When you think decking, think diversity! Just like landscaping and hardscaping, the decking you choose to surround your backyard swimming pool comes with plenty of possibilities. And from safety and comfort to aesthetics, there are many aspects of decking that you’ll want to consider before you make your decision.
Safety Concerns
From heat-reflective properties to slip resistance, you want to choose a material and finish that will offer safety to you, your family, and your guests. You want a surface that will be easy on bare feet, especially during prime pool season. If you do want to use a material that will get hot when it’s exposed to direct sunlight, be sure to use it in a shady spot.
Of course, many materials will become slippery when wet – take polished concrete, for instance. If you want to utilize this material, keep it unsealed and stamp a pattern into it to add texture, reducing the chance of slippage.
Convenience Considerations
If you’re incorporating potted plants or other forms of landscaping into your decking area, you’ll want to design it with irrigation in view – unless you find hand-watering plants to be therapeutic, of course. But even if you do, by allowing for conduits you can also allow for changing your mind at some point.
These conduits can also allow for additions of lighting, speakers, and more. It’s definitely one of those things that will be much more difficult to add later on if you don’t do it before you have your decking installed.
Material Choices
One of the most popular options for those wanting to use natural resources to build high-end decks is Ipe. Also referred to as “iron wood,” this tropical hardwood species is famous for its reddish brown appearance and iron-like resilience to rot and insects. Because of its extreme density, it even has a fire rating that’s on par with that of cement!
An increasing number of people are also opting for composite options. Although these run the risk of warping over time, making them unsuitable for areas with significant temperature swings, it can be a possibility for those in more moderate climates. There are synthetic decking options available for just about any budget.
A third option, pavers, can actually be the most economical. From natural stone, such as marble, to travertine, which still gives a high-end look, this option requires more ground preparation to provide a sound foundation.
Once you have your landscaping, hardscaping, and decking in place in your outdoor space, you’ll be ready to add structures and furnishings, along with other decor to contribute to the look and feel you want to create. Continue reading to learn more about how every detail can contribute to the overall visual effect as well as the convenience that your space offers.
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Lyon Financial
Since 1979 Lyon Financial has made the backyard resort dream come true for over 500,000 families across the U.S. Through our solid relationships with more than 3,000 pool contractors and our continued commitment to putting our clients first, we have built a reputation as the first choice in providing pool financing solutions. For more information, visit lyonfinancial.net or call (877) 754-5966 today.
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