Why Choose Wood Decking for Your Pool Deck?
The pool deck, also known as the pool area, is both a living space and a passageway that connects your relaxation area to your home. Generally, this area is built with concrete or covered with tiles. However, the perimeter of your pool can also be made from wood. Offering numerous benefits and available in a variety of species, this natural material must be selected with the utmost care.
Below, you'll find the best wood types you can choose for your pool deck and how to select them.
Natural wood or composite wood is a type of decking that offers a multitude of advantages. Aesthetically, this material provides a cozy and elegant look that beautifully complements the charm of the pool. Additionally, wood is naturally anti-slip. It can therefore help prevent falls or slips when the ground is wet.
The softness of wood to the touch is a noteworthy advantage that might sway you to choose it. It is ideal for comfortably walking barefoot around the pool. Finally, wood is a material that heats less than other substances, thereby minimizing the risk of burns.
In short, wood is a top choice for successfully landscaping around your pool.
Understanding the Different Use Classes for a Wooden Deck
Before selecting a type of wood for your pool deck, it's important to understand the various use categories for wooden decking under U.S. building standards. In the U.S., wood durability is typically classified based on its exposure to moisture and decay risks, aligning with guidelines provided by organizations like the American Wood Protection Association (AWPA).
Woods treated for Ground Contact (UC4A) are recommended for pool decks, especially in areas where the wood may be exposed to consistent moisture or contact with the ground. This classification ensures the wood is resistant to decay and insect damage.
Woods treated for Above Ground (UC3B) can be used for exposed outdoor structures like railings or sidings that are not in direct contact with the ground but are exposed to the weather.
For structures exposed to extreme conditions, such as marine environments, woods treated for Marine Use (UC5) are required. These materials are ideal for applications like docks or submerged structures where the wood is in constant contact with saltwater.
When building a pool deck, it is advisable to use wood rated for Ground Contact (UC4A) or higher to ensure durability and safety in moist environments. Always check local building codes to ensure compliance with regulations specific to your area.
Choosing the Wood Type for Your Pool Deck
Like tile, a material highly appreciated for designing pool areas, wood has the advantage of being cost-effective and easy to maintain. Similarly, a pool deck can be built on stilts for a semi above ground pool, or even at ground level, depending on the available terrain. It is thus an ideal choice for sloped terrains. However, you should be meticulous in selecting the type of wood, as not all woods are the same, and their prices vary.
Selection Criteria
When selecting a type of wood for your pool deck, it is crucial to consider the aesthetic criterion. The chosen wood should perfectly match the house's exterior decor style.
Moreover, it's essential to consider the anti-slip criterion. The boards of your wooden pool deck should prevent slips when wet. A simple slip can lead to serious consequences.
The smoothness of your wooden boards is also one of the parameters you can rely on when choosing the type of wood for your pool deck. Your wooden boards must be smooth and regular. They shouldn't have imperfections like bumps or splinters. Given that walking barefoot around the pool is common, an irregular board can cause harmful falls or injuries.
Also, choose a heat-resistant wood type. Your pool deck should withstand temperature variations and UV rays. It should not degrade in quality over time. Wood is also used in the construction of mobile pool decks.
Safety is a critical parameter you need to consider when choosing a type of wood. Generally, safety standards require you to protect your pool to prevent children from falling in. If you want to integrate safety barriers, it's crucial to factor that into the construction of your wooden pool deck. Here's a helpful video on building a wooden deck:
There are several major families of wood species. You must consider these subdivisions when making your choice. Here is a brief presentation of the available wood types, along with their advantages and disadvantages.
Exotic Wood
Highly resistant and dense, exotic wood is highly valued. Imported from Southeast Asia, South America, or Central Africa, this type of wood is extremely rare. Exotic woods typically used for pool deck construction include teak, ipé, iroko, tali, mahogany, cumaru, among others. This wood type offers several benefits:
- Exotic wood is rot-proof and splinter-free,
- Its lifespan is very long and can reach up to 30 years,
- It adds character to your deck.
However, exotic wood also has disadvantages:
- This type of wood is extremely expensive,
- It is subject to massive deforestation,
- It requires constant maintenance with varnish, oil, and stain,
- It tends to be slippery.
American and Domestic Woods for Pool Decks
Praised for their natural appearance and range of colors, many domestic woods in the U.S. are excellent choices for pool deck construction. They dry relatively quickly and, compared to synthetic materials, can stay cooler in direct sunlight. Common domestic woods include pine, cedar, redwood, oak, and black locust.
Similar to exotic hardwoods, domestic woods have both strengths and limitations. Let’s explore the pros and cons:
Advantages:
- Domestic woods are generally more affordable and widely available compared to exotic species.
- Their pricing is not impacted by high import duties or transportation costs.
- Many domestic options, like cedar and redwood, offer natural resistance to decay and pests without requiring heavy treatment.
Disadvantages:
- Most domestic woods fall into the "Above Ground" or "Ground Contact" durability categories, making them less naturally resistant to moisture and decay unless pressure-treated or thermally modified.
- Regular maintenance is necessary, including sealing, staining, or painting, to maintain appearance and durability.
- They can be prone to dents, scratches, and fading due to exposure to furniture impacts or prolonged sun exposure.
- Lifespan is often limited, ranging between 10 and 20 years, especially for untreated or minimally treated woods.
To ensure longevity for your pool deck, domestic woods such as pine or oak can be pressure-treated or thermally modified to enhance resistance to moisture and decay. Always opt for wood rated for Ground Contact (UC4A) or higher when building a deck in areas with high humidity or consistent water exposure.
Composite Wood
While wood provides an incomparable aesthetic, it requires regular maintenance. In these cases, composite wood is an excellent alternative. Retaining the elegant appearance of wood, this material combines resilience and durability. Composed of wood fibers and high-density polyethylene, composite wood offers numerous advantages:
- More aesthetic than wood,
- Available in many variants,
- Requires no treatment, as it contains fungicides and insecticides,
- Resistant to UV rays,
- Long lifespan,
- Easily cleaned with a mop, a scrub brush, and soapy water,
- The composite wood deck is eco-friendly, as it's made of 95% recycled products.
The only downside of this material is its relatively high cost compared to other wooden deck materials. However, its cost is offset by its long lifespan and ease of maintenance.
Ideas and Illustrations for the Best Wooden Pool Decks
Finding ideas for building a wooden pool deck isn't always easy. To assist you, we provide several illustrations for inspiration.
We've come to the end of our discussion. We hope that after reading this article, you'll be able to choose the ideal wood type for your pool deck. For those who wish to decorate their home's exterior with originality, discover our collection of inflatable pool mats:
