The most cost-effective pool decking options are poured concrete and pressure-treated wood. While concrete is cheaper long-term due to minimal upkeep, pressure-treated wood offers the lowest upfront cost.
Concrete - Concrete is one of the most popular and cost-effective choices for pool decks. It's versatile, durable, and can be finished in various ways to suit different styles. A basic concrete deck is affordable to install and can last for years with proper maintenance.
The best way to build a pool deck on a budget is to do it yourself using wood or composite materials. Keep the deck small, covering only the space you need to access the pool. Focus on adding inexpensive amenities, like outdoor lighting, planters, or bench seating, to give it that extra flair.
What Are the Best Pool Decking Options?
The cost of a 20x20 deck can vary greatly depending on materials, labor, location, and additional features. On average, you might expect to pay between $12,000 and $24,000 for a professional installation of this size.
The initial consideration when determining if it is cheaper to build your own deck is the cost. Generally, DIY projects tend to be more budget-friendly in terms of labor expenses.
Putting up decking, or other raised platforms, in your garden is permitted development, not needing an application for planning permission, providing: The decking is no more than 30cm above the ground.
A poolside deck is more than just an aesthetic addition—it's a functional, high-traffic space that must withstand constant moisture, heavy foot traffic, and Australia's harsh climate. Choosing the right composite pool decking is essential to ensuring safety, longevity, and low maintenance for your outdoor space.
7 AFFORDABLE ABOVE-GROUND POOL DECK IDEAS ON A BUDGET
A public history and art project, Ghost Pools will create a shared understanding of what happened to East Point's Jim Crow-era swimming pools – how they were funded, designed, litigated, defunded, and ultimately abandoned.
For concrete pools (also called gunite), the shell typically commands the highest price tag. These pools range from $50,000 to $100,000, and the shell demands extensive materials and specialized labor. Particularly excavation, framing, and shell installation claim the largest portion of your budget.
Pressure-Treated Wood: The Undisputed Budget King
If upfront cost is your main concern, pressure-treated (PT) wood is the top choice, starting at just $2-$5 per square foot. While a PT deck can last 10-15 years, this longevity depends on significant maintenance.
Brick and ceramic glazed tile have been long been used for pool deck surfaces. Tile is popular for use along pool copings due to its longevity and finished appearance. Brick is also an attractive, durable material for use along pool borders and pool decks.
Depending on what you are using your space for, you will most likely want between 600 and 900 square ft. of patio around a pool. That's enough room for a table and chair set, some chaise lounges, and a comfortable walking space around the perimeter of the pool.
Upkeep can be expensive and time-consuming, and boards may need to be replaced if the weather is damage,d especially after large amounts of mould or algae have grown on them, which causes them to decay over time. The more durable hardwood timber can be expensive both in materials and labour.
Adding a planting border is one of the cheapest pool surround options. It is easy to personalize the beds to your taste and with the plants available to you. Using native plants is a great option, as they need less maintenance than foreign plants.
Is it cheaper to build a deck or concrete patio? It's cheaper to build a concrete patio in terms of both the initial cost to lay a concrete patio, as well as its cost of maintenance over time.
One critical error is improperly attaching the ledger board; it must be securely fastened to the house's framing to ensure structural stability. Additionally, pay attention to the spacing of deck joists, especially with composite materials, which require closer spacing to prevent sagging.
The 2.5-metre rule applies to the maximum height of a garden room when it is built within 2 metres of your property boundary. If your garden space is placed within 2 metres of any boundary (e.g., fences, walls, or hedges), the total height must not exceed 2.5m to qualify as permitted development.
Make sure you keep a gap between decking boards to let water drain away and allow for movement. A gap of 10mm between deck boards and external walls of adjacent buildings is recommended for drainage. Board spacing depends on the width of the board but a guide is 3-4mm for 90mm boards and 5-6mm for 140mm boards.
12'0″ wide by 12'0″ deep is the most cost-effective size for a deck. The largest deck area that still complies with IRC standards and produces the least amount of material waste.
Issues like inadequate spacing between deck boards or improper fastenings can lead to warped boards and an uneven deck surface. This not only detracts from the deck's appearance but can also pose tripping hazards.
A well-designed deck can significantly boost your home's value and deliver a strong return on investment (ROI). According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, a typical wood deck recoups about 83% of its cost at resale, while a composite deck offers an ROI of roughly 68% nationwide.