Remodeling your Pool Deck and Tile

You should consider your deck and pool tile when remodeling your pool area. Your pool deck and tile design can be the backdrop for the entire poolscape. Whether you want a clean and modern look, an intimate courtyard feel, or a beautiful natural environment, your deck can showcase your backyard oasis. There are many beautiful deck finishes and textures well-suited to your particular surroundings. Choose from flagstone, inter-locking pavers, and many other options such as textured concrete or stain. The deck and tile around your pool or spa helps to create the setting you’re looking for, so it's an important choice for the overall look and feel you’re trying to achieve.

Decking

Many pool owners will spend more time on their pool deck than actually inside their swimming pool. During a pool remodel, it is important to choose a decorative concrete, stone, or wood pool deck that is inviting, beautiful and provides a safe non-slip surface for sunbathing, entertaining, playing and hanging out. Choosing the right swimming pool deck is just as important as choosing the right size and shape of your swimming pool. One thing to remember when choosing a deck: if you have a pool with a liner, remember to leave access to the liner so that when it needs to be changed the deck will not have to be cut or removed.

Poured Concrete

Poured concrete is popular both for affordability and malleability – concrete can be finished in numerous colors, or it can be stamped so that it looks like stone, tile or brick. This type of surface is very similar to the stone finish.

Wood Decks 

Wood is another popular choice due to the relative ease of construction and its affordable cost. One thing to keep in mind with wood decking is that it needs regular preventative maintenance in order to ensure its continued luster. Wood is the predominant choice for above ground pool decks since it can be built off the ground.

Composite Wood 

If you like the look of wooden decks but don’t want the added yearly maintenance, you might want to consider a new material, composite wood. These materials are made to look like wood but are made from a plastic-like material. They will never wear, fade or rot. This is a very permanent wood style deck but more expensive than a wood deck because of the price of the polymer materials.

Stone Decking

Stones for pool decks are available in many sizes, shapes and colors. They are great for adding a natural aesthetic to your yard. Stone decking is the most popular choice for homeowners who have designed a natural-looking swimming pool with boulders and cascading waterfalls. It is extremely durable and can work with any architectural style. Stone finish is also a very convenient option due to its durability. The stone finish pool deck resurfacing is done by embedding large stones, finely cut into a layer of concrete. This type of pool deck resurfacing is probably the best type of finish, as it not only looks good, but has many advantages over the other methods of pool deck resurfacing. Another great advantage of this surface is that it provides natural friction. This natural friction proves to be very useful, as it is almost slip proof.

Pavers

Pavers come in a number of different sizes, shapes and colors. You can use the same size or mixed sizes to create patterns of your choosing. Concrete Pavers, Brick Pavers, and Travertine Pavers are some of the most common pool deck pavers. Each of these materials is suited for pool deck paving because they can endure the effects of the pool water. One of the key features that pool deck pavers create is safety. Pool deck pavers are used for the aesthetic effect and texture it brings to the pool deck area, while at the same time pool deck pavers have a high wear and tear resistance and have a non-slip surface that will last a long time. Pool deck pavers are so versatile giving you many options for the patterns and design possibilities. Pavers can create a range of looks to suit any pool deck.

Tile Decks

While glazed tile is too slippery for pool decks, unglazed tile adds a touch of elegance to the backyard. Square tiles are the most common, but you can find different shapes and sizes from specialty dealers.  Tile is available in many designs to replicate wood, marble, stone or brick. Some tile is self-adhesive and can be put on concrete surfaces, wooden decks, or bare ground that has been prepared and made smooth. Because tile isn't difficult to install, you can make your existing deck larger if you have the space. Tile can also be laid in concrete or by using traditional grout. 

Deck Accents and Accessories

A backyard pool provides the perfect setting for outdoor living. Backyard poolscapes are versatile entertainment zones, serving as your peaceful retreat or your favorite party spot. Outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and fireplaces all create a gathering spot for family, even when you aren’t swimming. Nice fall evenings grilling out with friends and family, or a winter night by the fireplace all extend your enjoyment of your pool area beyond the warmer times of the year, creating a year round entertainment spot. Whether you are considering outdoor furniture or poolside dining options, accessories are a perfect finishing touch.  Choices will be abundant for preparing summer meals on a free-standing or permanently installed poolside grill.