Are you looking for some seriously stylish pool deck ideas? Maybe you’re finally taking the plunge and investing in your swimming pool, want to upgrade your current setup to make it more beautiful and functional, or just want to scroll through some gorgeous homes with equally gorgeous pool decking ideas?
Whatever brought you here, we’ve got plenty of inspiring ideas to help you get your poolside looking great.
What is the most suitable material for pool decking? Before we dive into all of our inspiring pool deck ideas, you must first consider the practical. Unfortunately, when it comes to selecting the best material for your pool decking, it’s not just about choosing the most aesthetically-perfect option.
When deciding on the best material for your decking, you should consider safety, climate, surrounding gardens, and cost.
Consider the type of wood you want to use when building a wooden pool deck. Timber decking is a relatively inexpensive option, but if used around a pool, it must be sealed regularly to prevent irreversible water damage. Furthermore, compared to glazed tiles or concrete, timber is less slippery when wet.
The main disadvantage of timber decking is that it is not the most durable, so if you have a larger budget, choose harder, more exotic woods such as teak, cedar, redwood, or ipe. These woods are more durable and naturally repel water, making them less likely to warp.
Artificial wood or wood composites are also viable options. It will be more expensive than a solid wood deck, but it will last longer, require less maintenance, and will not splinter or rot.
Timber boards are prone to rot and moisture buildup, which can leave them weakened, unstable, and full of splinters.
If they develop excessive moss and algae growth, your deck can turn into a slippery surface, which is dangerous for families around a pool.
Composite decking requires less upkeep and does not splinter or rot, making it the ideal timber alternative. There are also so many different styles of composite boards available nowadays that you don’t have to compromise on style at all.
Remember that your decking will most likely be exposed to the sun and may become very hot.
So, instead of hopping from house to pool, choose a material and color that won’t scorch your feet by absorbing a lot of heat. Choose a material that will not be slippery when wet, such as something with texture or grooves.
Create A Lounging Deck At One End Of The Pool
There’s something so relaxing about lying on a deck with warm wood beneath your back and your feet dangling in the water. However, if you have a large pool or want a spacious area for sitting around the edge, going all out with a wooden deck can look a little overwhelming.
So take this pool deck idea and add a stretch of decking at one end while keeping the rest of the space tiled.
The wooden planks in this stunning holiday home sit across the end of the pool and are slightly raised above the stone slabs to better distinguish the space. It also increases the square footage of the poolhouse, making it appear larger and more connected to the pool.
Pick A Cool-Toned Wood For A Contemporary Feel
Going all-around with wooden decking can work and look great. Take, for example, this lovely Moroccan-style pool house. Choose a cool-toned wood with a light grey stain for the most natural look. It will still feel contemporary but will have a slightly rustic feel.
Contrast the entire piece of wood by blending the edges with grass or planting. Take note of how the decking around the pool continues onto the patio area to create a truly seamless design that also creates a seamless flow between the house and pool.
Blend Water With Wood
Taking decking up to the water’s edge creates a very sleek, minimalist look because nothing interferes with the line of sight. Furthermore, laying thin planks of uninterrupted wooden decking makes this space, as well as the pool itself, appear much larger.
The planting at the opposite end of the pool contrasts with all of the clean lines and adds natural texture as well as additional privacy.
Think About The Aspect Of Your Decking
Consider the aspect of the area and whether you want your decking to be in full sun for most of the day (ideal if you like to bask) or if you’d rather it be a shady spot to cool off on hot days when designing your pool deck.
If your garden faces south, you may find that there aren’t many shady spots for decking, so take a cue from this lovely eco-home and plant trees along the side of your deck to create shade.
Mix Materials
By combining decking and stone patio ideas, you can create different zones around your pool. If you don’t want to deal with the upkeep of having wooden decking around your pool but still want the lovely textures, this is a great option.
Doors in this modern rustic home open directly onto a light stained wooden patio with an outdoor living space.
The wooden decking blends seamlessly with classic Cotswold stone, providing a more practical material for the pool’s edge. And don’t those yellow tones stand out against the glistening pool of water?
Blend Inside And Out
Who says you have to have your pool deck outside? Check out this Beverly Hills architectural gem, where sliding doors surround the master bedroom and, when opened, transform it into an extension of the pool decking.
Match Flooring Indoors To Your Pool Decking
While we would prefer to jump out of bed and into the pool, you could achieve a similar effect by replicating this pool decking idea and running wooden flooring from your inside space to the pool area.
This creates a true indoor/outdoor feel, and it also allows you to borrow space from inside as extra lounging space around the pool.
Layer Wooden Decking With Stone Tiles
Layering wooden decking with other materials such as stone or concrete creates beautiful textures in a pool area. Rather than just an expanse of wood and water, it creates a much more relaxed look and feels much more natural.
This combination of materials is ideal if you want your pool area to blend in with the natural surroundings; because it’s less structured, it doesn’t look out of place when greenery overflows onto the decked areas.
It also zones spaces, allowing you to designate different areas for different purposes, such as a shady patio for al fresco dinners or a sunny wooden deck for sunbathing.
Distinguish A Seating Area With An Elevated Deck
Elevate a sitting area to make it stand out from the rest of the pool deck.
Even just a few steps up to the deck creates a more formal space that would be ideal for hosting dinner parties, and you still have a lovely view out over the pool but aren’t at eye level with it.
Soften The Edges
The Brazilian teak wood decking has unusual curved edges that soften the pool’s edges, and the warm hues blend beautifully with the sandy-hued stone. This decking was installed on top of the existing concrete slabs that surrounded the pool, making it a simple update for any pool area.
