The best type of wood for a pool deck
There are so many different types of wood that are used for building purposes, and pool decks are not immune to these great choices. Most pool decks are created from pine, which is a long-lasting and relatively cheap option. Other great choices include teak, mahogany, redwood, and cedar.
If you’re committed to a wooden pool deck but not sure what type of wood to go for, check what is available locally, and see what looks best with your pool designs. An inground pool is not a cheap renovation to undertake, so make sure you put care and effort into the deck, to ensure your finished pool looks amazing.
Alternatives to wooden decks
Wood is not the only type of material that is used to create a deck around in-ground pools. In fact, it only surged in popularity reasonably recently. Prior to this, other popular options include concrete, tiles, pavers, or stone. Each of these options offers its own different pros and cons. If you are unsure of what material you want for your inground pool deck, it may be worth doing further in-depth research about these options as well.
But if you have already chosen wood, read on to learn more about the pros and cons of this pool deck material:
Pros
It’s a versatile material
Wooden pool decks can come in all styles, shapes, and sizes, designed specifically to suit your tastes and your home and garden. Whether you are looking for something as natural as possible, or you want a deck with a little more class, there will be a wooden option for you.
It’s also possible to create a fence around your pool that matches your deck, adding to the overall design and look of your outdoor living space. While this will help you to enjoy it, it can also increase the sale price of your home if you do ever sell it.
It looks more natural
Because wood is a natural material, a wooden deck surrounding your pool can help to fit seamlessly into the rest of your garden without uncomfortably standing out.
Can be enlarged to create further space around your pool
A pool deck doesn’t just need to be a small area surrounding your pool. If you have the space for it, you can enlarge your wooden deck to create a wider space explicitly dedicated to sun loungers, or a table and chairs under an umbrella.
Not only will this create a great outdoor living space where you can enjoy your pool even when you aren’t in it, but it also provides a convenient spot for you to monitor any children who are in the water closely, so you can keep them safe.
Gaps between timber can help to facilitate water drainage
Pool decks are inevitably going to get wet, as people hop in and out of the pool. A wooden deck is comprised of wooden planks nailed tightly together, but there are still going to be slight crevasses, small enough for water to get through.
While this is not going to be enough to drain your wooden deck when it is wet completely, it will help significantly in regards to slippiness, and other similar dangers. It will also help to protect the integrity of your deck, as too much exposure to water for prolonged periods of time is only going to cause it to wear away faster.
Cons
Not as long-lasting as some of the other options
If your wooden deck is sealed and maintained correctly, it should last a long time. But inevitably, it’s going to experience wear and tear. While some types of wood are better suited to pool decking than others, there are still going to be a number of other materials that can create longer-lasting decks.
Wood is prone to splintering and splitting
These problems are unique to wood, but they can really compromise the integrity of your pool deck. Splintering may just be brushed off as a minor inconvenience that causes some discomfort, but if left unattended, it can develop into further damage that could be dangerous.
Wood splitting is caused by wood soaking up excess moisture (in this case from the pool), and shrinking as it dries out. This can be prevented by using a squeegee or similar tool to get rid of any excess water when you are finished using the pool, but regular maintenance and sealing can also help to protect the wood.
Requires a lot of maintenance
Wooden pool decks do require regular maintenance to ensure they are safe and retain their strength. Excessive splashing from the pool can create damp conditions perfect for mold and mildew to grow, which can make the surface of your deck very slippery. Because of this, you need to regularly clean the surface to make sure that nothing has the chance to grow.
It would help if you also resealed them regularly to ensure that the wood doesn’t rot or warp or become easier to break. This is a simple enough task that can be completed by anyone provided you have the time and use the right sealant, or you can hire a professional.
Cost Comparison
Another added bonus for wooden pool decking is that it’s relatively cheaper than a lot of alternative deck materials. Concrete can be relatively comparable in price but offers an entirely different aesthetic and its pros and cons that many people aren’t into.
It should be noted that the costs can even out in the long-term, though, as a wooden deck requires more maintenance, and it also often needs to be replaced quicker. If cost is a serious factor in your decision-making process, make sure that you weigh up the long-term effects, and not just the outright price of buying and installing the materials.
The cost of a wooden inground pool deck is also going to be dependent on what type of wood you use. Pine is generally the most inexpensive due to it’s’ availability, but this might differ in your area.