Top 9 Pool Decking Options (With Photos)
9 Aug, 2024
The decking material can make or break the experience of owning a pool. Besides obvious factors like aesthetics and prices, different materials offer different durability, slip resistance, heat resistance, and maintenance demands. So, what is the best material for a pool deck? Let’s break it down the top 9 swimming pool decking options together and try to figure out the best one for you.
Top 9 swimming pool decking options
1. Rubber
Rubber has become one of the top choices for pool areas due to its versatility and slip-resistant properties. Modern rubber pool decks are extremely soft underfoot, easy on bare feet, and can provide a sleek, contemporary look to any poolside. Moreover, the material can be molded into various shapes and sizes, making it a great fit for any in-ground pool deck.
Pros
- Slip-resistant even when wet.
- soft and comfortable for bare feet.
- durable to wear and tear.
- minimal maintenance.
- eco-friendly (if recycled or made from caoutchouc).
Cons
- Not fit for every taste.
- Absorbs heat and may become hot to the touch on sunny days.
Cost
$9-$15 per sq. ft., depending on the thickness and texture.
2. Concrete
If you are looking for a more cost-effective choice, concrete is here with its versatility and customization. It comes in various forms, including poured concrete, stamped concrete, or stained concrete, each coming with its own unique features. Stamped concrete mimics the appearance of other pool deck materials such as stone, brick, or tile, allowing you to create the look of a more expensive material at a lower cost. Concrete pool decks are known for their durability and strength, but they can be slippery when wet.
Pros
- Budget-friendly and relatively easy to install.
- decorative concrete finishes, such as exposed aggregate or inalienable color.
- can withstand wear and tear from heavy foot traffic and exposure to sun and moisture.
Cons
- Slippery when wet if not treated with a slip-resistant finish.
- gets extremely hot to the touch under the sun.
- it might crack over time if not maintained properly.
Cost
$6–$15+ per sq. ft, depending on the material and the total area.
3. Wood
Are you in for a more classy and timeless look? Then, wood decking is your top choice. Known for how well it mixes into any landscape, this pool decking material remains one of the most popular choices worldwide. Moreover, wood types like ipe, cedar, and redwood are known for being resistant to moisture and decay. Still, any type of wood requires regular maintenance, like staining and sealing, if you want to avoid warping, rotting, or splintering.
Pros
- Traditional aesthetic, able to complement a wide range of pool designs.
- stays cool to the touch even in sunny weather.
- it can be stained or painted to achieve different aesthetics.
Cons
- Requires frequent maintenance and repairs. If maintenance fails, it is prone to splintering and rotting over time.
- gets slippery when wet if not treated with a slip-resistant finish.
Cost
$15-$20 per sq. ft., based on the wood type.
4. Pavers
Pavers are one of the most versatile solutions for pool decks. Available in such variants as concrete pavers, porcelain pavers, and stone, it is easy to find the one to fit your pool deck best. The variety of shapes and sizes allows for the arrangement of pavers in virtually any pattern, not to mention how slip-resistant and easy to replace they are.
Pros
- High durability.
- easy to replace a single element without resurfacing the whole deck.
- a slip-resistant surface that remains cool to the touch on hot days.
- definitive aesthetic versatility.
Cons
- If not installed or maintained properly, pavers also are prone to growing weeds in the cracks.
- it may require sealing to prevent staining.
Cost
$5 per sq. ft. for standard pavers. More expensive options, like porcelain, can reach $40 per sq. ft.
5. Stone
Just like wood, stone is one of the most classical and timeless pool decking materials for any pool deck. Travertine, limestone, and slate are just some of the options that can be chosen for their extreme durability, natural beauty, and staying cool even in hot weather.
Pros
- Timeless aesthetic appeal.
- cool to the touch during hot summer days.
- extremely durable and long-lasting.
Cons
- Hefty material and installation price.
- required perioding sealing.
- it may be slippery when wet.
Cost
$10-$45 per sq. ft. based on the type of stone.
6. Brick
Another cornerstone of classical pool deck designs is bricks. However, its appeal is not purely aesthetic; it is also highly functional due to its wear-resistant and slip-resistant qualities. Still, if you want to avoid the development of moss or mildew, we suggest cleaning it regularly.
Pros
- Timeless appeal for various pool designs.
- high durability to foot traffic.
- natural slip resistance.
Cons
- Gets hot in direct sunlight.
- limited design choices.
- requires regular cleaning.
Cost
$5–$25 per sq. ft.
7. Tiles
Tiles are one more highly versatile pool decking option, able to fit into almost any design. Options like porcelain tiles and glazed tiles come in various colors and textures, making creating a fully customized look a piece of cake. Not to mention how easy to clean and maintain they are, requiring very little time after the installation.
Pros
- Versatile design due to a wide array of colors, patterns, and finishes.
- slip-resistant options are available.
- easy to maintain and clean.
Cons
- It may become slippery when wet, but slip-resistant coatings help.
- sometimes, it cracks under heavy use or harsh weather.
- requires careful professional installation.
Cost
$5– $30+ per sq. ft, depending on the type of tiles.
8. Artificial turf
If you want your pool deck to feel natural and fit perfectly within the backyard, but real grass requires too much maintenance, artificial turf is a great choice. It is affordable, soft, barefoot-friendly, slip-resistant, and low-maintenance, making it one of the best pool deck materials.
Pros
- Low maintenance, unlike real grass.
- comfortable, soft pool deck surface that always stays cool to the touch.
- safe option for kids and pets alike.
Cons
- It’s not as aesthetically appealing as some other options or real grass.
- sometimes, it gets hot in direct sunlight.
Cost
One of the most affordable pool decking options, coming at just $3-$7 per sq. ft.
9. Composite
Composite decking offers the look of real wood without the constant upkeep because it is composed of a mixture of plastic and wood fibers. Because composite resists fading, staining, and rotting, it’s the perfect material for pool decks in climates with severe weather. It also comes in a variety of looks, so you can customize it to match the style of your pool exactly.
Pros
- Little to no maintenance.
- staining-, fading-, and mold-resistant.
- available in various colors and patterns.
Cons
- Relatively high heat retention.
- potential for scratching.
- hasslesome repair.
Cost
$25-$45 per sq. ft.
Factors to consider
- Durability: The more durable your pool deck surface is, the longer it will serve even under intense foot traffic and harsh weather.
- Slip Resistance: You never want your decking to become slippery when wet.
- Aesthetic Appeal: It’s important to consider how you see your backyard and how each material’s aesthetics will fit in.
- Maintenance: Lower-maintenance materials like rubber are cheaper and less time-consuming in the long run.
Comparing options based on durability, aesthetics and maintenance
- Durability: Stone, composite, and rubber are known for extreme durability. Other materials, like wood or artificial turf, are more prone to get worn out over time.
- Aesthetics: Stone, wood, and tiles offer a classy look. If you are looking for a more modern and sleek appeal, consider rubber or pavers.
- Maintenance: Rubber, artificial turf, and composite are much easier to maintain than wood, stone, or brick, which need periodic cleaning, staining, and sealing.
So, what material should you choose for your pool deck?
Rubber is arguably the best pool decking material, offering safety, comfort, and eco-friendliness. Its slip-resistant surface ensures safety, even when wet, and it is quite soft, making it comfortable for bare feet. Made from recycled materials, it’s also an environmentally responsible option. Plus, a rubber pool deck requires minimal maintenance, making it a cost-effective and practical solution. If you want a deck that’s safe, durable, and easy to care for, rubber is a great option for pool decks.
FAQ's
Visual appeal: which decking options looks best?
Natural stone, pavers, and wood are among the most popular pool deck materials due to their universal aesthetic appeal. Their natural texture creates an exclusive look that is easy to match with any pool and landscape’s design.
What makes rubber pool decks a great option?
Rubber decking is a great choice if you are looking for slip resistance, durability, comfort or bare feet, and water-repellency.
Are pavers better than concrete for pool decks?
Pavers are offered due to their design versatility and better repairability than poured concrete. Also, they are more slip-resistant, making them a safer option. However, pavers are more expensive, and they require more lengthy installation.
How to improve your pool deck with decor?
We suggest enhancing your pool deck with outdoor furniture, shade structures, and lighting. Besides looking classy, they provide utility, offering a place to rest, store your things, or create a shadow.