Building a pool deck is a big project and requires much planning and work. Take your time to do it correctly, use high-quality materials and pay attention to the details. Your hard work will pay off when you’re relaxing poolside with family and friends. In areas with temperature extremes, you should determine whether pressure-treated wood or composite material is a better choice.

Composite: Composites expand in summer and are more likely to shrink in winter, which should be considered when spacing the deck’s boards. Composite materials are considered maintenance-free. If you opt for composite, you won‚t have to worry about splinters, but if you choose a darker composite, it may be very hot to the touch and not barefoot-friendly.

Wood: Wood swells in winter due to moisture but tends to shrink in summer. Wood decks also require more maintenance, which may involve stripping, sanding and sealing every few years.

Other options: Some additional possibilities for pool decks include brick, brushed or stamped concrete, flagstone, pavers and travertine tiles.