When designing gardens and outdoor areas, the most natural look is often pursued. Suitable decking meets the aesthetic and at the same time the purely practical requirements for outdoor flooring. Durability and a pleasant look are ensured by pool surrounds made of wood and WPC - a new material, a combination of wood fibers and plastic. You can find out what properties the two similar-looking surfaces offer and also modern swimming pool areas in the article.
Wood delights with its natural-looking appearance and cozy radiance, which is particularly popular in outdoor areas. It is important to take into account that the garden is a habitat for animals and animalsPlantand all materials used should be weatherproof and at the same time not too chemically aggressive for the environment. Regular treatment of the decking boards against fungi is necessary, but is also very time-consuming. Which is why it should not be underestimated which type of wood or wood material you would choose.
Resistant types of wood
When choosing the right wood for the pool surround, you can choose between local or tropical wood species. Larch and Douglas fir are characterized by great resistance to fungi and insect infestation. The quality of the wood is crucial for the lifespan of the covering - it should be cut from the heartwood with as few knots as possible.
Over time, the wood loses its reddish-brown color and slowly turns gray. Whether it creates an elegant, often targeted look or, on the contrary, a defect, is purely a matter of taste. However, the graying does not reflect on the stability and durability of the wood, which is why treatment is not necessary.
Tropical species, such as teak
Tropical woods are characterized by higher density and therefore greater weather resistance. When purchasing, it is important to look for the FSC seal, as this is the only way to ensure that it comes from sustainable forestry.
Pool edge stone with an elegant look
Not only the type of wood, but also the structural workmanship of the decking plays an important role in its resistance and durability. Particularly in the pool area, where the flooring is often exposed to splashing water and moisture, you should pay attention to the fastening and structural laying of the floorboards. A few simple rules can significantly extend the life of the wood and come closer to the properties of tropical woods.
Fastening the terrace boards
When assembling and fastening the wooden pool surround, it is recommended not to fix the decking boards from above with screws or rivets, but rather to fasten them from below using special clips. No water enters the interior of the material through the screw holes and no additional moisture gets into the wood fibers. This mounting method results in a clean and elegant look. All fasteners and rivets should generally be made of stainless steel.
Dispose of – wood and composites
After years, this or other decking may need to be replaced. There is no problem with disposal of oak floor coverings because the material is 100 percent biodegradable. On the other hand, wood treated with chemical agents or made from composite materials should be disposed of as hazardous waste.
Use WPC decking as an alternative
WPC is a new type of composite material made of wood and plastic, also known as Wood Plastic Composite, and is made with a larger proportion of one material or the other - in the USA up to 90 percent from plastic, while in Europe up to 75 percent from wood fibers. The higher wood content offers a similar surface to wood, which makes for a more comfortable feeling when walking.
WPC decking boards can be selected in different looks and designs
WPC floorboards can be more durable when exposed to direct water than certain types of wood, which also begin to splinter over time. Composite decking almost never splinters, which can be a significant advantage, especially in the pool area where you want to enjoy the pool barefoot.
WPC decking in dark brown with a natural-looking grain
The large proportion of polymer resins (PP, PE) and the enriched strength make the material very resistant to moisture and it does not absorb water. Nevertheless, similar to natural wood material, the composite material must not be permanently submerged in water.
WPC decking is resistant to salt and chlorine water
The water in the pool is regularly protected from germs using chlorine-persistent agents. Of course, the splashing water also causes chlorine water to get onto the edge of the swimming pool. WPC floorboards are resistant to chlorine and salt water, although it should be emphasized that highly concentrated chlorine solutions, i.e. higher than in swimming pool water, can cause stains.
Pro-Point -WPC decking boards are easy to care for
An important point with an outdoor surface is care. This is significantly lower with WPC decking, as they do not need to be sanded or impregnated (or oiled or waxed) afterwards.
Sustainable and ecological alternative to tropical woods
WPC decking offers a modern and sustainable solution as an alternative to natural wood, the quality of which matches the properties of tropical woods. This reduces wood consumption and protects tropical forests. The responsible manufacturers only use certified and EU-approved raw materials that can be recycled.
Combinations of materials
It should also be noted that floorboards are not directly in the water. A border around the actual swimming pool, for example with pool edging stones with an attractive look, can be wonderfully combined with the natural look of the wood. Suitable types of stone are: travertine, sandstone, quartzite, granite and quartz sandstone. From a practical point of view, a separation from the water and wooden covering is recommended.
Design
A pool surround made of wood or WCP decking can transform the area around the swimming pool into a real oasis and center of attraction. The timeless wooden deck look can be designed in a very modern way and creates a seamless transition between outside and inside. We offer an overview of the options.
In the simple, classic variant for a wooden deck made of solid planks, the elements are attached to the substructure with screws and remain visible. The planks could be variably interlocked and assembled using the tongue-and-groove principle. Of course, this depends on the design and model of the wooden floorboards.
In this video you can watch how the wooden substructure for a pool surround is built:
Rectangular wooden pool surround in the garden
When surrounding the pool with decking, curved and playful shapes are also possible in addition to the rectangular shape, for example for round pools. A practical and at the same time comfortable bench can also be formed into a wooden terrace with a uniform look.
WPC – a composite material made of plastic and wood for decking
Easier assembly
WPC decking
Hardly any maintenance after laying
Available in several optics
For a natural looking look
Terrace with swimming pool separated from the garden
Exotic private pool with sea views
With privacy screen made of the same material – natural wood
The screws remain visible
