9 Popular Types of Stone for Your Swimming Pool Deck

Whether you are a home or business owner, a swimming pool can offer a lot of entertainment and relaxation benefits. However, you do need to make sure that the surrounding areas are safe and comfortable for your guests to enjoy as well.

One element that is often overlooked when designing a new landscape or remodeling an old one is the type of material used on the patio and walkways around the pool. In addition to adding value to your property as a whole, choosing a popular stone type can also be very beneficial from both a practical standpoint as well as an esthetic one.

Stone types other than concrete have become extremely popular choices for homeowners because they blend beautifully with other natural-looking landscape features such as rocks and plants while still being able to stand up to all kinds of wear and tear.

Here are nine of the most popular types of stone that are often used for swimming pool decks and patio areas:

Bluestone is a type of sedimentary rock that is quarried in the northeastern United States. It has a natural cleft surface which gives it a unique appearance and makes it perfect for rustic landscapes. Bluestone is also quite durable and relatively easy to maintain. If you are considering using bluestone for your pool deck, you will need to make sure that the sub-base is firm and level before installation.

Travertine is a form of limestone that is found near hot springs and other bodies of water. It is often used in architecture and landscaping because of its beautiful natural markings and colors. Travertine is also quite durable and can be polished to a high sheen. However, it is also one of the more expensive stone types on this list. Overall, travertine is a very versatile and durable type of stone that can be used for just about anything, including pool decks.

Flagstone is another form of sedimentary rock that is quarried in many parts of the world, but most often near mountain ranges. This type of stone usually consists of multiple layers which were formed over centuries by intense pressure. However, flagstone tends to vary in appearance depending on where it comes from since it has no uniform color or marking pattern due to its natural origins. Overall, flagstone’s natural look makes it perfect for landscaping purposes such as around pools because it blends in beautifully with the surrounding environment while still standing up well enough to handle foot traffic without cracking or breaking apart like other types of stone.

Slate is a type of metamorphic rock that is quarried primarily in Pennsylvania, with some mines in Virginia and North Carolina. It features a very fine grain which gives it a smooth surface for easy cleaning and maintenance without sacrificing strength or durability. Despite its delicate appearance, slate is actually quite strong and can carry substantial weight making it an ideal choice for pool decks and patios alike. However, slate is slightly more expensive than other popular types of stone, such as bluestone or flagstone, due to the depth of the deposit from which many slates are mined.

Humans have used Limestone for thousands of years thanks to its abundance in certain parts of the world, such as England and Germany. It is most popular for use in construction and landscaping projects because it is so easy to cut and work with. Limestone can be used just about anywhere, but it is ideal for pool decks and patios due to its strength and relative ease of upkeep. Unlike travertine, limestone does not need to be polished, but you will still need to make sure that your sub-base is firm before installation.

Sandstone differs from all the other types of stone listed here because it originates from sand instead of rock formations. In fact, some sandstones are made up almost entirely of sand held together by a very fine pebble or silt layer, which gives it its distinctive appearance. This type of stone is quarried all over the world, but it is most popular in the United States and Australia, where it is used for a variety of purposes such as building blocks, paving stones, and even as a source of sand. Sandstone is a versatile stone that can be used for just about anything, but it is especially well-suited for use around swimming pools because of its natural color and texture.

While not as popular as some of the other types of stone on this list, quartzite is a very strong and durable option that can be used for pool decks, patios, and even driveways. It is a type of metamorphic rock that is made up primarily of quartz, which gives it its characteristic sparkle and luster. Quartzite is quarried in many parts of the world, but it is most commonly found in the United States, Brazil, and India. Like slate, quartzite does not need to be polished and will still maintain its shine without any additional upkeep.

Granite is one of the most popular types of stone for building everything from countertops to entire buildings due to its strength and durability. It is a type of igneous rock that is usually found near mountain ranges or in quarries where it is mined. Granite is available in a wide variety of colors and can be polished to a high sheen for a luxurious look. While granite is not the cheapest option, it is one of the most long-lasting choices you can make for your pool deck or patio.

Marble is a type of metamorphic rock that is made up primarily of calcium carbonate. It is quarried in many parts of the world, but Italy and Spain are two of the largest producers of this type of stone. Marble comes in a variety of colors, including white, black, green, and pink, but it is most popular for use with swimming pools because of its glossy appearance and durability. Marble does not need to be polished but will still need to be sealed on occasion to maintain its sheen.

No matter what type of stone you choose for your pool deck or patio, it is important to make sure that you select a material that is both durable and easy to maintain. All of the stones listed here are perfect for this purpose, but it is important to choose the one that is right for you and your lifestyle. If you need help deciding which type of stone is right for you, give our team of experts a call today. They will be able to help you choose the perfect stone for your needs and give you some ideas on how to use it to its fullest potential.