs and brush-finishing, you can select from many options to create your own uniquely shaped, durable, affordable, slip-resistant concrete swimming pool deck. You will, of course, need to hire a professional for this one. And if you live in a colder climate, the freezing-and-thawing pattern can cause damage over time.
Continue reading with Part 3.
Read More about Pools
Lyon Financial: America’s Leading Pool Lender
Since 1979 Lyon Financial has made the backyard resort dream come true for over 400,000 families across the U.S. Through our solid relationships with more than 3,000 pool contractors and our continued commitment to putting our clients first, we have built a reputation as the first choice in providing pool financing solutions. For more information, visit lyonfinancial.net or call (877) 754-5966 today.
Leave a Reply