By Liesel Schmidt
There’s far more to a great backyard than just stunning landscaping. In fact, the Biggest way to make a backyard stand out is with a great deck. A custom deck around your plunge pool will allow you to incorporate various elements into your outdoor living space, like outdoor furniture, outdoor kitchens and firepits.
A custom deck gives you the ability to really go big…or not, if space doesn’t allow. But even if you’re not working with a great deal of square footage, the deck can still bring big style and big functionality. It’s all in how you space-plan and how you put your decking to work.
Deck Material
The first thing to consider is, of course, the material you want to use. The most common materials used in custom deck building are pressure treated wood or composite. Which you choose will depend on your budget and the level of maintenance you’re willing to invest in keeping it looking good. You should also be mindful of factors like durability and aesthetics.
Wood Decks
Long before humans came up with the genius idea of creating manmade materials for decks, we were using wood. It’s got that warm, natural look we all love so much, plus it’s the more economical choice. Even while lumber is expensive. There are also many options of different types of lumber to use, from pine—which is the least expensive—to higher grade, higher cost options like cedar. A pro of wood decks: Cost. The downside—and this may deter you from choosing it—is that wood decks require regular maintenance including sanding and staining because wood is prone to warping, splitting, and cracking.
Composite Decking
Newer to the field is composite decking. While it may not quite have the warmth of natural wood, it has a more elegant look. It is also more expensive comparatively to wood, but the upfront cost is offset by the length of time it will last and the lack of maintenance costs.
Composite decks are long-lasting and resilient to weather and wear. Unlike wood, they do not rot, warp, or take on moisture damage, nor do they fade in the sun, scratch, or stain. For anyone looking for a stylish, low-maintenance material, composite is the perfect choice for decking.
All told, the material you choose for your deck comes down to preference more than anything. If the upkeep and maintenance of a wooden deck doesn’t deter you because you’d rather feel natural wood under your feet, then wood is a perfect option for you. For anyone who would rather avoid the hassle of maintenance or regular repair, then composite is ideal.
Whatever material you use, decking can add a rich and beautiful contrast around a plunge pool, and we can help you with that if you wish.
