Best Poolside Deck Ideas on a Budget: Own The Most Fun and Functional Poolside Deck
Check out these smart ideas for poolside decks for a budget-friendly oasis that doesn't sacrifice style or quality.
When you've decided to get a poolside deck, I bet you have some pretty exciting ideas.
A stunning waterfall, a hidden grotto, and perhaps even an exciting slide—because why go for the ordinary when you can have the extraordinary, right?
Your past vacations showed you just how much your kids loved the magic of a well-designed poolside deck. Now, it's your turn to bring that joy home and create cherished memories right in your own backyard.
But how can you create your own relaxing oasis without going overboard on the budget? Here are our poolside deck design ideas that will pull you outside, and without taking a huge chunk out of your kids' college fund.
Chill in the Shade
You've put in the effort and money to create a beautiful deck, but every time you go outside, you're stuck squinting, sweating, and trying to fend off the bugs.
Pergolas
A pergola lets in plenty of light while also providing some shade by blocking the sun at an angle. It's like sitting under a tree—allowing some sunlight to filter through while keeping you cool.
If you want to make your pergola provide even more shade, you can add shade cloth or polycarbonate materials, or you can grow vines on it.
Pro Installation Tip: For a new poolside deck, incorporate the pergola into the deck framing by extending it through the deck boards. Connect it using L brackets, ensuring that the posts sit on top of cross beams, and then reinforce them.
Gazebos
Gazebos offer complete shade and keep you safe from the weather. They're great for outdoor dining, chilling out, and throwing parties.
Pro Installation Tip: Put the posts right over the deck posts for the most efficient load transfer. Only use structural screws in the joists, since using lag bolts can cause the wood to split. It’s a good idea to add blocking between the joists where the other holes line up so you have something to screw into.
Important: Be sure to use the best screws to use for outdoors when constructing these poolside deck features.
Privacy, Please!
When you're relaxing on your poolside deck, it's all about being comfortable. You definitely don't want to worry about those awkward run-ins with a neighbor you don’t know, or maybe you just want to block out some not-so-great views.
Privacy Fence
Want to keep those nosy neighbors at bay? Privacy fences are the way to go! They provide that instant and complete coverage you need so your family can enjoy their time together uninterrupted.
They create a great barrier that really cuts down on noise and keeps your property safe by clearly marking the area around your pool or deck.
A privacy fence, whether it's wood, metal, or composite, can really enhance your property's look. It adds a nice touch of style while still being functional for your outdoor space.
Natural Deck Privacy
Installing a lattice or a trellis with climbing vines such as clematis, black-eyed Susan vine, honeysuckle, trumpet vine, or passionflower can create a beautiful and private outdoor space.
Planting something tall, like ornamental grass or Joe Pye weed, at the edge of the deck or in front of the fence can also provide some natural privacy.
Pro Installation Tip: For a touch of greenery without the hassle of upkeep, you could use a fake ivy screen on the fence or lattice panels next to the deck.
Sip & Socialize
Set up a bar counter on your poolside deck where guests can gather around to chat and catch up.
A bar counter is a versatile space, usually wide enough for guests to set up food, as well as a place to enjoy a drink or a meal.
It's important to ensure that the counter is built to withstand a lot of force, especially at the far end where guests are likely to lean.
Pro Installation Tip: To make the counter sturdy, you might need to remove the deck boards to access the frame underneath. Secure the 4x4 posts to the joists and block in the other unsecured sides of the 4x4 posts using similar-sized joist material.
Once everything is secure, reattach the deck boards.
Tropic-Cool Oasis
Soften the building materials and bring a romantic vibe to the area by adding a mix of tropical plants and flowers.
You can also add coniferous trees. They really stretch out as far as the eye can see! Keep in mind that big plants are really more for homeowners who clean their own pool since they can drop leaves, twigs, and seeds into the water.
If your deck is near a slope, you might want to think about using ground covers such as Juniper evergreens or Mondo grass. Juniper evergreens really look nice and can handle dry conditions, while Mondo grass prefers a bit more moisture in the soil. Pick the right ground cover by thinking about how wet or dry it gets and how much sun the bottom of the slope gets.
You can plant tall ornamental grasses like Karl Foerster at the top of the slope. This grass maintains a neat and tidy appearance, and its graceful movement in the wind adds a beautiful dimension to your garden. It usually reaches a height of about 3 to 4 feet.
Right under that tall grass, you can tuck in some shorter perennials that thrive in your zone, like Rudbeckia or Echinacea. They usually grow to about 1.5-2.5 feet tall.
Karl Foerster grass on elevated planters is also a nice touch. You can also plant some hostas that can handle full sun, along with hydrangeas, to really boost the visual appeal.
Pro Tip: Check out your local zoos, parks, and public gardens to see what plants are thriving there. This should help you figure out which plants will do well in your area.
Glow Up Your Poolside
Good lighting can really improve your poolside deck. It makes the space more usable and helps keep everyone safe while also making it look nice and welcoming.
Deck lighting design helps you avoid slipping in the dark and lets you use your deck even when the sun goes down, making it a great spot for hanging out and relaxing in the evening.
Pro Installation Tip: If you're considering putting up string lights, we suggest choosing for low voltage. It's way safer and lets you easily move, change, or add lights whenever you feel like it, without any fuss.
After you choose an option, you'll get a clearer sense of what to do next. Setting up solar or battery-powered lights is a breeze! You just need some basic skills, and you’re good to go.
If you've got an exterior GFCI outlet close by, you might want to consider going for low voltage with a plug-in transformer. It might seem a little tricky, but it's totally doable and safe to tackle by yourself.
Wiring 120v AC is probably the most complicated choice, kind of like what you have for the lights in your home. You'd typically need an electrician for this unless you have some experience with residential electrical work yourself.
Customize Your Dream Poolside Deck Without Blowing Your Budget
If you're a homeowner with a Gung Ho DIY mentality, you can save the most amount of cash and integrate a lot of poolside deck designs.
Bringing your dream poolside deck design to life involves a bit of a journey. You'll find yourself juggling budgets, timelines, and those surprise hiccups that pop up along the way. It can really test your patience and your wallet!
Whether you’re building a pergola, a fence, or a trellis, it’s extremely essential to use the right materials and fasteners for outdoor decks. This way, you can make sure they last a long time and avoid those expensive repairs down the line.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Poolside Deck Design Ideas.
What is the best decking to put around a pool?
Choosing the right decking for around your pool really comes down to what you need and how much you're looking to spend. Some popular choices are concrete, natural stone, and composite materials. These materials can really boost your pool deck design by providing durability, slip resistance, and being low maintenance.
What is the cheapest poolside deck material?
Concrete usually ends up being the most affordable option for poolside decks. It offers a tough and flexible option that works well with a variety of affordable pool deck styles. You can really get creative with concrete! There are so many finishing options, like stamping, staining, or texturing, that let you customize it to look like pricier materials, all while saving some cash.
What is the best wood to use for a pool deck?
If you're thinking about what wood to use for a pool deck, pressure-treated pine, cedar, or redwood are usually excellent choices. Tropical hardwoods are the most durable of all, but can be pricy. Most people prefer these kinds of wood for pool decks since they’re tough and can stand up to moisture, bugs, and decay.
When it comes to choosing wood, pressure-treated pine usually comes in as the most wallet-friendly choice. On the other hand, cedar and redwood offer a more premium look and tend to last longer. Picking the right wood for your pool deck design is key to keeping it looking great and working well for a long time.