Have you given much thought to spicing up your backyard living space? You may be drawing a blank when it comes to landscaping but if you’ve got a pool (or plans to put one in) then you have a unique opportunity to do something really unique with your outdoor space. A pool deck, whether it’s an above ground pool deck or in ground pool deck, can be the perfect addition to your backyard and can act as the centerpiece for future plans and landscape designs.
While above ground pool decks are often made primarily from wood, the in-ground counterparts can be made from a variety of materials including concrete, stone and specially-crafted pavers that are designed just for pool decks. When you choose your material for your pool deck you’ll need to weigh in factors such as safety, durability, cost, water-displacement and maintenance.
Before you jump on a specific design for your pool deck, understand that not all deck projects are created equal. There are a few things you should consider first:
Number one; think about the overall use of space. While a design might look fantastic in that DIY magazine at the doc’s office, it might actually take up so much oblong space in your backyard that you lose green area to your deck or patio. Settle on a deck design that makes sense for your pool and your property.
Number two; Think about the look and style of the pool deck that you want. If you have an architecturally retro home (like an old Victorian) a very modern deck may not be the best fit. Do you need a natural stone look, an antiquated wooden style, a darker wood, a multilevel deck with lighter woods to accent garden pots? When you think about the style, consider the color, texture and pattern of the wood you choose and what it will look like once it starts to age.
When you settle on a specific plan or a design, the most challenging decision you’re going to face is with the materials. This is the number one struggle for many homeowners whether they work with a general contractor to build a pool deck system or they try to build one on their own. The majority of home owners just aren’t exposed to outdoor landscaping materials as much as indoor remodeling materials. Between the selection of wood and pavers, the questions of maintenance, the longevity, the amount of materials – it can all quickly become overwhelming
For homeowners working with a general contractor, they can simplify the process by helping you matching designs with the layout of your property and your home. Most importantly, they’ll help you find a custom deck system that will increase the value of your home – something that’s hard to do when you build a custom pool deck on your own. A well designed outdoor space or pool deck, whether above or below ground, can return its value to the homeowner when the property is sold making it a sound investment every time.
Whether you want a pool deck merely for the design and aesthetic appeal in your backyard or you want something that provides more function (entertainment space, gardening around the pool, etc) there is a great deal of versatility available, especially if you opt to create a floating deck that’s free of attachment from your home. Pool deck materials go beyond just providing a hard surface to walk on. You can find textures, materials and patterns today that didn’t exist twenty years ago, giving you a great opportunity to make your home stand out from the others in your local market.
Need help bringing that custom Deck design to life? Thedeckgyus specializes in providing you that can help you tackle any project inside or outside of the home from basement remodeling to a new custom deck
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