Pool decking cost guide

There’s only one thing better than adding a pool to your home: installing pool decking to relax on between swims! Here, we’ll break down the typical pool decking cost to help you budget.

Cost of pool decking

The cost of pool decking is generally the same as the cost of garden decking, although there are a few factors that are specific to decking around pools. Ultimately, your total cost will depend on a number of factors, including:

• Material (eg. wood, poured concrete or composite)
• Size
• Quality and brand
• Location
• The difficulty of the terrain
• Style (e.g., splash deck that goes all the way around or side deck which is a singular landing on one side)
• Elevated or non-elevated
• Extras (eg. railings or stairs)

Average pool decking prices

It’s hard to give a precise figure for the cost of pool decking, given all the variable factors mentioned above. However, the average pool deck is approximately 55-85 m2 (it’s recommended to have roughly 4 feet of decking on each side of the pool and 8 feet at each end).

With this in mind, an 80 m2 non-elevated softwood deck with no railings or stairs would cost around £4,600. This would rise to £6,900 for a hardwood deck or £9,500 for a composite deck. However, if you were to build an elevated deck that has railings and stairs, you’re suddenly looking at around £6,500 for softwood, £9,800 for hardwood or £19,040 for composite.

Pool decking cost comparison

Check out our pool deck cost estimator below to compare the prices of pool decking constructed from some of the most popular materials.

Cost to build a wooden deck around a pool

Wooden decking is one of the most popular materials for use around a pool. Not only does it look great, but there’s a range of different options available to suit different budgets and tastes.

Cost: £15-£30 per m2 for materials.

Pros:

• Cheaper than composite decking
• Looks natural and authentic
• Durable if adequately maintained
• Environmentally friendly (assuming it’s taken from sustainable forests)

Cons:

• Expensive and time-consuming to maintain (it requires sealing, staining and painting each year)
• Slippery
• Can splinter (which could cause injuries)

Cost to build a composite pool deck

Composite decking is more expensive than wooden decking upfront, but it requires much less maintenance, which makes it a more cost-effective option in the long run. See our guide to composite decking vs wood cost for a more detailed comparison.

Cost: £25-£100 per m2 for materials

Pros:

• Non-slip.
• Cheap and easy to maintain.
• Durable.
• Environmentally friendly (composite decking is made from recycled plastic and wood).

Cons:

• Costs more than wood upfront.
• Looks less authentic.

Concrete around pool cost

Poured concrete is quick and easy to install, making it a low-cost option for use around a pool. Read our guide to the average concrete pouring cost to learn more.

Cost: £35-£50 per m2

Pros:

• Cost-effective
• Non-slip
• Can be painted

Cons:

• Can crack in colder climates
• Less aesthetically pleasing than other options
• May need patching and resurfacing if it becomes damaged (concrete pool deck resurfacing and repair costs can range from £250 to £3,200)

Average cost of above ground pool with deck installed

A cost-effective way to install a pool and decking from scratch is to purchase an above ground pool kit that includes decking. These kits tend to be cheaper and quicker to install than a standard pool and deck, mainly because they don’t require any excavating. Another big positive is that they allow the pool to be removed if you need to, so that you could even take it with you when you move house.

The price of an above ground pool with deck will vary based on the following factors:

• Size
• Height (taller pools are more expensive)
• Whether or not you opt for installation
• Brand
• Additional features

The average above ground pool and deck cost is £1,700 to £14,000.

Key takeaways

• Your pool decking cost will vary based on the size you need.
• Poured concrete pool decking is a cost-effective alternative to wood or composite decking.
• Consider purchasing an above ground pool and deck kit and getting a professional to install it.