What Is The Average Cost Of Building A Pool Deck? [2024]

Pool decking is different from pool paving. A pool deck can be level with the pool or elevated. It can be made from timber, but other products are available that can make great pool decking. Pool decking can be a home improvement worth looking into, but how much does it cost?

1. Why consider pool decking?
2. Best timbers for pool decking
3. Alternatives to timber decking
4. Composite decking
5. Compressed fibre cement
6. Acetylated timber
7. How much does pool decking cost?
8. Timber decking prices
9. Composite decking prices
10. Compressed fibre cement decking prices
11. Acetylated timber prices
12. Should you choose timber or an alternative product?

Why consider pool decking?

Pool decking is an option you may want to choose if you don't want pool pavers. However, you need to think about the type of material you use. Not all timbers are suitable for pool decking and some timbers will cost more than others. Also consider alternative decking materials that may be more appropriate for the area surrounding a pool.

Best timbers for pool decking

When timber gets wet, it shrinks and then expands as it dries. Some timbers do this more than others. In general, hardwoods are better for pool decking than softwoods and some hardwoods are better than others. Some better timbers for pool decking include:

• Blackbutt
• Merbau
• Spotted gum
• Jarrah
• Fiji Mahogany

They should not come to the edge of the pool and you may want to elevate them to keep water from splashing on a timber deck. The deck should also look like an extension of the pool instead of an add on that may look like it wasn't designed to fit in with the pool design.Aside from shrinkage and expansion, chlorine can discolour some timbers and saltwater can also be a problem on some timber decks.

Alternatives to timber decking

Timber decking is not the only possibility. Some products look like timber, but stand up better around pools. If you want timber decking, acetylated timber might be a good way to preserve the timber.

Composite decking

Composite decking is one alternative. Composite decking is made from timber fibres and plastic. In some cases, recycled plastic is used, which is better for the environment. The wood fibres also may have gone to waste, so composite decking can be a good environmental choice.

Composite decking will not shrink or expand and can come in textures and colours that resemble natural timber or you can choose another colour or a stained timber look. The quality of composite decking today is very good and it will last for years.

Compressed fibre cement

Compressed fibre cement is an alternative to timber decking. It can be a good replacement for timber because it is tough and doesn't stain, shrink or expand. Like composite decking, it comes in textures and colours that resemble timber. It has a softer look than pavers and can be ideal for pool decking. HardieDeck is the best known compressed fibre cement product in Australia.

Acetylated timber

If you have your heart set on having timber pool decking, another alternative is acetylated timber. Acetylation has been with us for over a century and the process alters the chemical structure of timber, making it stronger and more stable. Instead of seeing your timber decking crack, split and possibly decay, the process will stop that from happening and it does not alter the appearance of timber.

How much does pool decking cost?*

Pool decking will depend on the product you buy, the size of the deck and other factors such as the complexity of the design. These are prices you can expect to pay for different types of decking materials.

Timber decking prices

If you want a timber deck, some prices may be (in linear metres):

• $9.35 for 86mm wide spotted gum
• $16.95 for 136mm wide spotted gum
• $6.60 for 85mm wide jarrah
• $18.95 for 135mm wide jarrah
• $9.50 for 140mm wide merbau
• $7.80 for 86mm wide blackbutt

These are prices for supply only and are for the decking only. You will also have to pay for the support structure timber. Laying the decking and sealing it will cost more. Some prices for supplying timber and installing the deck may be:

• $6400 to $10,000 for a 20m2 deck
• $9600 to $15,000 for a 30m2 deck
• $12,800 to $20,000 for a 40m2 deck

The price differences will be determined by the size of the deck, the complexity of the design and the timber used.

Composite decking prices

Composite decking can be more expensive than timber decking, but composite decking doesn't need regular sanding and re-sealing, so over time, it may be a less expensive option. It is sold by the square metre and prices vary from $110 to $125 per square metre and the width of the boards is usually around 140mm.The price is for supply only and having composite decking installed around a pool may cost about the same or a little less than timber decking. It may cost less because composite decking does not have to be sealed.

Compressed fibre cement decking prices

Compressed fibre cement decking is also priced by the square metre. HardieDeck costs around $110 per square metre, so for a 20m2 deck, it will cost around $2200. This is the cost of the decking only and a decking contractor can quote for installing compressed fibre cement pool decking.

Acetylated timber prices

The acetylation process is not simply applying the chemical acetic anhydride to timber. It requires higher temperatures and acetylated timber may cost more than normal timber. It is available from some hardwood suppliers and they can supply the price of acetylated timber.

Should you choose timber or an alternative product?

Timber pool decking is beautiful, but is exposed to sun, rain and can be exposed to splashing water from the pool. It requires more maintenance than patio decking, which is often under cover and does not have harsh sunlight or rain falling on it. Acetylated timber may cost more, but it will require less maintenance than normal timber, but will still need to be maintained with regular sanding and re-sealing.

What about the alternatives? Composite decking requires little maintenance and can simply be washed down when it becomes dirty. Composite decking can look like timber and often has a textured surface that resembles timber and timber colours. It can also look like stained timber and will not have the extra expense and time of natural timber.

Compressed fibre cement can be another good choice. It has a softer appearance than composite decking and comes in timber colours. Like composite decking, it is relatively maintenance free and can easily be cleaned. It doesn't require re-sealing and will retain its appearance for years.

The choice is yours, but remember timber pool decking will require more maintenance than patio decking, but it can be worthwhile if you want real timber pool decking, but seriously consider acetylated timber. Choose a species that can stand up to being exposed to the weather and pool water and reseal the timber to make sure it remains waterproof. If you don't want the trouble of resealing pool decking at least every other year, one of the alternatives may be perfect for you.