Is a Wood Deck Right for Your Backyard Pool? The Truth Revealed

For homeowners with backyard pools, one of the biggest decisions is choosing the right materials for your poolside deck. The classic choice is natural wood decking, which provides a warm, natural look. However, wood comes with some downsides when used in wet, sunny pool areas. Composite decking offers a durable alternative, though the upfront cost is higher.

We'll look at the costs, maintenance needs, durability, and other factors to consider. Read on to learn the truth about which option is better for your next pool project.

The Appeal of Wood Pool Decks

Wood decks have remained popular around pools for good reason. The rich grain and variety of wood species allow you to create a custom poolside oasis with natural warmth and character.

Aesthetics

Wood evokes a sense of harmony with nature that synthetic decking cannot quite match. Depending on the type of wood, you can achieve very different looks. Redwood has a reddish hue, while cedar is lighter. Ipe wood has an exotic, nearly black appearance.

Beyond species, stains and finishes allow for further customization. A clear sealer enhances the natural grain without affecting color. Or opt for a bold, opaque stain in a complementing shade.

Cost

Wood is generally the most budget-friendly option for decking. Pressure-treated pine is inexpensive and readily available at most home improvement stores. Even pricier tropical hardwoods like ipe are less costly upfront than composite materials.

With wood, you'll mainly pay for decking boards and fasteners like screws and nails. Composite decking involves added manufacturing costs that raise the price per square foot.

The Downsides of Wood Pool Decks

Using real wood introduces some compromises when situated around wet, humid pool environments. Wood requires extra maintenance to prevent deterioration and keep your deck looking its best.

Durability Issues

Moisture is wood's worst enemy. When exposed to water, wood can crack, splinter, warp, and invite mold growth. These issues emerge quickly on pool decks, where swimsuits drip on boards and water evaporates from the pool's surface.

Sealing helps protect wood, but sealants break down over time. This allows moisture to seep in, requiring frequent reapplication. No amount of sealing can prevent cracking from the natural expansion and contraction of wood.

Maintenance

Maintaining real wood around a pool takes diligence. Plan to thoroughly clean, sand, and reseal your wood deck at least once a year. Mold and algae need scrubbing and chemical treatments to remove.

Worn deck boards will need replacement after a few years. Old fasteners loosen or discolor, demanding hardware updates. Proper maintenance is crucial but time-consuming and tiresome compared to composite.

Safety Hazards

When wood gets drenched around pools, slippery and splintery surfaces become safety concerns. Bare feet and playful kids can lead to cuts, scrapes, and splinters on deteriorating planks.

Without diligent cleaning, wood can also harbor bacteria and become a haven for critters. Rotting boards need replacement to prevent collapse or injuries.

Why Composite Decking Excels Around Pools

Composite decking provides an ultra-low maintenance, worry-free alternative optimized for poolside use. Composites are more expensive initially but deliver lasting performance and fewer long-term headaches.

Low Maintenance

Made from synthetic materials, composites simply do not absorb moisture or react to it like wood. Quality composite brands like TimberTech are engineered not to crack, warp, or splinter around water.

Little to no maintenance is required to keep composites looking pristine. An occasional soap and water cleaning restores a fresh appearance. No sealing or sanding needed.

Durability

You can install a composite pool deck and expect it to retain its integrity for decades, outlasting natural wood two to three times over. The synthetic materials are impervious to moisture and resistant to UV rays, preventing fading.

The combination of wood fibers and plastic creates a rigid, durable finished product. It's also slip-resistant, an essential safety feature for wet pool decks.

Customization

Composite decking now comes in a vast array of colors, grain patterns, and surface textures. Many boards mimic realistic wood looks, from basic pine to exotic ipe. You get the durability of composite with the aesthetics of natural wood.

Mixing colors and plank directions allows for one-of-a-kind designs. Composites offer creative freedom wood cannot match.

Sustainability

Many composite brands incorporate recycled wood fibers and recycled plastic into decking boards. This diverts waste from landfills and results in an eco-friendly building material.

Unlike pressure-treated wood, composite requires no harsh chemical treatments. Its long lifespan also reduces the use of forest resources over time.

When evaluating wood versus composite decking for swimming pool areas, the choice becomes clear. Real wood presents maintenance challenges and deteriorates rapidly around moisture. The safety hazards, constant upkeep, and frequent repairs add hassle and expense.

On the other hand, quality composites require virtually no maintenance while resisting moisture beautifully. Their durability and longevity provide lasting performance with less worry. Though composite costs more initially, its long lifespan offsets those costs over time.

Ultimately, composite decking is the superior investment for backyard swimming pools. Homeowners gain decades of enjoyment with few concerns. While wood has its charms, composites are purpose-built to endure wet environments. Consider the truth revealed before selecting your pool's decking material.