Concrete Deck Basics

Concrete is a good choice for many reasons, but it’s not the best option for everyone. However, if you’re looking for something simple, classic, and affordable, concrete may be your number one pick.

Even if you have your heart set on a different material, like stone or wood, you might still want to consider concrete for around your pool for a few key reasons. Let’s explore these reasons by breaking down the different types of concrete you can use for your pool deck.

Broom Finished Concrete

Broomed or brushed concrete is a textured concrete that creates a slip-resistant surface with a little bit more character than plain concrete. This is achieved by dragging a broom across the top of the concrete before it sets to give it the “broomed” texture.

Stamped Concrete

If you ever wanted all wood or premium stone decking around your swimming pool but couldn’t afford it, we have two words for you: stamped concrete.

Stamped concrete can not only imitate other deck and patio materials, but it’s also a durable and cost-effective alternative compared to the real counterparts. Just to name a few of the options that you have when it comes to stamped concrete patterns, you can pick from…

• Brick
• Wood
• Travertine
• Flagstone
• Slate
• Cobblestone
• Natural stone

One of the downsides to stamped concrete to keep in mind is that it’s typically sealed, which can make it a little bit slippery. Unless your kids always follow the no running rule, you might want to consider an alternative option.

Textured Concrete

You can think of textured concrete as a happy middle ground between broomed and stamped concrete. Textured concrete is stamped to give it a texture that adds both grip and character, but it doesn’t require color or sealant, making it both cheaper and less slippery than stamped concrete.

Pool Concrete Colors

A range of solid colors can be incorporated into the concrete around your pool, like shades of red, tan, green, or brown. Stamped concrete typically uses two colors to achieve the desired effect (depending on the material that you’re trying to mimic).

Aside from aesthetics, the main thing to keep in mind when it comes to choosing a color is the temperature of your concrete pool deck. Remember to choose a lighter color if you want your deck or patio to be cooler. The darker the color, the higher the chance that you will burn your feet on hot summer days!