10 In-Ground and Above-Ground Pool Deck Ideas On A Budget

If you’re looking forward to a home that exudes an aesthetically pleasing and welcoming aura, adding a deck can be one great way to do just that. A deck can integrate with your existing pool and create a great outdoor space for relaxation and entertainment. 

But how do you create a deck if you have no ideas and your wallet runs a little thin? In this guide, we’ll share with you in-ground and above-ground pool deck ideas on a budget and how you can build one seamlessly.

We’ll also answer your most pressing questions about pool decks in general and explain why composites are the best material for a cost-effective decking project. Let’s start! 

In-Ground Pool Deck Ideas

In-ground pool decks are a great way to make your outdoor area stylish and functional at the same time. Here are some ideas you can grab for your decking project: 

Midcentury Modern Vibe

A midcentury modern pool deck features a minimalist design with a touch of clean lines, geometric shapes, and natural materials such as wood or stone. With its modern look, you can swap out natural wood for composites for added durability and protection against the elements. 

Grass and Concrete Pavers

If you want a more traditional and eco-friendly decking design, go for the classic “natural” look. This design features a combination of grass and concrete pavers, which easily integrate into your deck—offering a striking balance between nature and human architecture. 

Boho Design

A Boho design can also be a great way if you love the outdoors and vibes of tropical architecture. This particular design primarily uses natural wood, rattan, patterned fabrics, and colorful textiles to create a cozy, bohemian atmosphere.

This design theme is best to create a relaxing atmosphere where you can unwind and chill, much like when visiting tropical beaches. 

Mosaic Tile

Adding mosaic tiles to the deck around your pool can be a great way to create an alluring effect, especially when subjected to sunlight. Since mosaic tiles come in various colors and patterns, choose a theme well-suited to your pool and existing exterior design. 

Composite Wood Look

If you want your pool deck to be aesthetically pleasing without skimping on durability, a composite wood deck might be the best option. Some composite products, like our Elashield decking, are slip and water-resistant and boast anti-static properties—perfect for pool decks!

In addition to these protective benefits, our Elashield comes in various color and texture options, giving you the flexibility and customizability you’ll need for your project. 

Above-Ground Pool Deck Ideas 

Above-ground pool decks are increasingly becoming popular, thanks to innovations in the decking industry. Here are ideas worth checking out: 

Hexagonal Design

A hexagonal pool deck is a great way to add minimalist but attractive geometric shapes to your pool, giving it a sense of depth and elegance. This design allows for heavy customization and ample space for lounging and sunbathing. 

Plunge Pool Deck

A plunge pool deck is an attractive option for homeowners with limited space. Since plunge pools are meant to be small, their compact design creates a sense of intimacy and belongingness. It also invites a relaxing atmosphere, all while providing a certain functionality. 

High-End Space

If you can stretch your budget a little more, you can opt for more upscale materials for your deck. You can go for composite decking, and integrate other features such as lush lighting, outdoor furniture, and aesthetic railings.

You can also add a functional outdoor kitchen or grilling area to enhance your pool deck further. 

Modular Pool Deck

Modular pool decks are a great option if you want your decking project to be easier and quicker. They offer top-notch installation flexibility and can also be customized to your preferred specifications.

Modular decks have pre-fabricated sections that can be easily assembled and customized at will, offering you a versatile decking solution. 

Weatherproof Pool Deck

Not all decks are weatherproof, such as untreated traditional wooden pool decks. As such, investing in a genuinely weatherproof composite pool deck is a great option.

At Oakio, our Elashield decking is ideal for pool decks. Its slip and water-resistant properties and anti-static properties ensure a safe surface for your deck’s occupants. 

How To Build A Pool Deck On A Budget

Building an in-ground or an above-ground pool deck requires careful consideration of factors, such as budget, specifications, and other miscellaneous costs. Here are tips we suggest following to create a pool deck without going over your budget: 

1. Design Your Pool Deck

First, you’ll need to design your pool deck to estimate approximate costs and properly account for them in your budget. To minimize costs further, we suggest keeping the layout as simple as your budget allows.

Remember to consider the placement of your deck, its size, dimensions, and shape—often, a square or rectangular design is cheaper. 

2. Choose Your Materials 

Choosing the right materials is one of the keys to successfully building a pool deck. Since you planning to have in-ground and above-ground pool deck ideas on a budget, you might already have a primary decking material in mind. 

Traditional wood decking is a good option, though composite decking can offer long-term durability, low maintenance, and long-term savings. 

3. Build the Foundations First 

Just like building a house, a strong foundation is essential for a deck—especially for above-ground pool decks, which lack the reinforcement of underground soil. Make sure you’ve planned where the parts of the deck goes. We suggest using concrete bricks to support the deck and making sure the ground is compacted and even. 

4. Frame the Deck

Once the foundation is laid, it’s time to create a framing system to support the deck. This involves creating beams and joists to support the deck’s weight. For this job, you can use pressure and chemically-treated lumber for extra durability and weather resistance. 

5. Add Decking and Railings 

Once the frame is set up, the next step is to add the decking boards and railings to complete your deck. Carefully install the deck boards over the frame, and use the fasteners to ensure even spacing.

You can also use prefab railing sets to ease installation and reduce costs. 

6. Personalize Your Pool Deck 

Here comes the exciting part. Finish your deck installation by adding your personality to it. Consider your exterior design preferences, such as pergolas, mood lighting, outdoor furniture, potted plants and flowers, and even a small kitchen to grill barbecue! 

Visualize Your Decking Ideas 

Once your plan is completely laid out, it’s a good idea to visualize the color and texture of the composite material you plan to use for the deck. We feature our product visualizer tool with this in mind. 

You can use our product visualizer tool to visualize how our products would look on your property accurately.

To use it, simply follow these steps:

1. Click on decking, and choose the decking option of your choice (Matshield, Iniwood, Proshield, or Elashield). 

2. Choose a board color of your choice, and you’re done!
3. You can reset the tool and choose other decking products (optional).

You can also request free product samples so you can visualize the material and get a closer look on Oakio products! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best material for a pool deck? 

If our criteria for being the best are aesthetics and durability combined into one material, the answer would be composite boards. They are weather-resistant, more durable than others, and cost-effective in the long run. 

How much does an in-ground and above-ground pool deck cost? 

It depends on several factors, but to give you an idea, a basic in-ground deck would cost around $4,000 to $10,000.

A basic above-ground deck would cost around $2,500 to $5,000, but with more intricate design and specifications, these figures are expected to increase further. 

Does an above-ground pool with a deck add value to your property?

Yes, it can. But it’s not always the same for various reasons, such as geographical area, the climate in that area, and whether or not the pool is intricate or basic. 

Build Your In-Ground and Above-Ground Pool Decks with Oakio! 

When you’re ready to start your in-ground or above-ground pool deck construction journey, turn to Oakio—the leading innovator in composite wood technology.

We offer high-quality decking products, including our renowned Elashield, perfect for your pool deck construction. Build with Oakio today and transform your outdoor space from average to amazing!

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