When building a pool and pool deck or remodeling an existing one, you must carefully select your materials before breaking ground. Concrete was the most popular pool deck material for decades, but pavers have significantly impacted modern landscaping. With so many other paver materials, you may be confused about which material to use for your new pool design. By the end of this article, you will have enough information to make an informed decision on what material is suitable for your hardscaping.

Pool Deck Slip Resistance 

Safety is the most crucial factor to consider when choosing the best material for your pool deck. That is why selecting the option with the highest slip coefficient is critical. Paving stones are more porous and denser by design than concrete. Most paving rocks are created by combining sand, water, cement mixture, and color pigment and then pouring the mixture into a mold. Paving stones have a smaller surface area than concrete slabs and provide additional slip resistance when installed in an interlocking pattern.

Concrete is not only less porous and thus less slip-resistant, but it also poses another significant hazard. Concrete begins to deteriorate from the first use. The more you use it, the more worn it becomes, resulting in slick spots in high-traffic areas.

Versatility and Customization

Aside from being the safer option, they are also the most versatile pool deck material. With thousands of colors, textures, shapes, and sizes, paving stones can complement any design style, from rustic to ultra-modern. Paving stones can be made to replicate natural stones or be created in larger stones to complement a sleeker aesthetic. Pavers come in various colors and can easily be paired with your home’s style. To add another layer of customization, you can mix and match different shapes, colors, and stones to create ornate patterns in your patio pool design.

Concrete, on the other hand, has few options for customization. Cracks in concrete are also more visible every time you use your pool, and it becomes an eyesore rather than a focal point.  If you want to add more variety to your concrete, consider stamped concrete when selecting concrete pavers.

Strength

Their strength determines the durability of pool deck materials. Regarding material strength, paving stones can withstand approximately 8,000 PSI of pressure, whereas concrete can withstand about 3,500 PSI. This makes a significant difference if you intend to add heavy patio furniture, prefabricated outdoor kitchens, or entertain guests on your pool deck.

We hope these three factors should guide your decision on whether to use pavers or concrete for your pool decks to ensure the safest and most beautiful-looking pool deck that is easy to maintain and will last a long time.