A pool deck surface should be heat resistant, slip resistant and durable. If you are going to spend the time and budget to build a swimming pool in your backyard, the pool deck should also be beautiful! Natural stones are a wonderful option that satisfy all of the prerequisites for a heat and slip resistant, durable surface. Another important factor for pool deck surfaces is their ability to withstand the freezing and thawing that occurs during the winter. Winter temperatures play a factor in choosing stones that rank highly in durability. These four types of stones satisfy beauty and functionality needs for a pool deck.
Travertine
Travertine is a sedimentary rock formed by deposits of calcium carbonate. What makes travertine such a good pool deck choice is that the stone is naturally porous and very durable. A porous stone absorbs excess water which helps with two important functions. Travertine stays very cool to the touch on a hot day and, because of the water absorption, it is a slip free surface.Travertine’s color palate includes stones that are golden, ivory or in hues of brown. It is earthy, yet elegant. The most popular finishes for the stone are tumbled, honed or polished.
Granite
Granite is a hard, igneous rock formed by quartz, feldspar and mica. That quartz mix gives granite its flecked and sparkly appearance in the sunlight. Granite is extremely tough, durable and found in abundance in the north east. Granite actually repels water, but a flamed or aged finish make it slip resistant. It also does not get too hot to the touch. Granite has a variety of colors, largely darker hues, and adds a natural look for a pool deck.
Flagstone
A flagstone is a flat slab of natural pavers. It is a high density material which makes it very low maintenance. Flagstone is durable, slip free and resistant to heat and moisture, but what makes flagstone a great choice is the variety. Flagstone comes in a wide array of earth toned colors and the size and shape may also be varied to create a one-of-kind look or cool pattern for a pool deck.
Bluestone
Bluestone is a type of flagstone that is primarily quarried in New York and Pennsylvania. It is blue-grey in color and is a feldspathic sandstone. Bluestone is a very popular choice for its durability, non-slip and water resistant properties. It can have three different types of finishes. A thermal finish gives it a uniform texture while a natural cleft does not have a uniform texture. A honed stone is a very smooth finish.
All in all, choosing a travertine, granite, flagstone or bluestone results in a beautiful pool deck that is pleasing to the eye as well as the toes!
With over 40 years of serving customers in the Wilton, CT and surrounding area, Bolton Landscape Design & Masonry gives homeowners a new landscape they can enjoy for many years to come. More than a landscaper, Bolton creates outdoor environments that include walkways, patios, fireplaces, waterfalls, ponds, stone walls, fencing, and landscape lighting. All installations are expertly installed by our team. Contact us today for a free estimate for all of your landscape design needs. We look forward to dreaming up a one-of-a-kind new yard for you.