15 Pool Deck Design Ideas for Modern Outdoor Living

In-Ground Pool Deck Ideas

In-ground pools accommodate an enormous range of pool patio and deck options, as well as landscaping ideas for the surrounding yard. Most in-ground pools require pool coping which is a capped edging made from concrete, stone, brick or tile. The rest of the area surrounding the pool is called the pool patio and may be concrete, pavers or decking. Many homeowners are choosing PVC or composite decking around in-ground pools because it creates an attractive surface that’s cooler on bare feet than concrete or natural stone pavers.

Timbertech Composite Legacy collection, Whitewash Cedar

This homeowner updated a concrete pool deck by covering it entirely in Timbertech AZEK PVC decking. The Slate Gray color is much cooler on hot summer days:

Pool deck in Timbertech Advanced PVC Harvest collection, Slate Gray

In this rustic setting, the pool is designed to blend in like a natural water feature. The complex wood grain of Timbertech’s Brown Oak composite decking provides a realistic wood look right up to the edge of the pool:

Pool deck in Timbertech Composite Terrain collection, Brown Oak

This outdoor living space connects the pool, seating area and hot tub with decking made from Timbertech Composite in a light color to deflect heat:

Pool deck in Timbertech Composite Legacy collection, Whitewash Cedar

This Spanish-style home combines tile coping with Timbertech Advanced PVC decking in Pecan for a warm, traditional style pool deck:

Pool deck in Timbertech Composite Legacy collection, Pecan

Create An Outdoor Oasis With Landscape Design

A swimming pool’s relationship to the landscape makes it an important part of your overall backyard design. A well-designed deck serves as a transition between the pool and house, and can help to make up any differences in elevation. The realistic wood looks of composite and PVC decking combine beautifully with natural materials like brick or stone. In this landscape design, the pool is connected to the house by planters faced in stone to blend with the Pecan color of Timbertech Advanced PVC decking:

Pool deck made with Timbertech Composite Legacy Collection in Pecan

The wood tones of Timbertech Composite decking are the perfect companion to the stone pavers surrounding this pool:

Poolside deck in TimberTech Composite in Antique Leather

Composite decking adds a warm touch to the seating area in this modern landscape design with its plunge pool and hot tub:

Timbertech Composite pool decking with modern landscape design

Built-in bench seating and multi-width deck boards create an updated look for this deck, and a smooth transition from the house to the pool.

Pool deck in Timbertech AZEK Vintage collection, Mahogany

Because it resists mildew, TimberTech Composite is the perfect material for this poolside deck with waterfall. A matching privacy wall will last for decades without weathering.

Pool deck and privacy wall in TimberTech Advanced PVC Vintage Collection in Coastline

TimberTech AZEK PVC decking can actually be bent to create curving designs. This unique pool deck design highlights the stone and tile pool coping, with a darker fascia board for contrast. TimberTech’s Composite railing with a cable rail inset allows for sweeping views.

Pool deck in TimberTech Advanced PVC Vintage Collection in Coastline with Dark Hickory fascia board

Above Ground Pool Deck Ideas

Above-ground swimming pool decks are designed to integrate the pool with the surrounding yard, so they typically have stairs; they may also connect directly to the house via a porch or raised deck. Homeowners can make the most of an expanded pool deck by adding a pergola or gazebo for shade, a fire pit, or even a hot tub.

Simple Stairs And Platform Design

The smallest pool decks provide stairs up to an above-ground pool, and a deck area just big enough to get in and out of the pool safely. They typically don’t have space for loungers. However, a platform pool deck is a budget-friendly solution for a small backyard pool. This simple PVC deck platform has stairs, a safety gate and room to sit and watch the kids under an umbrella.

Above the ground pool with small platform deck by Paradis Pools

Partial Pool Deck Design

A partial pool deck encloses a section of the pool’s edge. It creates a large area for recreation without the major expense of surrounding the entire pool. This type of pool installation lets you enjoy the attractive greenery of a landscaped backyard space. On this partial deck, composite decking is expertly crafted to follow the edge of the pool:

Pool installation by Paradis Pools

This modern pool is only partially above ground so it blends easily into the landscape design. A small deck made of Timbertech Composite decking has just enough space for two loungers; stairway lighting enhances the stepped design.

Timbertech Composite decking in Ashwood; design by Yardzen

Complete Surround Pool Deck Design

This deck option is the most expensive solution because it creates the largest pool deck area. It offers the convenience of an in-ground pool, with access on all sides and room for a seating area. Enclosing the entire pool structure also makes it a more cohesive part of your backyard landscape design. This pool deck features composite decking in a dark wood tone, with a built-in bench for a modern look:

TimberTech Advanced PVC Harvest Collection in Brownstone by Kirch Improvements

What is the best pool decking material?

A pool is more than just a place to swim; it’s a major feature in the landscape and an integral part of outdoor living. Pool decking not only provides a spot for lounge chairs, umbrellas, or even a fire pit, it creates a safe surface for swimmers walking around the pool. When you choose decking material, it’s important to consider the following:

• Aesthetics: Colors and finishes in your outdoor space should complement the architectural style of your home.
• Heat Resistance: Hot summer days can heat up deck surfaces and burn bare feet; choose deck boards that will stay cooler in summer.
• Slip Resistance: Pool decking gets wet, so deck boards need to provide traction.
• Mold & Mildew Resistance: Wet surfaces can fuel mold and mildew growth, so choose a surface that dries quickly or has a mold-resistant coating.

Both composite and PVC deck boards offer all of the features above, and more. But which one should you choose for your backyard space? It depends on which decking meets your needs and your budget.

 

Let’s compare:

Composite vs. PVC Decking

PVC and composite decking share many qualities. Both are durable, low maintenance, moisture resistant, and available in realistic wood looks. Any engineered decking will outlast a traditional wood deck by decades, so it’s a very cost-efficient choice. This is why both composite and PVC have become such popular poolside deck options.

 

Composite Decking

Composite decking boards are made from a blend of wood fibers and polymers from recycled plastics, which are extruded to form individual deck boards. A layer of polymers forms a cap to protect them from the weather. TimberTech Composite has a unique manufacturing process that includes up to 80% recycled materials, and achieves a wide range of wood-grain textures and colors.

PVC Decking

PVC or polyvinyl chloride decking is made from a combination of recycled plastics and new polymers that create extruded deck boards with a polymer cap for extra weather protection. PVC decking is low maintenance, mold-proof and impervious to insects. Timbertech Advanced PVC is a premium decking line that combines realistic wire-brushed and hand-scraped wood patterns with the superior durability of PVC. Incorporating at least 50% recycled materials, Advanced PVC is eco-friendly and long lasting. Its lighter weight makes it ideal for DIY projects.

TimberTech’s Composite Decking for the Ultimate Maintenance-Free Pool Deck

Here at Ring’s End, we offer an unparalleled selection of building materials both in-store and online. We’re proud to offer TimberTech products, because we know that homeowners have confidence in their 25-50 year product warranty.

 

In addition to the expertise provided by our Ring’s End sales representatives, an architect or designer is a great help when planning a custom deck. They can supply creative design ideas, produce a deck design that meets local building codes, and provide plans for the contractor. With thoughtful attention to color and some expert help, your new deck will be a stunning addition for all to enjoy.

Visit a Ring’s End store near you for free color samples, and professional help with planning, pricing and delivery.

Pool Deck Design FAQs

WHAT CAN YOU USE FOR POOL DECKING?

Pool decking materials traditionally include concrete, tile, stone pavers, brick, and wood; PVC decking and composite deck boards are very popular today.

WHAT IS THE COOLEST POOL DECK MATERIAL?

Composite or PVC decking in light colors like whitewash, tan or light gray collect less heat. Light colors in TimberTech AZEK PVC decking stay up to 30° F cooler to the touch than competitive products.

DOES PVC DECKING GET HOTTER THAN COMPOSITE DECKING?

PVC decking is less dense than composite decking so it absorbs less heat. Light gray, white or beige decking in either Composite or PVC will reflect sunlight and retain the least heat. However, the darker a deck’s color, the more heat it absorbs, so dark-colored PVC boards will be hotter than any light-colored material. In a hot and sunny climate, lighter deck colors are best.

WHICH IS MORE EXPENSIVE, PVC OR COMPOSITE DECKING?

PVC capped polymer decking typically costs 5-10% more than composite decking; however, it offers a larger color selection and has a longer lifespan.

ARE PVC AND COMPOSITE DECKING SLIPPERY WHEN WET?

With their realistic wood textures, PVC and composite decking are no more slippery than wood decking. However, mildew and dirt left on the surface of any deck can make it slick, so it’s important to hose it off regularly.