If you want to upgrade your pool space or perhaps even install a new pool, be aware that the biggest factor affecting how your pool will look is the surrounding decking and landscaping. Settling on your decking design and style is therefore an important decision and, given you’ll spend a few dollars to make your vision a reality we reckon you want to make the right one! To help you out, we’ve put together our top Do’s and Don’ts for pool decking in your backyard.
DO – Give it serious thought (before you start installation)
How do you want to use your poolside space? Answering this question will help you decide your decking layout. Some things you will want to consider are:
- Entertaining – do you plan to use the poolside space to entertain friends and family? If so, get an idea of the size of table and chairs you’ll use so that you can ensure there’s enough space on the deck for people to move easily around furniture. Similarly, make sure you factor in space for a barbecue and any other entertainment features you want to include. The last thing you want is for the space to be too ‘squashy’.
- Landscaping – Want to include some natural elements in your pool-scape? Gardens and foliage can complement the space perfectly while providing privacy. Simple tussocky grasses and low shrubs work well for close-to-poolside gardens, unless you just love sifting out leaves every day!
- Length of use – If the pool decking upgrade is for your kids, have you thought about what you’ll do once they are older and loose interest in the backyard pool? If this is your situation, you’ll want to carefully consider how much money you invest as you may want to completely reutilise the space when the kids stop using it.
DO – Check in with your local council
Particularly if you’re upgrading fencing and gates as well as the decking and, especially if you are putting in a whole new pool, you’ll want to get in touch with your local council to make sure your plans are compliant. As a starting point, go to your local council’s website to find out their requirements; it doesn’t have to be a painful process!
DON’T – Start your DIY career installing pool decking
A lot can go wrong if you don’t know what you’re doing. Sagging timber decks, cracking concrete and tiles, crooked boards, even collapsing decks! These are all possibilities if you decide to save costs and shun the professionals. It’s not just the deck itself, you need to worry about, a good decking installer will have the right equipment to make sure the layering materials beneath your deck (eg sand or gravel) are properly compacted to prevent shifting. Don’t do it yourself, the last thing you want is have to dig it all up and start again!
DON’T – Opt for the cheapest material UNLESS you’ve considered it properly
Standard pool decking comes in a range of materials: timber, concrete, travertine (a natural stone) and pavers, to name a few. Your budget may well affect the material you select but keep in mind factors like the slipperiness when wet of different materials (plain concrete can be slippery but stamped versions less so). Also consider how much sun the decking material will get in summer. if your deck is in a hot spot, timber is a good option, although textured concrete (with the addition of a specialised deck coating) can also significantly reduce the ‘ouch factor’.
Whatever options you are considering, get in touch with us today to discuss how we can make it happen.