When it comes to a backyard pool, homeowners have options for designing the surrounding area — you can surround the pool with a patio, a deck, or a combination of the two. Concrete is durable and long-lasting, but it definitely doesn’t provide a “homey” aesthetic. Homeowners in Glen Burnie had a great outdoor pool with a concrete surround, but the wood deck adjacent to the pool that also held the hot tub had seen better days. Instead of replacing the space with pressure treated wood decking, they decided to upgrade to composite materials. Project Consultant Brian Hannon helped homeowners in Glen Burnie with their backyard redecking project just in time for this year’s pool season!
Where there’s a pool and/or hot tub, there’s apt to be water. Composite decking provides a safer, drier surface caused by rain, wet feet, or splash over from the pool and also greatly reduces off-season damage caused by expansion and contraction due to moisture absorption and temperature variation. Unlike traditional lumber that must be regularly stained and painted to protect it from water damage and mold growth hazard, composite decking is made from a polypropylene composite material and a polypropylene cap stock that are inert and naturally repel water. Additionally, other poolside hazards like splinters or cuts on bare feet won’t occur on the smooth, clean surface for composite.
Before:
We first demoed the existing decking, railings, steps, and hot tub pergola before replacing the new decking and railings on the existing structure. We installed 422 sq. ft. of TimberTech Edge Prime+ composite decking in the Dark Cocoa hue, with a maturing feature board and seam board. The Prime+ Collection provides the the simple, traditional wood look that homeowners love without the rigorous maintenance of wood. Featuring subtle color blending and a rift- and quarter-sawn straight grain pattern, TimberTech’s lighter weight scalloped profile premium polymer capped composite boards deliver real wood aesthetics you’ll never have to sand, stain, or seal. In particular, Dark Cocoa is a rich brown with cool undertones.
For a poolside deck, you want a railing and gate system you can trust. Ultralox Alta railing system is strong enough for commercial applications, but has a flair elegance for any residential application. One set of stairs leads down from the safely latched gate to the concrete patio and beautiful pool. For the bottom half of the deck, we installed matching Dark Cocoa fascia, and our clients chose to keep the original black lattice skirting, which now matches the new black aluminum railing.
After:
Is your current pool or hot tub deck in need of a makeover? Fill out our short contact form to get started on your project and maybe your space will be a future #MakeoverMonday!