Swimming Pool Decking | Design and Paving Materials

Swimming pool decking can be designed in a variety of ways. The space can be quite large, average, or practically non-existent.

The first thing to think about regarding your pool deck design is the furniture you would like to use. Will you be eating there? If so, you need space for a table and chairs. Is the dining just for the family or will there be a lot of entertaining. At the minimum, the space for the table should be fifteen deep.

What about lounge chairs? Mostly likely you will want at least two lounge chairs. Plan on a depth of at least ten feet for lounges. You many want one area for this seating or you may feel you would like a few different places for lounge chairs.

Also think about the sun conditions and where you would like to be while on the swimming pool decking. Are you a sun lover or one that prefers the shade? Usually seating areas in both sunny and shady areas satisfies everyone. However, this depends on your property and the pool location. A nice way to create some shade on swimming pool decks is by adding some large shade trees or a beautiful outdoor pergola.


Pool Paving Materials

There are many different types of materials to use for swimming pool decking. It depends on your budget and the look you want.

Concrete pool decking is the least expensive.

Consider a pretty shade of beige or even a soft peach for concrete patio designs.

You can also have the contractor create a geometric pattern. For example, large squares look nice. To see a picture of this, please visit my page on Concrete Patio Designs.

Do be aware that concrete can crack over time.

You might also see a video of a project where Concrete Pool Decking is used.

Stamped concrete is a type of concrete that can have many different looks. Patterns are "stamped" into the concrete. The problem with this, however, is that construction joints are necessary, due to the typically large expanse of paving. These joint, or long visual lines, often go through the pattern in various locations. In my opinion, this absolutely ruins the look of the pattern.

For a step up in your swimming pool decking materials, concrete pavers are a nice choice. There are many interesting paver choices available. I particularly like tumbled pavers as they mimic stone. If you would like some more detailed information and some suggestions, please visit my page on paver suppliers, where I make some recommendations.

Bluestone is beautiful but hot on the feet.

Now we come to one of my favorites....travertine pavers. These are made from natural stone, are cool to the touch and very beautiful. You can read all about them on my page on travertine pavers.

There are other materials too, such as additional types of natural stone, but I feel these are some of the best choices.


Pool Coping

The coping is the stone that borders the pool and overhangs, or cantilevers, slightly. This can either match the rest of the pool paving or it can contrast it. Travertine pavers look nice when the coping matches, or you can use a complimentary color. Likewise, concrete pavers can have a coping of the same paver, or the color might be different. Copings are especially made for pool edges in that the pool edge is smooth for easy grabbing from the water.

Concrete coping can be installed as a border with a joint separating it from the rest of the concrete paving. Alternatively, the concrete can run right up to the waters' edge. In this situation, the coping and the pool paving look as if they are all part of the same pool paving with no breaks.

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