Adding a swimming pool to your back yard gives you the opportunity to redesign everything about your back yard. Out go any older structures that are too worn to be included in the new design of your outdoor living space. If you have areas in your yard that were not being used before, we can put those areas to good use now. Let us know everything about your back yard that you want to change, and anything you want to keep the same. With those directives, Archadeck of Austin can create your dream outdoor living area.
These homeowners in NW Austin originally had a wooden deck and pergola that had been there for about 15-20 years—since they first moved in. The deck had become rickety and had reached the end of its useful life. There was no question that the old deck had to go. Our clients wanted a pool deck all the way around the pool, not just a concrete pool surround. They wanted a shaded area, too, where they could enjoy meals—and where swimmers of all ages could find refuge from the hot Texas sun.
Caution: Photos of this project may make you want to slip down into this pool and let your cares drain away. When you climb back out, later, you will feel refreshed and revitalized.
How to Build a Beautiful NW Austin Pool Deck
Every sturdy, well-constructed outdoor structure begins with a flawless design, something we’re known for at Archadeck of Austin. We designed this pool deck with the decking boards laid diagonally throughout. We used hidden fasteners to ensure a cohesive, seamless look.
Two design elements that contribute to the deck’s distinctive finished appearance are picture framing and parting boards. You see the art of picture framing where we used darker contrasting boards to frame the pool and its concrete shoulder. We inserted parting boards where two sections of the deck meet with boards running diagonally in different directions. Diagonals running in different directions and set off with parting boards are visual markers indicating sections of the deck that can be used as individual rooms.
The homeowners originally wanted a two-level deck, but when we calculated the cost, they decided to go with a design contained on one level. We made another design alteration after we encountered permitting issues and had to redesign a portion of the project to address those issues.
PVC Decking is an Excellent Choice Around the Pool
For their decking material, these clients chose the Weathered Teak color from the TimberTech AZEK Vintage Collection. TimberTech AZEK’s capped polymer low-maintenance decking, also known as PVC or synthetic decking, provides the best moisture resistance and best slip resistance. These premium synthetic decking boards give the pool deck a smooth surface that dries quickly. Swimmers will not run into splinters, and because we used hidden fasteners, they also won’t run across screws or nails.
Those are not the only benefits of using TimberTech AZEK decking in this poolside setting. Their Weathered Teak color is one of several that the manufacturer designates as cooler to the touch, absorbing less heat. TimberTech AZEK decking is also designed to resist fading from sunlight and weathering—yes, even with the intensity of our Austin, TX, sunlight. The fact that the manufacturer provides a 50-year limited fade and stain warranty tells you sunlight has met its match.
The decking color used for picture framing and parting boards in this project is TimberTech AZEK’s English Walnut, the perfect contrast to Weathered Teak. For the ceiling on the interior of their new shade cover, the clients selected rich, luxurious Synergywood in the Auburn color. The roof cover itself is supported by six steel posts that run all the way to the ground. With the deck 6’ above the ground, we were able to supply the homeowners with a huge under-deck storage area of 26’ x 14’.
Who Doesn’t Love a Pool Deck with a View?
This NW Austin home has a phenomenal view overlooking one of the many beautiful canyons found on the western side of Austin. With a spacious pool deck and plenty of shade, these homeowners are making the most of the spectacular view. They’ve furnished the covered area as a dining room in one section and living room in another. Recessed lighting and ceiling fans allow them to enjoy this magnificent setting in comfort, any time of day or night. The term “outdoor living” takes on special significance here, enhanced even more by the beautiful landscaping the homeowners have added.
Call Archadeck of Austin today at (512) 886-8367 to schedule your free design consultation.
— Jim Odom, Owner of Archadeck of Austin
