Swimming Pool Decking Ideas For Wooden Pool Decking

Installing wooden pool decking around your pool offers several benefits, including aesthetics, comfort, and versatility. In the Cape Town area, two popular choices of wood for pool decking are Garapa and Balau, each with its unique advantages although we do offer other types of wood as well as composite decking for Pool Decking.

Which Wood To Use For Your Pool Decking Ideas & Why

1. Aesthetic Appeal:
   • Natural Beauty:
     Wooden pool decking adds a touch of natural beauty and warmth to your pool area. It complements the outdoor environment and creates a harmonious connection with nature. The visual appeal of wood is unmatched by other materials, creating a tranquil and inviting atmosphere.
2. Comfort and Barefoot-Friendly:
   • Comfort Underfoot:
     Wood is inherently comfortable to walk on, even on hot summer days. It doesn’t absorb and retain heat like concrete or stone, making it a more pleasant surface for barefoot activities around the pool.
   • Non-Slip Surface:
     With the right treatment and maintenance, wooden pool decking can provide a non-slip surface. This is important to ensure the safety of pool users, as wet pool decks can become slippery. Garapa and Balau are known for their slip-resistant properties when properly maintained.
3. Durability and Longevity:
   • Rot Resistance:
     Garapa and Balau are tropical hardwoods, and one of their primary advantages is their natural resistance to rot, decay, and insects. This makes them well-suited for pool decking, especially in a region like Cape Town, where the wood will be exposed to moisture and varying weather conditions.
   • Long Lifespan:
     When well-maintained, these hardwoods can last for many years, even in challenging outdoor environments. Their longevity justifies the initial investment in quality wood.
4. Versatility:
   • Customization:
     Wooden pool decking can be customized to fit the shape and size of your pool area. It allows for creative design options, and you can tailor the wood’s appearance to match your outdoor décor and style. The team at Cape Decking has completed many custom designs over the years and can produce just about any result, feel free to read what our customers have to say about us here.
   • Variety of Finishes:
     You can choose different finishes and stains to achieve the desired look. From a natural, weathered appearance to a rich and polished finish, wooden pool decking can be adapted to your preferences.
5. Environmental Considerations:
   • Sustainable Sourcing:
     While it’s important to ensure responsible sourcing of any wood, Garapa and Balau are often harvested from well-managed forests and can be a sustainable choice when certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This makes them an eco-friendly option.
6. Low Maintenance:
   • Regular Maintenance:
     While wooden pool decking requires some maintenance, it is relatively straightforward. Routine cleaning, sealing, and occasional refinishing will keep the wood looking its best and ensure its longevity. In return, you’ll enjoy a beautiful and functional pool deck.

Wooden pool decking, particularly using Garapa and Balau in the Cape Town area, offers a blend of aesthetics, comfort, and durability. These hardwoods are well-suited to withstand the coastal climate and provide a beautiful, long-lasting solution for your pool area. With proper care and maintenance, you can create a stunning poolside environment that enhances the overall appeal of your outdoor space while ensuring safety and comfort for all who enjoy it.

If you prefer composite decking, find out the benefits of composite decking in our recent blog post here.

Contact us for a quotation.