There are many factors to consider when choosing the best stone material for your outdoor pool deck. You’ll want a material that’s durable, weather-resistant, and easy to maintain. There is a large number of different stone materials that could work for your pool deck, but the most popular options are natural stones like granite and slate. You should consider the color and texture of the stone, as well as its cost.
Limestone
Limestone is a good option for pool decks, as it is a strong stone that is also easy to care for. Stone is weather-resistant and durable, so you won’t have to worry about replacing your outdoor pool deck material any time soon. Limestone can be stained or painted to create different looks, though gray is the most common color choice.
Benefits of Limestone
- Durable
- Weather-resistant
Easily stained or painted to create different looks
- Gray is the most common color choice
Granite
Granite is another popular material for outdoor pool decks. It is a powerful stone that is also resistant to weathering. Granite can be polished to a high sheen, or it can be left with a natural finish. The color of granite can vary widely, so you can find a color that will complement your home’s exterior.
Benefits of Granite
- Very strong
- Resistant to weathering
- Polished to a high sheen or left with a natural finish
- Varies in color, so you can find one that will complement your home’s exterior
Slate
Slate is a stone that comes in a wide range of colors, allowing you to find one that will complement your home’s exterior. It is weather-resistant and durable, which means you won’t have to replace it anytime soon. However, slate can be fairly expensive, so it may not be the best choice if cost is an issue for you.
Benefits of Slate
- Comes in many colors and patterns
- Weather-resistant and durable
- Relatively inexpensive
Travertine
Travertine is a type of limestone that is often used for outdoor pool decks. It is weather-resistant and durable, and it comes in a variety of colors. Travertine can be expensive, but it is a high-quality stone that will last for many years.
Benefits of Travertine
- Weather-resistant and durable
- Variety of colors available
- Expensive but a high-quality stone that will last for many years
Sandstone
If you are on a tight budget, sandstone could be the best choice for your outdoor pool deck. It is inexpensive and easy to maintain, but it may not stand up to weathering as well as other stone types. Sandstone can be stained or painted to color coordinate with your home exterior. When choosing sandstone, make sure to select a type that is dense and has a high quartz content, as these stones are more weather-resistant.
Benefits of Sandstone
- Inexpensive
- Easy to maintain
- Can be stained or painted to color coordinate with your home exterior
Pea Gravel
Pea gravel is another inexpensive option for an outdoor pool deck. This material is smooth and uniform, which makes it easier to clean than some other types of stones. One downside of pea gravel is that it needs good drainage in order to prevent water from standing on the surface. If you live in a region with high rainfall, pea gravel may not be the best choice for your pool deck.
Benefits of Pea Gravel
- Inexpensive
- Smooth and uniform, making it easier to clean than some other types of stones
Coral Stone
Coral stone is a good choice for pool decks in coastal regions. The type of coral used to make this stone comes from salt water, so it can stand up against the salty air near the ocean. Coral stone is incredibly strong and durable, and it also comes in a variety of colors and patterns. However, this material may be more expensive than other options.
Benefits of Coral Stone
- Strong and durable
- Colorful and patterned facade
Stone Veneer
Stone veneer is another option that could work well for your pool deck if you are on a tight budget. This type of material has many benefits: it is affordable, easy to maintain, and comes in a variety of colors. Stone veneer is made from natural stone, so it is very durable. However, it is not as weather-resistant as some other materials, so keep that in mind if you live in a region with severe weather conditions.
Benefits of Stone Veneer
- Affordable
- Easy to maintain
- Variety of colors available
- Made from natural stone, making it very durable
Flagstone
Flagstone is another type of natural stone that has many benefits. It is available in a wide range of colors, ensuring that you can find one to match your home’s exterior. Flagstone is durable and resistant to erosion, so it will stand up well against weathering. However, some types of flagstone are quite heavy, so it may not be ideal for some pool decks.
Benefits of Flagstone
- Widespread availability in many different colors
- Durable and resistant to erosion
- Can be heavy; not ideal for some pool decks.
Natural Stone Has Many Design Options
When choosing a stone for your outdoor pool deck, remember that natural stone comes in many different colors and patterns. Because there are so many options available, this type of material is very versatile and allows you to fully customize the design of your deck.
Benefits of Natural Stone
- Available in many different colors and patterns
- Versatile; can be customized with design elements such as mosaics or carvings
- Weather-resistant and durable
Artificial Stone May Be More Cost-Efficient
Although natural stone may seem like the more appealing choice for an outdoor pool deck, an artificial stone may actually be the better value. Artificial materials today mimic natural stones more closely than they used to, which means that their durability and weather resistance are often just as good. Additionally, artificial stone is often more affordable than natural stone, making it a more cost-effective option.
Benefits of Artificial Stone
- Imitates the look and feel of natural stone
- Durable and weather-resistant
- More affordable than natural stone
When choosing a material for your outdoor pool deck, be sure to consider the benefits and drawbacks of each option before making a decision. Natural stone is a popular choice because it is weather-resistant and durable, but it can also be expensive. If you are on a tight budget, an artificial stone may be a better option. Whatever material you choose, be sure to consult with a professional to ensure that your deck is structurally sound and will last for many years.