Natural Stone
A beautiful outdoor living space and decking surrounding your pool not only adds to the value for your home, but the style and utility of it as well. There are a variety of manmade and natural materials you can choose from to create a superior decking, hardscapes and outdoor living spaces. However, nothing compares to the sophistication and beauty of natural stone.
Deciding which natural stone to use will depend on the style of your home and how your family intends to use your pool and outdoor living space. It is also important to keep in mind that just like other materials you use around the pool and outdoors, natural stone will also need to be treated with an approved sealer to maintain its beauty. When properly cared for, natural stone can last multiple lifetimes.
The following is a few of the most popular natural stone choices for pool decking and outdoor living spaces.
Travertine
Travertine is one of the most popular choices for a natural stone pool decking. This material absorbs water instantly, making it virtually slip-free. Travertine also remains cool to the touch even on the hottest of days, so no more worrying about burning your feet or other parts of your body when relaxing on your travertine pool deck. It can also stand up to extreme hot/cold temperatures with ease.
Travertine is most often found in shades of tan, cream and a beautiful rust color. These colors can easily blend well with most architecture. It also comes in finishes such as polished (shiny and smooth), honed (matte and smooth), and tumbled (porous and textured).
Flagstone
Flagstone is another pool decking material that is frequently considered. This material comes in rich earth tones and textures. It is ideal for around the pool as it also has a non-slip surface and can withstand heavy use. However, it does hold in the heat and can become quite hot in full sun. This is something to think about when considering it for around your pool.
Flagstone is remarkably low maintenance due to its high density make up and will last for many, many years. It can also be easily installed with a variety of shapes, sizes and colors to design a one-of-a-kind personal creation.
Sandstone
Sandstone is well known for its earthy tan tones, as its name suggests. It is often used to evoke the feeling of walking on the beach. Comprised of tiny quartz grains that are even toned, there is no need to worry about extreme color changes among decking material. Uniquely, sandstone is meant to slowly erode over time, creating a rugged and beautifully aged feel.
Like travertine and other natural stones, sandstone has a non-slip surface. However, it is highly porous and would require sealing to be used around a pool deck. Once sealed, sandstone is extremely durable and can stand up to heat, water and other various types of difficult weather.
Limestone
Limestone is a popular choice for pool decking and coping. Consisting of fossilized organic matter as well inorganic materials, limestone is one of the softest natural stones available. It can also tolerate extreme weather and consistent wear.
Limestone is available in a variety of interesting shades, including blue, pink, grey, tan, and brown, among others. It can also be cut into a variety of shapes and sizes to create custom designs.
Coral Stone
Coral stone is also known as coralina fossil stone or keystone. It is made of shell fossils, coral and bits of compressed sand and limestone. This material is extremely slip resistant and is comprised of many unique bits that are interesting to examine up close.
Coral stone has withstood extreme weathering from the pressure and saltwater while on the ocean floor. This feature makes it extremely durable and able to withstand large amounts of pool water, pool chemicals and heavy foot traffic. In addition, coral stone is virtually slip resistant, is easily maintained and absorbs minimal heat.
Slate
Slate is a form of flagstone (any type of flat slab of natural paving) that has been a building go-to for centuries. Slate is heavy, durable, and commonly comes in shades of black, blue and grey. It can also less commonly be found in shades of orange, purple and brown. Its sleek nature makes it the ideal choice for a modern pool deck or outdoor living space.
However, slate should not be installed directly onto dirt, grass or sand. Installing it on concrete or plywood ensures a safe and stable surface, which will minimize damage to the material. Though the initial cost may be higher, the durability of slate lends itself to lower maintenance costs throughout its long lifespan.
Marble
Marble is known for its premium look and feel. Synonymous with peak luxury, marbles embodies opulence and style. A unique feature of marble is its translucency. When the sun hits it just right, your new marble deck will glow spectacularly.
Marble is a porous stone and will need to be sealed annually to protect it from water damage. In addition, if being used for around the pool, marble should not be polished to reduce the risk of slipping.
Check out our mini gallery of Pool Decks and Patio Spaces. If you would like to see more examples of our work, please click on the “See More Pool Decks and Patios” link
Give us a call at 727-315-2445 or use the FREE Quote Form on this page to allow Kingdom Pavers provide you a FREE quote for your custom pool deck or outdoor living space.