The pool deck — also known as the pool surround — is both a living space and a circulation area connecting your relaxation zone to your home. While concrete and tile are classic choices, wood is another excellent option that brings a natural warmth and elegance to any pool area. With so many species and styles available, choosing the right one takes a little know-how.
Here's a guide to the best wood species for a pool deck — and how to choose the right one for your backyard.
Why Choose Wood for Your Pool Surround?
Natural or composite wood offers a range of real advantages around the pool:
- A warm, elegant aesthetic that blends beautifully with any pool style.
- Naturally non-slip — great for reducing the risk of falls on wet surfaces.
- A soft, comfortable feel underfoot — ideal for walking barefoot around the pool.
- It stays cooler than stone or tile in the sun, reducing the risk of burns on hot days.
In short, wood is one of the best choices for beautiful pool landscaping.
Understanding Wood Use Classes for Pool Decks
Before selecting a wood species, it's important to understand how wood is classified by moisture resistance. Wood is divided into 5 classes based on water compatibility — for a pool deck, look for Class 3 to Class 4 wood, with Class 4 being the ideal choice.
- Class 3: suitable for all outdoor structures exposed to rain — cladding, windows, etc.
- Class 4: used for balconies, walkways, and surfaces in contact with the ground or a permanent moisture source. This is the recommended class for pool decking.
- Class 5: reserved for wood in permanent contact with seawater — pontoons and submerged structures.
How to Choose the Right Wood Species for Your Pool Deck
Just like tile, wood is an affordable, easy-to-maintain option. A wooden deck can be built on stilts — great for a semi-inground wooden pool — or at ground level, making it ideal for sloped terrain. That said, not all wood species are created equal. Here's what to look for.
Key Selection Criteria
- Aesthetics: the species should complement your home's outdoor style.
- Non-slip surface: the planks must provide grip when wet — a slippery deck near a pool is a real safety risk.
- Smooth, regular planks: no bumps, splinters, or imperfections — people walk barefoot around pools, and an uneven surface can cause painful injuries.
- Heat and UV resistance: your deck needs to handle temperature swings and direct sun without losing quality over time.
- Safety: if you plan to add safety barriers or fencing, factor that into your deck design from the start. Here's a helpful video on building a wooden deck:
Exotic Wood
Dense, durable, and highly sought-after, exotic wood is imported from Southeast Asia, South America, or Central Africa. Popular species include teak, ipe, iroko, tali, mahogany, and cumaru.
Pros:
- Rot-proof and splinter-free,
- Lifespan of up to 30 years,
- Adds real character and distinction to your deck.
Cons:
- High price point,
- Environmental concerns around deforestation,
- Requires regular treatment with varnish, oil, or stain,
- Can be slippery when wet.
Domestic / Local Wood
Appreciated for its natural look, varied tones, and quick drying time, locally sourced wood is a practical and accessible option. It stays cool in the sun and is available in species like pine, ash, oak, chestnut, cherry, and larch.
Pros:
- Great value for money,
- More widely available than exotic species,
- No import tariffs.
Cons:
- Typically Class 3 — can be upgraded to Class 4 with chemical or thermal treatment,
- Needs regular maintenance with varnish, paint, or stain,
- More sensitive to impact from furniture and sunbathers,
- Marks more easily,
- Shorter lifespan — typically 10 to 20 years.
Composite Wood
Made from wood fibers and high-density polyethylene, composite wood combines the look of natural wood with the durability of a high-tech material. It's the low-maintenance alternative that doesn't compromise on aesthetics.
Pros:
- Sleek, attractive appearance — often more consistent than natural wood,
- Available in a wide range of finishes and colors,
- No treatment needed — built-in fungicides and insecticides,
- UV-resistant,
- Long lifespan,
- Easy to clean with a mop, scrub brush, and soapy water,
- Eco-friendly — made from up to 95% recycled materials.
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost — though this is offset by its long lifespan and near-zero maintenance requirements.
Design Inspiration for Wooden Pool Decks
Not sure what style to go for? Here are some ideas and visual references to help you get started:
We hope this guide helps you find the perfect wood species for your pool deck. And if you're looking to add a fun, original touch to your outdoor space, browse our pool float collection:
FAQ: Wooden Pool Terrace
What wood should I choose for a terrace around a pool?
For a wooden pool terrace resistant to moisture, choose naturally durable woods: ipé, teak, bangkirai, or class 4 pressure-treated pine. Ipé is the most durable (25+ years) but the most expensive. Pressure-treated pine is an affordable option. Avoid untreated wood that rots quickly with constant water contact.
Does a wooden pool terrace need treatment?
Yes. Even naturally resistant woods need annual maintenance: cleaning with a low-pressure washer, and application of outdoor wood oil or hardener after drying. Without treatment, wood greys, cracks and may warp. Pre-cleaning with diluted bleach or a specialist wood cleaner improves oil penetration.
How do I install a wooden pool terrace myself?
Start by marking and preparing the ground (compact, lay geotextile and concrete pads or joists on pads). Lay joists perpendicular to the boards, leaving 2 cm between boards for water drainage and wood expansion. Boards are fixed with stainless steel screws or hidden clips. Leave 1–2 cm between the terrace and the pool wall.
Is a wooden pool terrace slippery when wet?
Wood can be slippery when wet and covered in moss or algae. To reduce this risk, choose boards with anti-slip grooves, apply anti-slip treatment regularly, and clean the terrace frequently (brushing or pressure washing). Lighter-coloured woods (pine, oak) tend to be less slippery than very smooth ones (teak, ipé).
How long does a wooden pool terrace last?
With regular maintenance (annual treatment), an exotic hardwood terrace (ipé, teak) can last 20 to 30 years. A class 4 pressure-treated pine terrace lasts 10 to 15 years with good care. Wood-plastic composites last even longer (20 to 30 years) with minimal maintenance and no rot risk.
