When comparing pool decking options it is important to consider the material that you would like in your design. Decorative concrete offers many design options, while still being cost-effective. It combines beauty and durability with strength and design flexibility.
The best material to use around the pool
When weighing pool deck materials, take into account safety, durability, cost, budget, and how they will fit in your home and landscape. Concrete isn’t the only option, but it offers many benefits, including versatility.
Concrete was put to the test against some tough competition including brick, tile, pavers and natural stone. While all of these materials have their pros and cons, concrete wins in all categories:
Slip resistance
Good traction on the pool deck’s surface is crucial. Slip resistance is also a top priority. Concrete is a concrete material that can improve the surface’s traction and not make it slippery. This includes using broomed or exposed aggregate finishes, applying textured overlays, and mixing clear plastic grit into the sealer before it is applied.
Heat reflectivity
Concrete reflects sunlight and is easier to walk on than brick or tile pool decks. Concrete can also be coated with decorative toppings to reduce the surface temperature.
Affordable
Pool decks can be made from bricks, pavers or flagstones. However, because each unit must be placed individually, it can be expensive to put together. It is cheaper to pour concrete and then apply the pattern by hand than hauling and placing paving blocks manually. Mixing stamped concrete with plain concrete can give you impressive results, even if your budget is tight. You can also look for the best concrete coating company for good yet cheap services.
Design options
Only ornamental concrete allows you to choose any surface, color and shape for your pool deck. This includes plain concrete or imprinted or exposed aggregate patterns to resemble stone, brick, tile, or other materials. To enhance an engraved or saw-cut pattern or stained overlay, you can mix and match decorative treatments such as stained concrete with an imprinted border or stenciled border.
Ease of maintenance
Bricks and paving units can shift over time, which may require replacement or releveling. Refilling the joints between paving units is also necessary. This helps keep weeds from growing. Concrete can be poured to eliminate all of these problems, but you will need to clean and seal it occasionally to keep it looking good.
Finish options for a decorative concrete pool deck
You can choose the color, size, shape and surface treatment you want for your deck. This includes plain concrete or exposed aggregate. You can also use it to imprint patterns that look like wood, natural stones, or brick. It is possible to mix and match decorative treatments such as stained concrete with an imprinted border, stenciled border, or enhanced engraved patterns with a sawcut. Your concrete pool deck can be designed to blend into your home’s exterior landscape or become the focal point in your backyard.
Stamped concrete
Flagstone or brick are the best choices for pool decks. Stamped concrete can be colored with dry-shake color hardeners and stains to look exactly like real stone, but it’s easy to maintain and put in.
Colored concrete
The most common methods for coloring concrete pool decks and other exterior concrete are integral color, dry-shake hardeners and chemical stains.
Stenciled concrete
Stenciling concrete pool decks could be an alternative to decorative stamping and offer similar design flexibility. It is simple to use rubber stamps, disposable paper stencils, and stone patterns in concrete.
Rock-Salt Finished concrete
A rock salt finish can be used to give concrete pools a subtle texture and slip resistance.
Exposed aggregate
The aggregate was poured in concrete to create a pebble-like appearance. This finish is great for pool deck surfaces as it is slip-resistant.
Broom, or Brushed Finish
A broom or brushed surface will give your pool deck a slip-resistant finish. You can achieve a brushed finish by using a broom to sweep a freshly coated concrete surface.
Conclusion
These are the factors to consider when choosing pool deck flooring. Transylvania Concrete Coatings provides a floor coating service that is quick and easy. You can contact us, in case you are looking for the best pool deck coatings in NJ.