A stamped concrete pool deck is a great choice for creating a stunning outdoor surface on a budget. Stamped and stained concrete mimics high-end stone, pavers, or brick, for far less cost. Additionally, a contractor can pour concrete around landscaping features and other such obstacles rather easily.
However, with all its advantages, you don’t want to invest in an outdoor surface that’s unsafe in any way! This is an especially vital consideration around a pool, where decks tend to get wet and slick. With this in mind, check out some details about stamped concrete pool decks and their overall safety.
Can You Put Stamped Concrete Around a Pool?
A homeowner can absolutely put stamped concrete around a pool! In truth, it’s often easier to pour concrete around a pool’s shape than to cut brick, stone, and pavers to fit. Additionally, the affordability of concrete allows you to match walkways, a driveway, and other exterior surfaces, for a stunning look you’re sure to love!
Yet, you might still be asking, is stamped concrete too slippery around a pool? To understand the answer, note how a contractor installs stamped and stained concrete. First, he or she pours standard concrete to a desired thickness. Next, your contractor presses a specialty shape or mold over the concrete surface.
This mold creates the look and texture of brick, stone, pavers, or other such materials. Some concrete installers even offer wood stamps, mimicking the look of high-end materials. Lastly, your contractor applies a specialty color or tint to the concrete. This completes the process, ensuring the end result closely resembles your desired material.
Now that you know more about a stamped concrete pool deck, you might realize why they’re usually no more slippery or unsafe than any other surface! That stamping process typically adds traction to concrete surfaces, just like standard stone or brick.
Additionally, a contractor can usually add a non-slip additive to paints, stains, or sealants. These also supply added traction for your stamped concrete. In turn, you’re not likely to risk slipping even if you prefer a wet-look finish to your new concrete surface.
Which Is Better, Stamped Concrete or Pavers?
There are pros and cons to both stamped concrete and pavers. Understanding more about their differences can help you decide on the right one for your property!
Why choose a stamped concrete pool deck
- Stamped concrete is typically more affordable than pavers. In turn, you can create a larger pool deck or complementary patio, walkways, and other surfaces without breaking the bank.
- It’s usually easier to work concrete around landscaping features and other obstacles. This is a great consideration for properties with trees, fountains, and other features near the pool.
- Individual pavers are more likely to loosen or come out of place than concrete. Additionally, weeds are more likely to grow between those pavers than concrete sections.
- Concrete is made from abundant and easily harvested materials including sand, gravel, and Portland cement. In turn, installers often consider it a more eco-friendly material than stone pavers especially, as harvesting certain stones might include blasting and other such harsh practices.
Why choose pavers
While stamped concrete has some advantages, note that you can replace one damaged paver more readily than a concrete section. Also, note that some homeowners simply prefer genuine brick, clay, or stone versus concrete. Some homeowners can even install their own paver patio or pool deck, with the right tools and enough time to get the project done right!
Does Stamped Concrete Get Hot?
Note that stamped concrete is not any more likely to get hot than standard concrete, unless you choose a dark stain color. That dark color absorbs and retains heat, just like asphalt or other similar materials. Consequently, you might choose a lighter color stain for your stamped concrete pool deck, especially if you live in the tropics or an especially sunny climate.
Is Stamped Concrete Better Than Brushed Concrete?
Brushed concrete starts with standard concrete installation. Next, an installer runs a stiff brush over that concrete, creating a bit of texture. This process offers more traction than standard concrete installation; however, a stamped concrete pool deck is still a preferred choice for many homeowners!
One reason to choose stamped concrete is that it offers the look of brick or pavers. Also, the appearance of individual pavers helps to break up large pool decks, so the space doesn’t look overwhelming or monotonous. Additionally, staining or other tinting offers a stunning pop of color along your property.
Moreover, remember that concrete needs expansion joints or small trenches between sections that allow the material to expand as it absorbs water. Stamped concrete can work those joints into their design, so they’re less noticeable than with brushed concrete. Above all, your concrete installer can note some advantages of stamped and stained concrete. He or she can also help you choose the right design for your outdoor spaces!
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