Value: Is A Composite Deck Worth The Money
A deck is an investment that adds value to your home, whether you choose natural wood or composite materials. And while cost is often the primary consideration when planning a deck project, its equally important to understand the value of what youre getting.
Youve probably already noted the difference in cost between composite decking and natural wood composite materials are more expensive per linear foot. But heres where its key to look at the whole picture. Protecting a wood decks aesthetics, longevity and value over the long-term takes much more effort and expense than that required to maintain a composite deck, which requires only a periodic wash with mild soap and water. Plus, most composite products are backed by extended warranties.
A wood deck requires regular power washing, sanding, sealing/staining and rot or damage repair. Whether you hire a contractor or perform the maintenance yourself, these costs will add up. And once youve factored those costs in, a composite deck can actually be less expensive in the long-run.
With that in mind, lets take a more detailed look at the benefits of composite materials.
Pool Deck Is Different From Pool Coping
Dont get confused between the pool deck and pool coping. They are two different things. Pool coping is the cap around the pools edge, made from concrete or stone, and is usually 12 inches wide. The pool deck is much bigger. It is big enough to accommodate chairs, furniture, and even a BBQ grill. With a pool deck, you can create a unique, stylish look for your backyard.
Pool Deck Repair And Refinishing
Does your pool leak? Are cracks or other signs of disrepair visible?
You might need pool deck resurfacing, re-plastering, new mastic, or other pool deck repairs and thats a great time to consider new pool decking.
While the pools plaster and coping do the work containing the water, your pool decking also plays an important role. If the decking becomes cracked, worn or damaged your entire pool can become damaged.
Frequent damage to decking can indicate unseen leaks, so youll want to schedule a professional inspection.
If your pool needs repairs, adding changes to your decking is usually pretty easy and inexpensive. Even something as simple as concrete pool deck resurfacing can help prevent leaks while adding a fresh new look to your pools design.
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Pool Decking: Everything You Need To Know
Your pool deck is the immediate area around your pool. Also known as a pool patio, this is the space where you place lounge chairs, tables and other pool/backyard furniture.
The deck creates the look and style of your entire swimming area.
When designing and building a pool deck, materials matter.
The area should be stylish, inviting, well-constructed and non-slip.
Your swimming pool deck can be the perfect place for family fun.
Heres everything you need to know about pool decking:
How To Repair A Stamped Concrete Pool Deck
Depending on the extent of the damage, the range of fixing a stamped concrete pool deck can go from a complete replacement to resurfacing with an overlay.
If your pool deck is in good shape with minor coloring issues, spalling, or cracking then it might be a good candidate for resurfacing. Pool deck resurfacing gives your concrete added strength and lets you refresh the design with new patterns, and colors.
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What Our Customers Are Saying
Very pleased with the quality of the pool designed and build by Sahara. We started this process in the middle of the covid shut down but Chris still came out to meet us in person and responded quickly. We have a small yard and they were able to design something thats perfect for us. We are very happy with all the features and we are glad we went with the automated feature upgrades. It really takes the guess work out of pool ownership. We only regret waiting this long to get a pool!
Pool Customer,Google Review
Sahara Construction Pools team did an outstanding job on my pool and outdoor kitchen that I couldnt be more happy with. I loved the amazing results! From design to construction everything was a smooth process. The Sahara team was very friendly and professional to work with. Chris did a fabulous job managing the project. I highly recommend Sahara Construction Pools for any pool projects.
Pool & Outdoor Kitchen Customer,Google Review
Sahara completed construction of our pool recently and we are very pleased. The pool turned out beautiful! The builders were very professional, experienced, and easy to communicate with. Even with additions to original plans, they still came in under budget. Many things could have gone horribly wrong as they dug it prior to the two hurricanes we had this summer but they seemed to have a plan for each possible pit falls. Very impressed.
What Patio Material Should I Choose For My Pool
Theres no 100 percent best pool patio materialit depends on your situation. Some people find that stamped concrete works great for their needs. Others prefer wood. Others are most satisfied with natural stone.
For example, here at River Pools, we use textured concrete and pavers for the patios in our pool park.
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Repair Or Replace: Is It Time For A New Deck
If your decking has cracks, looks dirty, or suffers from mildew, it’s time to decide whether to refinish or replace it entirely.
Signs of an unsafe deck may not be obvious, so safety checks are critical when deciding to repair or replace. Also, if your deck was built before 2004, it’s probably made of lumber treated with chromated copper arsenate. Regular refinishing helps to seal in the toxic arsenic that CCA decking contains. But if the finish is flaking or worn off in spots, we suggest hiring a pro who’s equipped to safely remove the old finish, dust, and debris, then refinish it. Here are some other considerations to keep in mind.
Weigh CostsYou can save hundreds by replacing the decking yourself. Along with a circular saw, you’ll need a drill, preferably cordless. Don’t skimp on support joists if you choose heavier composites or less-rigid plastics. For wood, solid stains typically yield longer-lasting results. When pricing the materials, be sure to figure in the cost of railings, stairs, and supporting structure, as well as the planks under foot. If you’re hiring a pro, note that the cost of laboreither to build a new deck or to replace worn planking on an existing structurecan easily exceed the cost of the materials.
Sidestep MisstepsNails and screws are inexpensive, easy to handle, and suitable for almost any material. But nails can pop loose over time, while screws are more permanent. Ceramic-coated screws come in several colors, which helps them blend in.
How To Clean Your Stamped Concrete Pool Deck
Concrete is an easy-to-maintain surface and requires just a few steps for cleaning. On a regular basis your slab should be swept and washed with a mild detergent.
To clean your pool deck follow these steps:
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What Are The Best Materials For A Pool Patio
Patio and Coping | Options and Accessories
A patio around the pool. Sure. No problem. Sounds simple, right? Until you start thinking size, and shape, and materials, and money Yuck. Details. The devils in em.
But we at River Pools are here to help! We want to clear out the mess and the stress so that you can make the best pool decision for you and your family. We specialize in fiberglass pools, sure, but no matter what pool type you choose in the end, we provide all the information on all the aspects, good and bad.
Side note: We pool people have trouble deciding on terminology. This is pretty much an established fact. So you might hear a pool patio also called the pool surround, , or . Sorry for any confusion. Were just going to call it a patio here.
What Is The Best Material For A Salt Water Pool Deck
Salt water is corrosive and is known to damage certain aspects of a pool including concrete and metal components. Having said that, some of the hysteria regarding salt water is overblown in my experience.
Having owned a salt water pool since 2006, I have not noticed what I would call salt water damage either to the metal ladder I have in the water during the season, the vinyl pool liner, any of the pool equipment or even the paving stones around our pool on the deck area.
But that doesnt mean that every stone or other material should be considered for your pool deck. Lets take a look at building materials you may consider for the deck of your salt water pool.
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Considerations When Selecting Pool Deck Surfaces
You should consider all the following things when trying to choose the best pool decking for your home:
- Aesthetics – You want your pool deck surface to look great, so follow your gut on this.
- Comfort – Keep in mind bare feet and paws.
- Heat Resistance – Whatever material you choose needs to be able to stand up to high temperatures. The suns infrared rays can heat up some surfaces to over 150° F.
- Slip Resistance – Pool decking gets wet by its very nature and needs to be safe so you or your loved ones dont fall.
- Resistant to Mold & Mildew – Water from the pool will fuel mold and mildew growth. You want a decking surface thats easy to keep clean to prevent this.
- Price – Everyone has a budget, so youll likely need to prioritize features. Dont overlook safety!
Why Composite Decking Is Better For Pool Decks
Homeowners who are considering building a pool in their backyards have more choices than ever before now that composite decking materials have advanced in appearance, durability and strength. Today, homeowners no longer have to choose between the high cost of building a concrete or masonry platform around their pool and the high maintenance required to keep a deck made of traditional lumber safe and attractive. For many of the same reasons that people are installing hot tubs on their new composite decks, pool installers are now also recommending their clients consider composite decking around their pools, too.
Here are few reasons why composite decking is delivering a terrific combination of value and performance for homeowners considering adding a pool to their outdoor living space.
Safer underfoot Another unintended hazard that can occur poolside includes splinters and cuts from uneven, unstable or weathered surfaces. Unlike traditional lumber decking, using composite decking around pools can provide a smooth, clean surface for many years with little to no maintenance. Some composites, including DuraLife decking also contain material ingredients that deliver ultraviolet ray resistance, reducing the damage of prolonged exposure to the sun. This allows composites to retain their smooth, splinter free surface much longer than traditional wood.
Get Samples shipped to your home or contact DuraLife now to learn more.
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Pool Deck Materials Guide: Top Pool Decking Options
A pool deck can instantly improve the look of your pool area, and it can also amp up the entertainment factor.
Whether your pool is above or below the ground, the deck material you choose is an important consideration.
A deck must also have a non-slip surface.
The type of material you should choose depends on various aspects such as cost, maintenance and durability.
How To Choose The Best Saltwater Pool Deck Material
More homeowners are investing in a saltwater pool on their property. Installing the pool right on their is a trendy home design. You need the right saltwater pool deck material so that the surface holds up even after years of water and salt exposure.
Why a Saltwater Pool?
Unlike a traditional pool, a saltwater pool does not contain chlorine. The chemical tends to leave the skin dry and itchy after a swim. It can even have more long-term health effects. One study found that children who regularly swam in chlorinated water were at an elevated risk of lung inflammation. For adults, chlorinated water has been linked to bladder and rectal cancer.
Saltwater Damage to Decks
The issue is even more pressing when dealing with saltwater pools. The water that gets into the wood eventually dries, leaving salt granules inside the wood. This gradually warps the wood, giving the surface a fuzzy appearance known as salt-kill.
Good Saltwater Pool Deck Material Choices
Wood decking, while aesthetically beautiful, is not the ideal choice due to its porous nature. However, wood is still a feasible option provided the panels are properly stained and sealed.
Composite decking is a good choice because the surface has an outer protective covering. Our deck panels come courtesy of suppliers Trex® or TimberTech®, both reputable manufacturers. The material of these panels is resistant to water penetration and ideal for a saltwater pool deck.
We Provide the Best Deck Material for Saltwater Pools
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Best Composite Decking Materials & Options In 2021
The most common question we encounter on Decks.com is, “What is the best composite decking material?” Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer. There are multiple brands to choose from, with various categories of products in a wide range of prices. To help you narrow down your choices, there are several considerations to take into account. You should also take into account composite decking brand reviews to see which brand on the market would be the best option for your home, budget and taste.
Flagstone Natural Stone Pool Decking
Like Bluestone, Flagstone also is the non-generic type of natural stone type. Slate, Limestone, and locally available native rocks are getting flagstone titles when they find irregular shapes and surfaces. Thereby, flagstone is the cheapest yet sturdiest stone type choice for your outdoor paving project, including pool decking.
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What Is Really The Best Material For A Pool Deck
When comparing materials for the purpose of building a pool deck, you need to consider several factors like budget, maintenance, durability, safety, and of course, how it would look with your home and outdoor space.
Apart from concrete, other materials that may be considered include concrete pavers, brick and tile, wood, travertine, granite, and flagstone, among others.
Different Types Of Pool Decking
In Pool Features by Swimming Pool ExpertMay 15, 2018
The swimming pool is not just a hole in the ground filled with water its so much more. A swimming pool has lights, waterfalls, grottos, tanning shelves, etc. When the time comes to build an oasis, its the decking that will make your pool stand out. We could say that pool decking is the add-on fashionista of the backyard the decking will combine all pool elements and landscaping to come together to create your dream backyard oasis.
Choosing deck material shouldnt be just a matter of going with what you think is the most attractive. There are some significant things to consider when selecting decking, such as:
- A non-slippery decking
- A non-coarse, non-bumpy, and leveled decking material
- A heat-reflective material keeps the surface cooler in hot days
- A selection of decking materials resistant to algae acid, mold, mildew, chemicals and frost
Once you have this covered, then its time to design decking fit for the design of your swimming pool. Although there are some who like wood decking, it proves that a concrete-based decking is better and longer lasting. Here are some styles of decking that are popular choices to use around swimming pools today:
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How Much Does It Cost To Have A Pool Deck Built
The cost of constructing a pool deck depends on a variety of factors but the average is around $5000. When considering custom and budget options this cost can vary from just $3,000 all the way up to $12,000 or more. The landscape of your yard will be an important consideration during the building process as well as the size and materials utilized.
What Are Your Pool Decking Options
According to the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals , California, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and New York are the 5 top states in the US with households that have in-ground pools.
All the households across the United States have various decking for their pools. If you are thinking about your pool deck options, then you need to consider what material to use and what the pros and cons are of the different pool deck materials.
Consider Your Pool Deck Material
The first thing you need to consider when choosing the right pool deck surfaces isnt the appearance of your pool, but rather the safety.
The material you choose needs to be safe and shouldnt become slippy when wet. It also needs to be able to reflect heat to keep the surface cooler on hot days.
Other things you need to consider when choosing the right material for your deck is if it is resistant to algae, chemicals, mold, and frost. All of these could damage your decking and pool, which might be a costly endeavor in the long run.
Best Types of Pool Deck Materials
There is a whole range of pool deck materials, such as tile, stone, wood, concrete, artificial turf, pavers, brick, and many more. All have their pros and cons, however, these are the most popular and best options available.
Concrete
Stone
Wood
Wood decking helps to ensure your garden looks natural and there are even many design options. For example, you can get decking with different patterns and styles to suit your personality and garden.
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