While the size and shape of your new pool may be the biggest factors in your mind when you start to request quotations from local contractors, sooner or later you will also need to consider the material you want to use for the decking around your pool. To help make your choice a little easier, we have made a list of the most popular choices for Toronto homeowners below, along with our thoughts on the pros and cons associated with each option. Have a good think about how you want your new pool installation to look, how much money you are prepared to spend on the decking, and how much time and effort you are prepared to devote to its maintenance, before you make your final decision.
Choosing the Best Decking Material for Your New Pool Installation
As mentioned above, cost, ease of maintenance, and aesthetics are the main factors to focus on when selecting your pool decking.
- Poured Concrete – This is one of the cheapest options, making it popular with homeowners who want to keep the cost of their new pool to a minimum, but it is not the most attractive as far as most people are concerned. The fact that it is prone to cracking in cold weather may concern Toronto residents but repairs are relatively easy to perform so if you are looking for a low cost option that requires little in the way of maintenance, concrete is well worth considering.
- Precast Concrete Pavers – Another low cost option, concrete pavers move with the ground when it contracts and expands, so there is no need to worry about cracking if you choose this option for your new pool installation.
- Stone Paving – Large flagstones laid on top of a compact aggregate bed, rather than on top of poured concrete, will avoid issues with cracking and because flagstones are available in a wide variety of colours and materials, you are sure to be able to find some that suit your tastes perfectly. The main disadvantage of this particular choice is the fact that it is one of the most expensive. You will also have to invest a little more time in maintenance, weeding in between the flagstones and keeping them clean.
- Wood – Timber decking is one of the most attractive options for a new pool installation as far as many people are concerned. It may be relatively expensive when compared to poured concrete or concrete pavers but it certainly looks good when properly installed. However, it will need to be refinished on a regular basis so be prepared for higher maintenance costs in the long term.
- Spray-On Coatings – There are a number of low maintenance coatings that can be sprayed on to poured concrete to produce a more attractive finish, and one that is cooler to the touch in hot weather. Although these coatings offer budget-conscious homeowners a low cost option with a wide choice of colours, they won’t negate concerns with cracking in cold weather.
- Brick – Smooth brick decking looks really good with older period properties and is somewhere in the middle of the range as far as cost is concerned. If you go for this option it is worth shopping around to make sure that the bricks you purchase are a good match for your property.
For more information on the various different types of decking available, please call or email us whenever you have a moment to spare. Our experienced team will be happy to help you with your new pool installation in any way they can.