When it comes to adding to your outdoor poolscape, decking choices can be a major way to increase accessibility as well as to create the ambiance you desire. While the many choices available can be mind-boggling, they can also be a great way to personalize your space and make your swimming pool look as unique as you are. In our previous posts in this series (see Parts 1 & 2), we looked at pros and cons of some of the most popular decking options available to you: wood, composite wood, and concrete. As many options as exist within those 3 categories, there are even more possibilities to consider. Stone, pavers, brick, and tile can also be used as safe, attractive poolside decking materials.
Consider Your Decking Options: Stone
If you’re looking for a time-honored, traditional option that will create a high-end vibe, stone might be your material of choice. From granite to sandstone and travertine, stone comes in many possible forms, so you’re sure to find an option to suit your style. If you do choose any kind of stone, though, you’ll want to leave the heavy lifting to the professionals — literally! Beneath your stone deck, you’ll need a concrete base professionally laid. Darker colors of stone can also be uncomfortable for bare feet, so you’ll want to stay away from those.
Consider Your Decking Options: Pavers
Pavers can help create a polished look and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Made of either concrete or stone, they are DIY friendly and fairly easy to repair, since you can simply lift out a damaged paver and replace it. While this options is a little pricier than concrete, you can save money by DIYing installation. Since they’re made of concrete or stone, they offer a similar look. However, you want to be sure you have a proper foundation in place first, and you’ll also want to consider adding a border of some sort to help pavers retain their placements. Especially if you live in an area where there’s a wide temperature variance throughout the year or high levels of precipitation, movement will be nearly inevitable over time.
Consider Your Decking Options: Brick
Brick offers a classic appeal and can, like pavers, be fairly easily installed. The trick is to carefully lay a foundation of sand or gravel for this low-maintenance decking option. One potential problem with brick is that laying a solid foundation can be difficult. Maintenance will include removing moss that forms in shaded areas; if your yard is largely shaded, this can be a significant job.
Consider Your Decking Options: Tile
Tile, perhaps more than any of the other decking options, comes with a myriad of possibilities. Due to safety, you’ll want to avoid any tiles with glazed finishes, but you’ll still get to choose from a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and patterns. Tile does include the possibility of DIYing it. You’ll want to be cautious about choosing an option with enough texture to ensure it’s a safe surface on which to walk with wet bare feet.
Read More about Pools
- Picking Decking: How To Deal the Perfect Backyard Deck
- Creating Your Alfresco Escape: The Best Outdoor Kitchen Ideas
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.
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