The Ultimate Guide to Saltwater Decking Materials

There are beautiful views and a unique way of life near the coast. However, there are also problems, like being exposed to saltwater and harsh environments. Hence, picking the correct saltwater decking materials is important. It guarantees that your waterside outdoor setting can handle these conditions and still look good and be useful.

This article will talk about the best decking materials that are made to stand up to saltwater. We’ll talk about the products that can tackle UV rays and other problems that come with living near the coast. We will also cover some additional tips to help you get long-term service from your decks.

Why Saltwater Stands to Harm Your Decking

All outdoor decks have to deal with wind, rain, hail, direct sunlight, bugs, and more issues that directly impact their condition. This list also includes saltwater, but only in coastal areas. In other words, saltwater is not inherently worse than any other environmental factor. However, it can make your deck slowly fall apart and need fixing over time.

UV (ultraviolet) light from the sun can dry out wood and cause small cracks to appear. Saltwater, fungi, bacteria, pests, and other things can get in through these cracks. Besides, any kind of moisture is bad for wood decking. That’s because it can warp the wood, make cracks bigger, and feed mold and rot.

However, the salt in saltwater can also be a problem. Salt crystallizes inside the wood as the saltwater inside it evaporates. This slowly pulls the fibers apart. Additionally, too much-dried salt can leave stains on the wood, making it look worse.

The Best Saltwater Decking Materials

You can’t just pick any material when it comes to saltwater, as the saltiness can affect the structure of the deck. Here are some materials that you must consider:

Composite Decking

Marine retreats should use composite decking boards because it is long-lasting and does not get damaged by saltwater, water, or UV rays. With a combination of wood fibers and recycled plastic, composite decking has the natural look of wood but is more durable.

Besides, it requires less upkeep. Because it does not bend, break, or rot, it is perfect for places with salt water.

PVC Decking

For coastal areas, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) decking is another popular choice. It can stand up to saltwater and UV rays very well. PVC decking is easy to clean, does not need to be sealed or stained, and is light. This product is very long-lasting and comes in many colors and finishes.

Tropical Hardwood Decking

Tropical hardwood decking, like Ipe, Cumaru, or Tigerwood, does not rot. Besides, it doesn’t get damaged by insects or get saltwater in it. These hard, dense woods have a rich, natural beauty that goes well with coastal style. Nevertheless, they need regular upkeep and sealing every so often to maintain their good looks and long lives.

Aluminum Decking

Aluminum decking is becoming more popular for coastal uses because it does not rust and does not need much upkeep. The surface stays cooler in the sun because it does not absorb salt water and will not warp or splinter.

Salt-Resistant Pavers

You can consider salt-resistant paver options like porcelain, bluestone, travertine, and granite, among others. You could also use interlocking bricks (pavers). It is possible for weeds to grow between them, though. Also, you need to put sand between the bricks to keep them in place.

Limestone

Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is very dense and is thought to last a long time. It is generally heavy and can cost a lot.

But you might save money if you look around for limestone that comes from other countries, like India. It’s a great material for building your deck around a saltwater pool.

Stamped Concrete

It is exactly what it sounds like! People pour concrete, and while it dries, they lay down a patterned stamp, which is basically a polyurethane mat. This makes a design in the concrete.

It is easier to replace pavers one at a time, but it can be harder and take longer to fix concrete. With stamped concrete, there is no chance of sand falling into the pool like there is with pavers.

Gravel

Picking gravel for a pool is interesting because it can be loose gravel or stone, which is not too expensive. However, the pool will take longer to clean because any gravel or other loose material will get into it.

On the other hand, gravel packs well and soaks up rainwater, so you can put it around your pool.

You could also use pea gravel that has been glued down to make a solid deck around your pool. This way, the gravel will not come loose and fall into the water. It costs less than other options and looks more professional and elegant.

Tips for Building a Deck Around a Saltwater Pool

Saltwater pools are better than chlorinated pools, but they have drawbacks. They act tougher on deck than traditional pools, so you must take extra precautions to make your structure saltwater-resistant. Here are three timeless tips for building timber decking around your pool.

Use Pressure-Treated Timber

“Salt kill” is one of the main decking problems people have when they switch to a saltwater pool. This issue happens when salt water soaks into the wood’s surface. It is also known as salt defibration.

Salt turns into crystals in the wood, which pushes the fibers apart as the water evaporates. It can make your deck look “fuzzy,” and a lot of people think it is a wood fungus.

Pressure-treated wood is one way to slow down and lessen the effects of salt kill. There are chemicals applied to this wood that strengthen it and make it suitable for environments with saltwater.

Use a Marine-Grade Sealant

Whether it is going to be near a pool or not, all wood decking needs to be sealed to make it last longer. For building a deck around a saltwater pool, you should look for marine-grade sealers.

These have chemicals in them that do not react with water or salt. This will protect your deck even more from salt kill by reducing the damage caused by the saltwater. It also reduces the risk of mold, wood rotting, UV damage, and pest damage to your deck.

Use Stainless Steel Connectors

It is important to find decking screws and connectors that can handle salt water. You probably already know that metal connectors can rust in any kind of water.

But salt water is even worse for metal because it lets electricity flow easily through it. When the ions in the water react with the metal, they break it down even faster compared to chlorinated water.

If you want your decking connectors to last longer, choose fasteners made of high-quality stainless steel (SS) that will not rust. Grade 316 stainless steel is especially good because it has molybdenum, an element that does not react with salt. It also works well with most of the chemicals that are used to treat wood under pressure.

Maintenance Tips

Your saltwater decking will last longer and look better if you take the time to keep it clean and well-maintained. Keep in mind the following important points:

• Always be alert for damage or wear and tear on your deck. Inspect the deck for deteriorated fasteners, loose boards, or any other issues that may compromise its stability. Take immediate action to address these issues and prevent further harm.
• If you clean your coastal deck on a regular basis, it will remain free of dirt, salt residue, and other debris. Rinse the deck with clean water. For stubborn stains, try using a gentle soap. That way, salt will not accumulate on your deck, and it will look great all year.
• To prevent condensation, ensure that there is adequate ventilation under the deck. Mold and mildew thrive in damp coastal environments, and proper ventilation prevents their growth.

Conclusion

Building a deck on land by the saltwater requires some consideration. That’s because the properties of saltwater are different from those of normal water. Hence, you need to pick materials that suit these unique characteristics well.

Materials like composite, aluminum, and PVC can be great choices here. Besides, you can go for limestone if you can accommodate the extra cost. Gravel can also be a good choice in such a scenario, as it costs less. No matter which material you choose, using SS connectors and marine-grade sealants is a must.

At Tonka Built, we specialize in decking services. Our titan, poly, or cedar deckings will surely meet your demands. Contact us today and tell us about your decking needs. We will do the best we can.