When you put a pool in the ground, you have to consider much more than just the pool itself.
To start, you have to think about what you’re going to do with the area around it. After all, you don’t want messy dirt tracks taking away from the beauty of your new sparkling pool!
Most people either build a patio, a deck, or sometimes both around their swimming pool. A wooden pool deck is usually the go-to choice when deciding on an add-on, making it one of the most popular features in inground pool projects
At River Pools, we aim to help you, the pool shopper, find all of the information you need from the inception of your pool project down to the finishing touches like decking and fencing. Because wood swimming pool decks, are so popular, we put together an in-depth guide on wooden pool decks to help you decide if it’s a good choice for your project.
By the end of this article, you should have a better understanding of the types of wood that you can use, the cost of a wooden pool deck, ideas to try, and the pros and cons of building a deck.
Let’s start by looking at the various types of wood that you can use.
What is the Best Wood for a Pool Deck?
When you’re thinking about building a wood deck around your pool, one of your first questions should be, What kind of wood should I use?
Here are a few questions to consider before you choose your material:
- Is it waterproof?
- Is it durable?
- Is it pest-resistant?
- Is it mold-resistant?
- How is it treated?
- How much does it cost?
The wood makes all the difference, and choosing the best wood for your pool deck starts with knowing what matters most to you. Use these questions to prioritize your needs and then filter through the wood types based on their properties.
Some of the most common types of wood used for pool decks include pine, teak, cedar, and mahogany. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each one in detail:
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Pine
- Cheapest but weakest
- Better when treated
- Doesn’t absorb heat - no foot burns!
- Can require more maintenance
Teak
- More durable than pine
- Resistant to bugs and mold
- Good combination of style and value
- Low maintenance
Cedar
- More durable than pine, less so than teak
- Looks beautiful
- Resistant to pests and weather
- Cheaper option than teak with most of the same properties
Mahogany
- Beautiful and elegant
- Most durable option
- Maintenance is almost nonexistent
- Very expensive
How Much Does a Wooden Pool Deck Cost?
The average cost of a wood pool deck is something most folks start wondering about once they begin looking into wood options, and for good reason
The woods vary in quality, and the price varies with them. Overall, you’re looking at shelling out anywhere from $3,000 to $20,000 for your new deck. On the low end, that’s around $25 per square foot. On the high-end you’re looking closer to $60 per square foot, depending on the wood and labor costs.
For small wooden pool decks, especially if you’re working with a more budget-friendly wood like pine or cedar, you’ll likely stay under $8,000.
However, let’s say you have a large pool and you want a mahogany deck wrapping all the way around it. Then you’re looking at closer to $10,000 to $20,000 or more. The cost also depends on whether you’re building for a wood deck around an inground pool or a wooden deck for an above ground pool, with above ground pools requiring more work.
One piece of advice: If you’re planning to build a wooden pool deck, this isn’t something to DIY unless you’ve got real experience. If you’re not 100% sure about what you’re doing, leave this one to the pros.
Wooden Pool Deck Ideas To Try
A pool deck doesn’t have to be just a deck. Multifunctional decks are popular, and they have the potential to make your life easier. Let’s take a look at some ways to make your deck functional and fun:
Seating
We don’t mean putting tables and chairs on the deck, though of course you can do that. You can also add built-in seating, like benches, around the perimeter of the deck. Seating is a simple way to make your pool look fancy and offer space for everyone when you’re hosting your next pool party.
Storage
Did we mention that seating can double as storage? Imagine being able to stow towels right by the pool, or store cleaning supplies so that you have them on hand without tripping over them.
Spa
Even in summer, you can have chilly evenings. A spa can be a great place to hang out on your deck and double the use of your space. It also means you can use your deck beyond the hotter months, especially if you live in a mild climate.
Outdoor Kitchen
If you really want to maximize your space (and avoid going back indoors for literally anything), you can look into building an outdoor kitchen on your deck. What’s better than having the fridge only a few steps away?
Wooden Deck Vs. Patio
Wooden pool decks work well if you want a customizable space that’s multifunctional and shows personality. They may be more expensive and need regular maintenance (power washing and regular refinishing), but you’ll get a big return on your investment. And no matter how hard the sun beats down, they’re not likely to hurt your feet.
Patios (usually made from pavers or concrete) are cheaper and easier to maintain, and most pool owners opt to add a patio to their pool project. However, they may also require more construction if the ground around your pool is uneven, which will be a deciding factor in how you choose to finish the area around your swimming pool.
Keep in mind that patios are more suitable for inground pools than above ground pools, while decks work great for both above ground and inground swimming pools.
Caught between a wooden deck and a patio? You don’t need to choose between the two. You can have both in different areas around your pool and yard.
Combining the two around an inground pool can actually create a more functional and attractive outdoor space.
Wooden Pool Deck Pros And Cons
To wrap up, let’s lay out the pros and cons of building a wooden pool deck. If you’re still on the fence about whether this is the choice for you, these points might help you make your final decision.
Pros
- Flexible, customizable design
- Can install on uneven ground
- Increase the value of your home
- Attractive
- Works well in heat
- Good for both inground and above ground pools
- Can add upgrades like storage, shade, and spas
Cons
- High maintenance - needs power washing and refinishing
- Less durable than other options when it comes to water and weather
- Can be expensive
- Weight restrictions may limit what you can do with upgrades and features (check before you get that hot tub)
As you can see, there are a lot of advantages and possibilities when it comes to building your pool deck. If you’re not sure whether a wooden deck is right for you, you can always upgrade to one later once you get a chance to use your pool and figure out what your needs are.
If you’re still shopping around for an inground pool, check out our pool models today, try out our pool cost calculator, or contact us for more information.
If you want to learn more about your inground pool options, be sure to download our free ebook below comparing fiberglass, concrete, and vinyl liner swimming pools.
Meet the Author: Marcus Sheridan
Hi, I’m Marcus Sheridan, Co-Founder of River Pools®. I’ve spent the past 20 years helping families make confident, well-informed decisions about inground pools, not by selling, but by educating.
There’s a lot to consider when choosing the right decking, especially with so many wood types, price ranges, and design ideas out there. I wrote this article to break it all down in one place and give you a clear starting point.
If you're thinking about adding a wooden pool deck to your backyard, I hope this guide gave you the answers and inspiration you need to move forward with confidence.
Message from the River Pools Manufacturing Team:
Thinking through the details of your pool deck is just as important as choosing the pool itself. Understanding your decking options, especially when it comes to wood, can make a big impact on your final space.
At River Pools, we manufacture high quality fiberglass pools through an independent dealer network across North America. If you're planning to build a wooden pool deck, we always recommend partnering with a trusted local pro who understands how to design and build a deck that complements your pool and fits your backyard.
Need help pulling all the pieces together? From decking to fencing to pool shapes, we’ll connect you with an experienced installer in your area who can walk you through every step of the process.
Let’s start planning your backyard the right way.
Up Next:
What Are the Best Materials for a Pool Patio?
How Much Swimming Pool Patio Do I Need?
Pool Patio Ideas and Options: A Personalized Guide
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